We are working to create a diverse group of future leaders both inside and outside the business. As part of our extensive diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work, we empower employees to take on paid roles that contribute to company culture by leading ERGs.
ERGs are groups created for employees and led by people that share common life experiences or identities. Typically, these groups are comprised of people within communities that have been historically and systemically marginalised.
ERGs provide support and safe space for underrepresented and/or marginalised communities. They help employees in their professional development, increase engagement and retention, and drive towards organisation-wide goals. LGBTQ+ @ Multiverse will be a community for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer as well as nonbinary or anyone who identifies as intersex, pansexual or asexual. Currently 12% of our workforce self-identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
We sat down with Vasilis Konstantinides, the inaugural chair of LGBTQ+ @ Multiverse ERG, to learn more about their work.
What inspired you to run for Chair of the LGBTQ+ ERG?
As an LGBTQ+ person myself, driving change and creating spaces (professional or otherwise) where LGBTQ+ people feel not only accepted and tolerated but celebrated and uplifted is a cause that is very close to my heart. Having personally experienced obstacles that are unique to LGBTQ+ people in my academic and professional career, I share the responsibility of creating change and removing barriers in the workplace for people in our community.
What is the main goal of your ERG?
Our mission is simple: to celebrate, support and empower LGBTQ+ employees at Multiverse by enabling everyone to thrive, develop and progress in a space that is safe, uplifting and honors all of our unique identities.
Why do you think the ERG is important?
All ERGs are important and should matter to all employees. We can only support and develop our people if we understand their journeys, challenges and aspirations. ERGs empower underrepresented communities to use their own voices to share their stories and lead for change. The LGBTQ+ ERG makes that a reality for LGBTQ+ employees at Multiverse.
What is your favourite event you’ve put on so far?
Definitely our celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility! We invited LGBTQ+ Historian, Sacha Coward, to join us and give a talk on the history of trans and gender nonconforming people in ancient times and mythology. Fun and educational!
What are the big plans for the ERG this year?
We organized a packed agenda for June to mark and celebrate Pride Month. This included a Fireside Chat with queer activist Chris Paouros, an interview with Kevin Guyan, author of Queer Data: Using Gender, Sex and Sexuality Data for Action and our traditional Pride Brunch at the end of the month.
After Pride Month, we will resume our operations of creating a community of LGBTQ+ people within our organization and understanding how we can support and empower LGBTQ+ employees to thrive at Multiverse.
Our ERG initiatives aim to further cultivate a culture of inclusion & belonging at Multiverse. We’re committed to learning from and about various communities, cultures and identities within our workforce and fostering dialogue across borders. After all, this is what makes us who we are and drives forward our mission of creating a diverse group of future leaders both within and outside of Multiverse.
