A Reflection on Perficient’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Building Space for Our Colleagues

Perficient continues to make strategic investments to grow our global footprint. This is great for our clients because we span time zones, cultures and capabilities. However, it can present a challenge fostering a cohesive company culture and opportunities for colleagues to connect. That is why Perficient invests in its people by supporting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and Innovation Groups (IGs). These company-wide groups facilitate connection by offering a platform for diverse perspectives and knowledge sharing within our global community.

 

With that backdrop, we – the authors of this article – would like to introduce ourselves and share how our leadership in Perficient’s ERGs has affected our experience. We met in May 2023 developing an internal Pride Month virtual event on queer history and raised over $1300 for various LGBTQ+ charities. This was an exciting partnership between Perficient’s Giving ERG, which is devoted to colleagues’ philanthropy and volunteerism, and the rapidly developing PRISM ERG, which is dedicated to fostering a space for LGBTQ+ and allied colleagues.

 

Nicole Stennett (she/they)

Lead Business Consultant for Microsoft Business Unit
Joined Perficient in April 2021
Programming & Events Co-Chair for PRISM, Perficient’s LGBTQ+ ERG

Zack Everett (he/him)

Technical Architect in the Experience Design/Digital Marketing Business Unit
Joined Perficient in January 2021
Marketing & Communications Committee Chair for PRISM, Perficient’s LGBTQ+ ERG

 

We are thrilled to introduce members of the PRISM ERG community – hear from them in their own words!

How did we get involved in Perficient’s ERGs?

Zack: “In November 2022, my colleagues had begun the work of discovering each other and hosted the group’s very first virtual happy hour. Once I learned about their efforts, I jumped at the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and help turn this group into an ERG. During that time, we treated this ERG as its own mini business within Perficient – developing strategic plans, outreach materials and member events, and ultimately securing ERG status on June 3, 2024. I love my client work as a technical architect for Adobe Marketo Engage and Hubspot, but my work developing this ERG has challenged me to develop a totally new community organizing skillset. I love that I can balance my challenging client work with invigorating community building with PRISM!”

 

Nicole: “While working with Perficient’s Giving ERG in Spring 2023 I collaborated with Zack on a Pride Event for June 2023. I had an opportunity to combine my love of giving and Pride into a great event that covered the history of Pride month and several non-profit resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Through working with Zack I learned more about the efforts of our colleagues working to create the PRISM ERG and jumped at the opportunity to stay involved. Being able to work with the PRISM ERG has allowed me to flex my skills outside of my traditional day to day tasks and develop great, lasting relationships with my colleagues.”

How has your ERG involvement enhanced your experience at Perficient?

Zack: “I have met over one hundred colleagues through the PRISM ERG that I never would have met before! I have yet to find a better mechanism to network as a remote worker. From that networking, I have engaged in public speaking and advocacy on behalf of Perficient’s LGBTQ+ colleagues and tapped into expertise in areas outside of my specialized role; these interactions have given me more perspective on my own work. For example, my recent blog, Advocate for Digital Accessibility from Your Desk, was greatly influenced by conversations with two colleagues who are experts in digital accessibility.”

Nicole: “I have learned so much working with the PRISM ERG and connected with many colleagues I would otherwise not have met. I’ve had the opportunity to help create fun, informative events that help our colleagues feel represented and supported. PRISM lets me feel connected to my colleagues while working remotely.”

Meet Members of Perficient’s PRISM Community

We asked PRISM members to explain what this new ERG means to them. Here’s what they have to say:

If you’re a colleague here at Perficient, we encourage you to get involved by joining an ERG that appeals to you and start connecting with new people (just go to Perficient Connect and you’ll find our ERGs quickly)! If you’re not employed at Perficient, we hope this inspires you to find your own ERGs or to volunteer somewhere local to you!

The PRISM Employee Resource Group’s mission is to empower the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through community building and education, advancing inclusive business practices, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone thrives professionally and personally. 

If you’re a colleague here at Perficient, we encourage you to get involved by joining an ERG that appeals to you and start connecting with new people (just go to Perficient Connect and you’ll find our ERGs quickly)! If you’re not employed at Perficient, we hope this inspires you to find your own ERGs or to volunteer somewhere local to you!

The PRISM Employee Resource Group’s mission is to empower the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through community building and education, advancing inclusive business practices, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone thrives professionally and personally.

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