Pride Month

As Pride Month comes to a close, Elkay’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group – called Spectrum – is reflecting on the past year and what it’s meant to have the group.

Elkay formed four new ERGs in 2021, including Spectrum, to help employees connect with each other, support each other, and move the company’s DEI mission forward. Spectrum is open to people who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies, and currently has 11 members.

For many members of Spectrum, the ERG is the first chance they’ve had to be open about their identities at work, and to be part of a company that celebrates diversity in gender and sexuality. This past month, Pride celebrations have included the Rainbow Cone ice cream truck in Downers Grove, a company picnic in Toledo, passing out rainbow bracelets and candy to show support for Elkay’s LGBTQ+ associates, and sending company-wide emails to help educate on what the letters of LGBTQ+ stand for, as well as how to be a good ally.

Sean Li, who is a Global Sourcing Manager, leads the group and says he’s grateful for the people involved. “Pride month is all about love, the freedom to be who you are and love who you choose is a fundamental human right,” he said. “I am so grateful to have a group of passionate, kind and fun people to work together on fostering an inclusive workplace culture of acceptance, dignity, and respect for all LGBTQ+ employees at Elkay.”

Steve Angus, is the Senior Director of Residential Sales at Elkay and a corporate sponsor for Spectrum. For him, the group means more employees are free to be themselves at work. “I am so proud to sponsor the Spectrum@Elkay employee resource group,” he said. “Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I understand the fears and concerns of our associates around being their authentic selves in the workplace. In my opinion, one of the most valuable thing employers can do is to encourage allyship to the community, so that many of those fears can be erased.”

The support from senior leadership has been invaluable, and Spectrum appreciates the inclusive environment Elkay provides. Spectrum plans to keep its efforts going in education, promoting allyship, and offering a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees to talk about issues they face at work – as well as planning more fun activities!