Employee resource groups (ERGs) can be integral to helping employees find a sense of community and belonging at an organization, but creating a successful ERG requires clear expectations, meaningful actions, measurable results (aka a change in a company’s benefits, culture, or policies), and feedback from members that they feel seen and heard. We asked our partner companies to share how one of their ERGs is moving the needle for equity at their organization. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Mediaocean’s Women @ Mediaocean group.
Mediaocean’s Women @ Mediaocean
An advertising services and software company, Mediaocean provides foundational software to connect brands, agencies, media, technology, and data. Their employee resource group Women @ Mediaocean aims to empower and amplify the voices and ideas of women and allies at the company and to boost gender representation in tech, where the industry benchmark is 25 percent women. Through connection, guidance, collaboration, friendship, discussion, and fun, Mediaocean says their ERG encourages women to grow personally and professionally, providing a good space to learn and mentor.
Expectation: Their goals
Women @ Mediaocean’s goals update regularly and are both personal and collective. At the start of each “cycle,” the group meets to discuss their personal goals as well as ideas for a group goal. They use that conversation to outline topics and agendas to be covered. An example of a group goal is “to increase the circle by 10 additional women.” Their group achieved this goal by reaching out directly to new hires and inviting colleagues and mentors/mentees.
Employee insight
“We have members from across the board, and this is a place where everyone is truly equal. It gives us an opportunity to listen to success stories and share our own. It sparks debates on important subjects but also provides a safe space for laughter and being vulnerable. We cherish a true empowerment culture where no victory is too small and no obstacle too big. I am very grateful to be a part of something so wonderful!” —Ola Grela, Compliance Officer
Action: Programming they offer
This ERG is primarily a discussion group focusing on the unique challenges that impact women’s careers, families, and communities, and strategies they’ve used to overcome them, both in and outside of work. Some examples of discussion topics have included:
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Relationship-building
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Encouraging and uplifting women
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Negotiating pay raises
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Women’s safety
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Returning to the office
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Adapting to a hybrid environment
Employee insight
“Leading an ERG at my company was an enriching experience. Women@Mediaocean was quite diverse with different backgrounds, seniority levels, and tenures. We quickly realized that despite our professional differences, we had much in common. We shared experiences and values that were not commonly discussed at our jobs. We worked on growth and development, but a big part was dedicated to sharing personal stories and supporting each other in areas where otherwise support was lacking. I was blown away by how intelligent, talented, and insightful these women were. I felt heard, understood, and encouraged to continue growing, and pursuing my passions.” —Elena Ratinov, Director of Development
Results: Progress they’ve made
Women @ Mediaocean supports the company’s goal of highlighting women employees and their contributions to Mediaocean. In addition to biweekly meetings, the ERG also celebrated International Women’s Day for a full week, hosting webinars, facilitating safe-space conversations, conducting surveys, and playing games with the goal of encouraging all employees to ask questions, listen, learn, and reflect.
Employee insight
“I am regularly being supported through getting to co-lead our Chicago Women’s Circle Chapter. It’s so great getting to lead an incredible group of women, and help facilitate important conversation in our sessions each month, and take meaningful action on those items afterwards to make an impact on all women in our company.” —Abby Adler, Director, Client Success
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