Who's Doing it Well? Rightpoint's Pride ERG Hosts Open House to Share Experiences

One of the most frequent questions we receive — and try to answer at Holistic — is “Who is doing it well?” It’s always been really informative to hear the good ideas others have. After all, as we say, there’s no IP in inclusion. This feature will highlight creative ideas from other companies. Check out the whole list here or submit your own suggestion below. 

We’ve written a lot about the importance of employee resource groups when it comes to fostering an inclusive workplace, so it’s always exciting to see companies’ ERGs come up with creative ways to expand their programming, both internally and externally. Rightpoint’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, Pride@RP, recently hosted an open house in an effort to invite potential applicants to explore the day-to-day of an employee and to show that Rightpoint is a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace for all. We talked to the co-leads of Pride@RP, Jana Hart (Architect/Engineering Manager) and Evan Cobb (Senior Director, People Potential), to learn more about the impetus of the open house event and their mission as an ERG.

TL/DR: Rightpoint’s Pride@RP shows us how organizations can attract talent in creative and accessible ways that stress the importance of belonging in the workplace.

Who: Rightpoint, a global IT customer experience agency, and their LGBTQ+ ERG, Pride@RP, which helps guide the executive DEI council on LGBTQ+ issues and needs and provides educational resources for employees and allies.

What’s the big idea 💡: Pride@RP recently hosted an open house to share an insider’s glimpse into life at the award-winning technology consulting firm. “We wanted to get the word out about Rightpoint and let folks know we are a diverse and inclusive place to work,” Jana told us. The group provided an overview of Rightpoint’s recent work and personal testimonials from Pride@RP members from all sectors of the company. They went on to discuss what Rightpoint’s DEI journey looks like, Pride@RP’s goals, and examples of other ERGs at Rightpoint. 

Why it works: As Rightpoint stated in their invitation, “Pride is an opportunity to come together, advocate for each other, and to show love.” When outsiders can see a group of passionate, connected employees who evidently have a voice at a company, it not only attracts applicants but it signals that no matter who you are, there is a place for you at Rightpoint and there are individuals who will advocate for you. 

“For me, Rightpoint’s Pride ERG and focus on DEI has solidified why I do what I do,” Evan says. “Rightpoint has always hired people who are not only passionate about their ‘crafts,’ but also about causes that are important to them. This is just one more way that people can come together for a common goal and share passions outside of their day-to-day work.”

(Not so) Hidden Value: Not only was it timely during Pride Month, but Pride@RP recognized the importance of these kinds of virtual events in the time of Covid-19. By hosting events like this open house, Rightpoint is supplying pertinent organizational and ERG information as well as elevating the importance of belonging at the company. Evan says that “having a focus on DEI, and constantly building upon and learning from our efforts around DEI through our ERGs is part of what makes Rightpoint an open and inclusive place for everyone.” This initiative, as well as their recent partnership with Out in Tech to increase opportunities for LGBTQ+ tech talent, speaks volumes about Rightpoint’s priorities.

“[Being a part of Pride@RP] has made me proud to help ensure everyone at Rightpoint can come to work as their authentic self,” Jana says. “It has also given me a voice with the DEI Team to help them understand the needs of those under the rainbow. It has let me work with a wonderful team of very passionate folks that want to do the same thing.” 

Currently, they’re hoping to continue these events and plan to have at least one more this year Evan tells us: “We are still in the planning phases, but are planning to use a similar format and potentially do an event that pulls together all RP ERGs, including Pride, Parents, POC, and Womxn.”

One thing stood out in their invitation that summed up the culture they are cultivating: “No matter who you are, where you come from, who you love, what you believe, or what you geek out about, we bring people together to make great work.”

Thanks for sharing and congrats on “doing it well,” Righpoint!