{"669697":{"#nid":"669697","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Human Resources Relaunches Employee Resource Groups to Promote Inclusion and Belonging ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn a move toward a more inclusive and connected Tech community, Georgia Tech Human Resources (GTHR) announces the relaunch of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EGTHR is hosting a mixer on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. to renew interest and participation in these groups, which were largely inactive during the pandemic.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0022In our journey toward a more inclusive and belonging-centric workplace, Employee Resource Groups are the compass that guides us,\u201d said Skye Duckett, vice president and chief human resources officer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey\u0027re not just networks; they\u0027re the heartbeat of our commitment to our L.O.V.E. GT values, reminding us that when every individual feels valued and heard, our collective potential knows no bounds.\u0022 \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe relaunch of these ERGs marks a significant stride in the Institute\u2019s commitment to fostering engagement within the campus community. A supportive and inclusive workplace is crucial for both personal and professional growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe ERG mixer on Sept. 27 is a chance to learn more about existing ERGs and how to get involved, to network, and to discover new opportunities to find belonging. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003ETech\u2019s inaugural program manager for Inclusion and Belonging, Jennifer Attilus-August, will also share information about the launch of Communities of Connection, which are less formal groups of people who share similar interests like biking or baking. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe mixer will take place in the Northside Room of the John Lewis Student Center from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.smartsheet.com\/b\/form\/d740a06293d0480f82eb4db5be3c50c2\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ERSVP today!\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003EWhat Are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EERGs are voluntary employee associations that aim to build an equitable and inclusive community for historically underserved communities and help employees experience a greater sense of psychological safety and belonging. These groups serve as safe spaces where employees can collaborate, share ideas, celebrate their unique contributions, and establish meaningful connections with colleagues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EERGs are typically designed to:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cp\u003EFoster Belonging: ERGs create an environment where members feel valued, respected, and like they truly belong.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cp\u003EEncourage Idea Exchange: They serve as platforms for open dialogue and the sharing of ideas on topics of interest to their members and allies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cp\u003ECelebrate Contributions: ERGs recognize the diverse talents and cultural backgrounds of their members, ensuring that their professional, social, and cultural contributions are celebrated.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cp\u003ECreate Networking Opportunities: ERGs offer avenues for both personal and professional connections, enhancing the overall workplace experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\t\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u0027s Current Employee Resource Groups:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute is home to a vibrant array of ERGs, each dedicated to creating connections among specific communities. These groups include:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003EAfrican Heritage (GRIOT): GRIOT stands as a pillar of support for faculty and staff of African heritage. It offers programs encompassing cultural and professional development, holistic wellness, networking, mentorship, leadership, and scholarly pursuits.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003EGeorgia Tech Emerging Professionals (GTEP): GTEP is geared toward engaging new or emerging professionals in higher education. It provides opportunities for participation in service activities, networking events, social gatherings, and professional development activities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003EHispanic or Latinos and Allies (HOLA): HOLA works tirelessly to promote the inclusion and valuing of Hispanic\/Latino staff, faculty, and their allies. Their programs focus on cultural and professional development, holistic wellness, networking, mentorship, and leadership.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003EIntroverts (Web of Brilliance) (WoB): WoB is an advocate for individuals who self-identify as introverts. It educates others on the unique gifts of introverts and provides a safe space for exploring the quiet but significant contributions of these individuals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003ELesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (PRIDE): PRIDE is dedicated to building a supportive and affirming atmosphere for LGBTQIA employees and their allies. Their mission is to raise awareness about workplace challenges faced by LGBTQIA staff and faculty.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\t\u003Cli\u003EWomen (Women of Georgia Tech - WoGT): WoGT is committed to the well-being of female employees. It offers valuable resources such as networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and career development initiatives.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\r\n\u003C\/ol\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAs Georgia Tech continues to evolve and expand its commitment to inclusivity and belonging, the relaunch of Employee Resource Groups stands as a testament to its dedication to nurturing a culture where all employees are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. The new leadership of Attilus-August, coupled with the enthusiasm of ERG members, promises a brighter, more connected future for the Tech community. Join the movement and be part of a more inclusive Georgia Tech. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hr.gatech.edu\/employee-resource-groups\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/hr.gatech.edu\/employee-resource-groups\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","summary":"","format":"basic_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe relaunch signifies Georgia Tech\u0027s commitment to an inclusive workplace, and all employees are invited to join the Employee Resource Groups Mixer on September 27.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech Human Resources relaunches Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster inclusivity, celebrate contributions, and enhance personal and professional connections among faculty and staff, with an upcoming "}],"uid":"36075","created_gmt":"2023-09-15 17:05:07","changed_gmt":"2023-09-25 13:29:06","author":"jrandolph31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2023-09-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2023-09-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/app.smartsheet.com\/b\/form\/d740a06293d0480f82eb4db5be3c50c2","title":"RSVP "}],"groups":[{"id":"64303","name":"Human Resources"},{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"383831","name":"Facilities Management"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"2775","name":"human resources"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}