Joey, a Stack Overflow employee, discusses the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Stack Overflow that focus on diversity, inclusion, and belonging. They emphasize the importance of ERGs and allyship in creating a supportive workplace environment. The podcast also explores the initiatives of the allyship group and the need for dedicated spaces for allies and people of faith.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Stack Overflow focus on personal identity and bring diverse perspectives to the workplace.
The Allyship ERG within Stack Overflow fosters open conversations, educational initiatives, and provides resources for allies to create an inclusive work environment.
Deep dives
Overview of ERGs and BRGs
The podcast episode discusses the importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Business Resource Groups (BRGs) within Stack Overflow. ERGs primarily focus on personal identity and the diverse perspectives employees bring to the workplace, while BRGs center around specific interests and hobbies. Examples include API for Asian Pacific Islander, BNB for Black and Brown, and Mind for Mental Illness and Neurodiversity. The podcast highlights the value of these groups in creating a sense of community and support for employees.
Introduction to the Allyship ERG
The episode explores the inception and purpose of the Allyship ERG within Stack Overflow. The Allyship ERG aims to provide a space for individuals who want to support marginalized communities and learn more about their experiences. The ERG fosters open conversations, casual chats, and educational initiatives, such as inclusive language spreadsheets and discussions on challenging topics like microaggressions and comedy. It serves as a resource for allies to gain understanding, self-reflect, and actively contribute to creating an inclusive work environment.
The Role of Allyship and DEIB Initiatives
The episode emphasizes how ERGs, including Allyship, contribute to broader Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives within Stack Overflow. DEIB initiatives involve three key areas: workforce, workplace, and community and product. ERGs play a vital role in supporting these initiatives by providing spaces for connection, education, and support. The Allyship ERG, in particular, helps individuals be better allies by promoting inclusivity, normalizing discussions on sensitive topics, and fostering an environment of learning and growth. Allyship is viewed as an active commitment, and its open community allows individuals to discover personal growth while supporting others.
Stack Overflow’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focus on aspects of employees’ personhood, “who you are outside of your role, who you bring to every single room that you enter,” Joey explains. Among our ERGs are Black and Brown, LGBTQ+, MIND (mental illness and neurodiversity), and a group for caregivers and parents. Interested in learning more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, plus more about what it’s like to work at Stack Overflow? Start here.