Putting PRIDE in the Employee Experience with ERGs

For a company to thrive, it needs to be more than a place of business. The employee experience is what attracts and retains top talent.?

Every employer’s approach to this will look a little different, but the rise of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and DEI strategies show that employee communities are an essential part to the workplace experience.?

Total People Investment platform Sequoia reported that 40% of companies had ERGs in 2021 , noting a 9% increase from the year prior. The same Employee Experience Benchmarking report also showed that a majority of companies have launched new DEI programming and planned to expand their talent outreach efforts as well.?

What Benefits Do ERGs Bring??

When we launched an ERG program in 2015, it was with the intent to empower our employee-owners. The growth and engagement among these groups has not disappointed.?

ERGs inspire people to come together based on similar goals, lifestyles, characteristics or experiences. Not only are ERGs great for innovation and professional development, but they create a safe space for employees to connect over these shared attributes and values while embracing their individualism.?

Our Pride ERG goes above and beyond to foster a safe work environment for employees, contractors and clients by providing resources and support to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/agender/non-binary, plus (LGBTQIA+) individuals, as well as allies.?

While the Pride ERG organizes a full calendar of activities for Pride Month each year, this support system is always available to anyone that needs it.?

Two ally members wanted to express their gratitude for the support and education they received as a result of joining the Pride ERG.?

Their stories have been anonymously shared below.?

Support Comes in All Shapes & Sizes

I joined the Pride ERG in as an ally to my teen lesbian daughter. Then about a year and a half ago they came out to me as a trans boy. I was not expecting this and our whole family has had its own transition to the new reality this brings. On a personal level we had some really rocky times including a devastating reaction from his father.??

During this transition I’ve had nothing but support from my supervisor, colleagues, and members of my team. Through the many therapy and doctor appointments, and times that I was not at my best during work, I found compassion and caring from my Black & Veatch family. The news that our health insurance covers gender dysphoria was such a relief that I started crying on the phone with the representative.

Black & Veatch doesn’t just say we care about diversity, we do, in quantifiable ways. One less thing to fret about is such a great comfort to me. I knew I loved working here but this experience has really brought home what a fantastic organization we are a part of.??

Going Above and Beyond

I joined the Pride ERG as an ally. My intent was to listen and find ways to use my voice and my privilege to support the Black & Veatch LGBTQIA+ community. But never did I expect that I would be reaching out to an ERG leader for personal help.?

About two years ago, I received an excited, but nervous call from one of my nieces. She called to share with me that she is gay and to introduce me to her girlfriend. I was overjoyed to share in her happiness, but also saddened and concerned that she was in fear of sharing her truth with other people in her life. Knowing that I was the first and only adult that she brought in, I knew how important it was that I be the best ally that I possibly could. Being very honest with myself, I recognized that I was not sure that I knew what that meant or exactly how to do that.?

Fortunately, the ERG co-chair, Shawn, knew exactly what we both needed. Right after messaging him, I received a plethora of resources and information for me and my niece.? Beyond that, I have received continuing support and a listening ear whenever needed.?

Over the past two years, I cannot count how many articles, resources, book recommendations and other information I have shared with family members, fellow allies, friends and even co-workers from the ERG.?

In my opinion, the Pride ERG has had a significant impact beyond me as an employee and Black & Veatch as a company. Amplified by the thousands of employees at the company, the reach and impact of the work that the ERG has done and can continue to build upon is awe inspiring. Shawn and the other members of the group share more of themselves than I can ever imagine sharing of myself. My ever-increasing understanding of the importance of visibility makes me eternally grateful for their willingness to do so.

Pride Month this year has been very eventful for our family. As of a few days ago, my niece made the decision to share her truth with everyone despite her fear of rejection and possibly worse. It has not been enough time to process the pride that I feel in her bravery, the honor of witnessing the pure joy that came with the freedom to live her truth and the anger that I still grapple with that she ever had to experience that fear in the first place.

Being an aunt is one of my greatest joys in life. I am eternally grateful for the Pride ERG, especially Shawn, and all the support that my family and I have received. Thanks to the love and support, I can wear my ‘Proud Aunt’ gear anywhere, anytime!

Inclusive Work Environments Require Action

Without the Pride ERG, these employees may not have found the support and resources that they needed to be the best allies possible. It takes a lot of strength and vulnerability to share your story and ask for help.?

When companies provide resources for employee-led communities like this, they open up a world of connectedness that rises above that of normal business communications.?

So while Pride Month celebrations may be coming to a close, enhancing company culture and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t have to.?

And here at Black & Veatch, it certainly won’t! Learn more about our employee experience and open positions here .