Here's how Button's new employee resource groups made us an even more inclusive workplace in 2019
Here's how Button's new employee resource groups made us an even more inclusive workplace in 2019
Nearly half of the city’s 8.6 million residents were born abroad and, collectively, the city speaks over 600 languages.
At Button, we’ve always believed that our company should reflect the breadth of diversity of the place that we call our home. As a company, we’re committed to being a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone who works here, regardless of whether they work in our office or collaborate remotely.
But we also recognize that our commitment to diversity and inclusion isn’t really a value until we live it. This is the mission behind our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), internal organizational structures built to address the unique needs and issues of a diverse workforce. Since 2015, Button has supported the creation of six of these groups, each of which is managed by employees across the organization.
We asked each of our ERGs to name a few of their highlights from 2019 and their plans for 2020. Here’s what they told us.
Asians @ Button
Established in 2019, Asians @ Button is an ERG formed to create a safe space for employees who identify as "Asian" or "Asian American" to share their experiences and work together to foster inclusion.
Some standout moments for the group in 2019:
“Being able to get vulnerable in a safe space full of fellow Button Asians and engage in meaningful dialogue regarding a slew of pertinent POC issues. The standout for me was talking about Asian immigrant millennial guilt, what it means to be ‘bi-cultural,’ and how many of us have returned to the roots of our heritage in our adulthood.”
“I actually have two highlights from Asians@Button this year. The first was the Moon Festival Happy Hour that we hosted. It was really great seeing the turnout from the company, being able to share the story of the holiday, and eating delicious mooncakes/tea together. My other highlight is starting a tradition known as small group dinners. The idea was to randomly assign groups of 4 together to have dinner together. The dinner I went on was super fun and it was a great way to get to know my coworkers outside of work.”
What the group is looking forward to in 2020
“More meaningful conversation!”
“I am looking forward to creating more traditions in 2020. It is still a young ERG and I think there is a lot more we can do.”
Queers @ Button
Queers @ Button was established in 2018 to support Buttonians on all parts of the gender and sexuality spectra and help educate others.
Some standout moments for the group in 2019:
“Welcoming Tadd Fujikawa into our office to hear about his coming-out experience.”
“Getting to learn about our very own Nick F's involvement in the marathon and running for a LGTBQ cause.”
What the group is looking forward to in 2020:
“More queerness and more shared experiences with queer allies across the org.”
“Helping Button get more involved with the local LGBTQ community here in NYC, and create a stronger presence in the community outside of Pride season.”
Parents @ Button
Button’s newest ERG, Parents @ Button was created to empower parents at Button with the support network, resources, and environment to do their best work while upholding Button's "Family is P0" core value.
Some standout moments for the group in 2019:
“We were excited to have the ERG approved to provide resources and an open community for parents at Button to connect and support each other.”
“Finding out I'm going to be a FATHER.”
“Introducing my son to his big sister for the first time.”
“Teaching my daughter to ride a bike without training wheels.”
“Spending four whole months with my growing family on paternity leave.”
“Finding out we were having our first baby and knowing that we will have time to bond after she arrives. Having time off without worrying is priceless.”
What the group is looking forward to in 2020:
“I’m looking forward to organizing internal/external events to support this ERG.”
“Holding my child for the first time.”
“Starting a new chapter in our life and knowing that there is support within the organization considering how much I will be juggling.”
Women Engineers of Button
The mission of Women Engineers of Button (WEBs) is to empower women engineers at Button to achieve their career goals.
A standout moment for the group in 2019:
- “The highlight of the year was definitely WEBs coming together to host a women’s founders panel for the greater women tech community. While these events are always a great way to network and meet other women doing amazing things in the world, we were really privileged to have two former WEB members come to speak on the panel. Even when people decide to move on to the next step of their career, it’s important we still find time to support each other in our journeys!”
What the group is looking forward to in 2020:
- “In 2020, we are looking for opportunities to engage the women in tech community and explore ways we can better support our own members. Button is experiencing rapid growth right now within our product and teams. As the company grows, so will WEBs! We want to make sure we always provide an inclusive, comfortable space for all our members to grow and learn.”
BUGGG - Button’s Going Green Group
At Button, we believe in an Omotenashi approach to our work and personal lifestyles. We should be bringing that same approach to the outside world.
Some standout moments for the group in 2019:
“Environmentally-friendly office improvements to TWO offices!!”
“A first and successful ERG event, BUGGG Happy Hour.”
“Involving our UK office on our BUGGG mission.”
What the group is looking forward to in 2020:
- “Continuing to make meaningful and positive impacts in the office and to our new neighborhood (look out for our next ERG event).”
At Button, we value and celebrate our differences and believe being open about who we are allows us to do the best work of our lives.