WeSpire, a platform for ESG initiatives, has launched new Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) management tools that provide global companies, including Akamai, Eastman and Sanofi, with holistic, data-driven digital functionality to drive diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) for all employees.
These new tools sit within WeSpire’s Inclusive Culture platform providing ERGs and HR managers, as well as executive sponsors, the resources to listen and respond to the passions and demands of a diverse workforce.
The new functionality allows users to easily and effectively manage membership, participation and communication within their communities. At the same time, they improve worker productivity, enhancing psychological safety in the workplace and business outcomes, including alignment with broader ESG objectives. Lastly, they can share ERG leadership training materials and develop more meaningful inter-company connections.
Growth strategy
Why does it matter? “Cultivating an inclusive culture is no longer a nice to have for companies, it’s a requirement,” said Susan Hunt Stevens, Founder & CEO, WeSpire.
“When ERGs are designed, implemented and measured effectively and aligned with a company’s mission and values, they can be transformative in driving belonging and enhancing the strategic benefits of diversity in the workplace.”
Retain top talent
During this challenging time for employers, where employees having increasing demands and are more likely to leave if they are not met, business leaders and ERG programme managers need to meet and exceed DE&I goals to attract and retain top talent.
Eastman, a global speciality chemical company, currently uses WeSpire’s new digital management tools to attract and retain the high level of talent required to fuel their growth strategy. “We needed to accelerate our digital transformation and ensure we’re delivering what today’s employees expect in the workplace, especially from a large company,” explained Paula Bulcao, Director, Global Public Affairs of Eastman.
Engage with diverse talent and allies
On Sanofi’s side, this new platform has transformed their ability to engage with diverse talent and their allies. “In a competitive industry, WeSpire’s group’s management tools provide us with a one-stop-shop platform to engage our employees through career development initiatives, interview training, leadership resources and communication tools,” said Sini Ngobese, Director of DE&I Initiatives at Sanofi North America.
Increase in ERG participation
The first results and feedback from all companies are very encouraging. Khalil Smith, vice president of inclusion, diversity and engagement at WeSpire client Akamai Technologies, saw a threefold increase in ERG participation across its territory during its first year of beta testing WeSpire’s group management tools. “The effective deployment of WeSpire’s tools has allowed us to link the growth of our ERGs – which now serve thousands of Akamai employees, to the company’s broader goals of inclusion, diversity and employee engagement.”
