Fostering belonging and inclusion: Employee Resource Groups at Snap Finance
Employee resource groups (ERGs) play an important role in the success of many companies, including Snap Finance. ERGs help create an engaging workplace, promotes diversity and inclusion, and offer a chance to network and socialize while raising awareness of important issues.
And they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years as businesses recognize the value of a diverse workforce and the need to foster inclusion.
How do they work? ERGs are voluntary, employee-led affinity groups designed to represent and support specific communities in an organization. They can be organized around a range of diversity and inclusion dimensions, such as race, gender, orientation, disability, military status, and more. By joining an ERG, team members often find a sense of community and support, which can improve their job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Organized by our team members and open to all, Snap currently supports three ERGs for team members to connect with others who share similar backgrounds or experiences.
Snap Serve
Snap Serve was formed to support, empower, recognize, value, and engage Snap’s veterans and allies through resources, discussions, and information sharing. Veterans often face unique challenges when moving from military to civilian life. Snap Serve provides a space for this community to connect, share their experiences, and reduce any feelings of isolation.
When Robert Zinda, financial planning and analysis analyst for Snap and leader of Snap Serve, transitioned back into civilian life after nearly six years of service, he found it more difficult than expected. Robert found comfort in connecting with other veterans and validating his shared experiences.
“Snap Serve does more than provide a safe place for veterans to turn to,” he said. “It also offers a platform to highlight the unique skills and experiences military veterans bring to the workforce.”
Snap Pride
Snap Pride aims to create an open and safe space for LGBTQIA+ team members to meet, take advantage of networking opportunities, and work together to create an inclusive culture of acceptance, dignity, and respect at Snap.
The group is a resource for the education of all employees on LGBTQIA+ issues, and promotes the safety, well-being, and fair treatment of everyone in the workplace. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect, Snap Pride helps create a more positive and supportive workplace.
“I believe in the spirit of inclusivity,” said Bradon Anderson, process improvement and program development analyst for Snap and leader of Snap Pride. “This includes anyone who identifies as members of the LGBTQIA+ umbrella and our allies.”
EmpowHER
Designed to empower women in fintech, EmpowHER helps professionals pursue their goals and aspirations, be industry leaders, and support each other in their professional journeys at Snap. EmpowerHER works to better understand and address the unique challenges that women sometimes face in the tech industry, and provide a space for its members to connect, collaborate, and network.
“EmpowerHER has given me the opportunity to develop professionally while advocating for women,” said Sonya Sullenbarger, senior director of Corporate Compliance for Snap and chairperson for EmpowerHER. “Most importantly, I’m able to build amazing relationships with many of the inspiring women at Snap.”
What are the benefits of ERGs for employees?
Support and networking. ERGs enhance the employee experience, offering a strong community and social network with those who have a shared sense of mission and purpose. They foster engagement and an inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
Professional development. ERGs provide a platform for developing valuable leadership skills, mentorship, and organizational responsibilities. ERG members gain new perspectives and insights to enhance their career growth by working with colleagues with varying roles from different departments.
Diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness. ERG members can actively contribute to shaping policies, programs, and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. And all employees can learn from the perspectives shared through ERG-sponsored events, workshops, and celebrations.
How does creating ERGs benefit organizations?
ERGs foster inclusion by creating a welcoming and equitable environment for all employees. Belonging to an ERG helps everyone bring their authentic self to work, which builds allyship and strengthens acceptance, fairness, and psychological safety to invite the ideas and foster an innovative environment.
Celebrating diversity, inclusion, and belonging through ERGs that align with a company’s mission and values improve organizations’ opportunities to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. When candidates don’t see themselves reflected in a potential workplace, they may be hesitant to apply for open positions.
And by listening to the voices of ERG members, companies can develop more inclusive policies, priorities, products, and marketing campaigns.
Empowering people and communities to thrive
Snap Serve, Snap Pride, and EmpowHER are part of our efforts to celebrate our company’s diversity, encourage inclusion, and enhance employee engagement for all Snap team members. Together, we are making connections and working together to positively impact our communities, our partners, and our team members.
Learn more about how Snap is making a difference through Snap Cares.