What Does Inclusion Mean to You?
New Series with Wnet Inclusion Group Chairs
Kayla Christopher, Regulatory Review Manager, RPS Risk, U.S. Bank
Part 3: Interview with Pride/LGBTQ Inclusion Group Chair Kayla Christopher
Wnet: What does inclusion mean to you?
Kayla: To me, inclusion in the workplace means that I can be my true authentic self at work and feel accepted and welcomed no matter one’s race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, age, language, disability or socioeconomic status. An inclusive environment at work is key because employees can feel supported, appreciated and valued as a person. We all know that when employees feel these things it will help them perform at their best. This helps a work team collaborate and perform at an optimal level. A supportive and inclusive employee workplace results in employees who are happier, more productive and have better mental health. This not only benefits the employee and their employer, but also that employee’s family and friends benefit from them being a happier person overall outside of work. It is a positive chain reaction that keeps going and benefits our society.
Wnet: What has been some of the value of having an employee resource group within your organization that is aligned with the inclusion group of Wnet? If your company does not have an ERG, where do you find value or how do you create it?
Kayla: I am very fortunate to work for a company that puts a great deal of time, money and effort into our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy. At U.S. Bank, DEI is at the heart of our core values and company culture.