May 11, 2025
Brian K. Reaves is the EVP and Chief Belonging,
Equity, and Impact Officer of UKG, where he leads the company’s
global belonging, equity, and impact program, expanding existing
initiatives while working to strengthen a culture built on trust,
fairness, and equality, so every U Krewer can thrive in every stage
of their career.
In
this episode of the Allyship in Action podcast, we dive deep into
the power of employee resource groups (ERGs) and how they’re not
just a "nice to have," but a "must-have" for any company serious
about thriving. Brian's work at UKG shows us the power of inclusion
work and ERGs on business impact.
Here are the key takeaways from our
conversation:
- The Superpower of Unique
Experiences: Brian emphasized that everyone's unique lived
experience is a superpower. ERGs are spaces where these
superpowers can be shared, celebrated, and leveraged for innovation
and growth.
It's like having a room full of superheroes
with different powers, but they all work together to save the day!
- Intergenerational
Collaboration is Key: The "RISE" ERG at UKG
highlights the importance of intergenerational collaboration.
It's about breaking down the silos and
creating spaces where different generations can learn from each
other. Like Brian said, it's about being the "cool mom" or "cool
dad" by understanding and connecting with the younger generation.
- ERGs Drive Business Impact:
Brian shared
compelling data from Great Place to Work and UKG's own research
that shows ERGs drive higher engagement, retention, and innovation.
They're not just feel-good initiatives;
they're smart business strategies.
- Allyship Through
Understanding: Brian advocates for joining ERGs that are
outside one's immediate experience to foster understanding and
allyship. It's about stepping outside your comfort zone and
learning from others' perspectives. As he put it, "The power will
come when you join the one you have least affinity to."
- ERGs as Proxies for Customer
Base: Employee resource groups can act as a direct line to
your customer base. They can provide honest feedback and insights
into accessibility and market demographics that might otherwise be
missed.
Actionable Allyship
Takeaway: If you're a leader, take the leap and become an
executive sponsor for an ERG. And if you're an employee, consider
joining an ERG that stretches you beyond your comfort zone. You'll
be amazed at what you learn and how much you grow.
Insightful
Quotes:
- "That uniqueness is our
superpower."
- "The power will come when you join
the one you have least affinity to."
- "It's about creating spaces where
everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – like finding your tribe in
the middle of a corporate jungle."
- "We can't live everyone's life, but
we certainly can have empathy and listen to someone else."
- "These people will tell you the
truth. And if you include them in the story, they'll continue to be
more engaged."
You can find the UKG ERG
Playbook that Brian referenced online here, and you can find
Julie Kratz at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/