Employee Network Groups as Engines for Change: How Candid Conversations Around Gender Create an Authentic and Empowered Workforce

Natalie Sierra

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Description: Employee Network Groups as Engines for Change: How Candid Conversations Around...

Employee Network Groups as Engines for Change: How Candid Conversations Around Gender Create an Authentic and Empowered Workforce

Abstract

Women’s representation has increased significantly in the workforce, yet diversity and true inclusion, including opportunities to advance, remains an issue. In addition to addressing barriers to advancement, the global COVID-19 pandemic has caused many women to leave the workforce, unable to juggle competing demands over the duration of the pandemic. One tool for overcoming the challenges that women face in the workplace is an Employee Networking Group (ENG). The focus of an ENG is to work on the ‘how’ of improving inclusion rather than the ‘what’ of diversity so that as diversity of hiring pools improves, employees feel a sense of belonging, and choose to stay in a given workplace. This paper discusses the founding of the first ENG at our company and lessons learned along the way.

“Employee Network Groups as Engines for Change: How Candid Conversations Around Gender Create an Authentic and Empowered Workforce.” This paper discusses one tool in overcoming challenges that women and minorities face in the workplace – Employee Networking Groups (ENGs). The focus of an ENG is to work on improving inclusion so that as diversity of hiring pools improves, employees feel a sense of belonging and choose to stay in a given workplace. Our paper discusses the founding of our Women’s ENG at our company, the positive changes that have resulted, and lessons learned along the way.

SpeakerSierra, Natalie

Presentation time

11:30:00

11:45:00

Session time

11:00:00

12:30:00

SessionProactive Leveraging of Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Utility and Private Organizations

Session number208

TopicPolicy and Regulation, Research and Innovation, Utility Management and Leadership

Author(s)

Natalie Sierra