The Northwestern Mutual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies (LGBTA) employee resource group (ERG) celebrated its 5th anniversary this year.
The Northwestern Mutual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies (LGBTA) employee resource group (ERG) celebrated its 5th anniversary this year. In those five years, the ERG has made a positive impact at the company by promoting a culture where LGBTQ employees and allies can feel safe, valued and comfortable being their authentic selves at work.
Here are some key drivers that can help other company leaders and employees develop and enhance a diverse and inclusive mindset and workplace:
Form an ERG
Employee resource groups are voluntary, employee-led groups formed to connect traditionally underrepresented members and supportive allies who share a common ethnicity, gender, nationality, identity or sexual orientation.
ERGs are a valuable resource to help develop and apply best practices regarding diversity and inclusion. They also advance the company's business goals and members' individual development by providing opportunities for personal and professional enrichment.
Be Visible
Partner with LGBTQ organizations in the community to build awareness and recognition while providing support. Northwestern Mutual participates as a team in AIDS Walk Wisconsin and has won the ERG corporate fundraising challenge five years in a row. We are a proud PrideFest sponsor and have a strong presence in the Milwaukee Pride Parade, which is great fun rain or shine!
Something as simple as rainbow lanyards for ID badges have made visibility at work a huge success. When you see fellow employees wearing one, you know that you’re in a safe space and there is recognition and visible support.
Strive for Equality
A record number of the nation’s major companies are advancing vital policies and practices to protect LGBTQ workers. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ employees. Our ERG has played a vital role in helping Northwestern Mutual achieve a perfect 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index four consecutive years. This is an honor we share with several other Wisconsin based companies and you can find your company’s score by accessing the full report on the HRC website.
Look for Opportunities
Everyone is at a different place on their diversity and inclusion journey and there are many opportunities for professional growth and education in the LGBTQ space through local and national conferences. The Northwestern Mutual ERG has been a proud sponsor of Diverse & Resilient’s annual Wisconsin LGBTQ Summit and we’ve had several members attend the national Out & Equal Workplace Summit over the last five years.
Start by organizing a lunch and learn where LGBTQ and ally employees can share their stories, ask questions and make connections that will form a uniting force for change.
Happy expansion, Hear Me Out! It’s great that you’re getting louder!
Daniel Tessler is Project Manager for Practices, Groups and Teams at Northwestern Mutual.
