Celebrating Our ERG Leaders - National ERG Day

One of the ways that La-Z-Boy Incorporated has been able to provide support for its employees is through community building with employee resource groups (ERGs).?ERGs are formed by and for employees who share a common characteristic – ethnicity, gender, generation, religious affiliation, etc. An ERG is based on providing support, enhancing career development, professional networking, and overall contributions to personal development in the workplace.?An ERG can also develop future leaders, increase employee engagement, and expand marketplace reach – all benefits for the employee and employer alike.???

La-Z-Boy Incorporated currently has four established?ERGs:?Women’s, PRIDE, Multicultural and Working Parents & Caregivers.?Additionally, in May of 2024,?we intend to launch “Salute” to support our Veteran’s and active service employees.?As a response?to employee interest,?we are?also in the process of?researching the launch of?an ERG?for?employees with different abilities and continuing exploring others.?

Our ERGs?continue to?drive and integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the company’s DNA. They have?provided?insightful learning?opportunities with speakers and?training?as well as?empowered?our employees to drive change, as well as social connections. Our?ERGs?are a strong force in our?diversity and inclusion journey.??

A few of our?ERGs?recent initiatives include:?

• Supporting their communities outside of La-Z-Boy through Backpack Drives, Hygiene Drive for LGBTQ+ Communities and Care Kits for Breast Cancer Patients
• Partnering with Talent Acquisition on how we Attract diverse slates of candidates.
• Sharing stories of the work they are doing at various department Town Halls
• Increasing participation by over 30% in 6 months
• Delivering Leadership Development for participants

These?initiatives?and?events?would not be possible without our amazing ERG leaders, who?not?only volunteer?their time?but are?committed?to the?growth of their ERG?and?our?diversity and inclusion goals. Here are some of their perspectives on the topic:?

“Beyond friendship and inclusivity, being a lead allows me to gain exposure to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Working with other ERG leaders provides opportunities for professional development and offers me collaboration opportunities to not only develop my existing skills but also acquire knowledge that may not be available through my traditional work channels. The relationships and experiences that I’ve had being an ERG Leader have had an impact on me that is invaluable."?

- Jessica Burton, Women’s ERG Lead

?“The work we are doing is so impactful. I hope that our work has had a positive impact on those around us, our teams, our co-workers, and ourselves growing, both professionally and personally.? The leadership opportunities that I have been exposed to while on this journey, have helped me in my career-from designing presentations, facilitating?training sessions, leading group discussions, problem solving, and learning new Excel/Powerpoint tips, all have helped me be a better leader.”

- Aimee Wassel-Shinosky – Working Parent & Caregiver ERG Lead?

?“I enjoy researching valuable information to share with the organization. This helps me become more knowledgeable about different backgrounds.?My hope is to help create a more inclusive environment that celebrates differences and recognizes that we are all human beings. I want to be innovative by fostering awareness and informing my peers about different cultures.”

- Rochelle Nevills-Pitts, Multicultural ERG Lead

?“Being a leader of an ERG helps me feel more in touch with who I am helps to eliminate the imposter syndrome of having come out later in my life. Being able to take a leadership position and learn new skills to help the community I enjoy adds a level of fulfillment I never expected from a job.”

- Justice Turner,?PRIDE ERG Lead

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We are thankful for the amazing work our ERG’s have accomplished. On this National?ERG Day, La-Z-Boy wants to thank ERG leaders and participants in La-Z-Boy?and?in companies around the world for making our workplaces inclusive and inviting for all!?

Justice Turner, Ada Ledford , Aimee Shinosky, CCE, MBA , Alessio Cerrone Allen Mitchell Anita Kosanam Betsey Sims Brook Powell Carlos Perez Christy Means Danielle Ferguson Ericka Norling Jason Crowley Jerry Kovach Jessica Burton Katie Boudrie Natasha Shillingford Rahdric Dix Rochelle Nevills-Pitts Vicky Lange Stefanie Givens-Wilson Tj Linz Raphael Richmond Robert Sundy Carol Lee Katie Vanderjagt Melinda Whittington

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