In this episode of Intent to Impact, host Dumebi Egbuna welcomes Daniel Nguyen, Culture, Belonging, and Inclusion Program Manager at Chegg. Together, they explore the intersection of mental health initiatives and DEI efforts. True transformation requires changes in both policies and organizational behaviors. Daniel shares his journey from mental health social worker to DEI advocate and discusses how his background influences his approach to managing ERGs at Chegg. With nine ERGs supporting diverse communities, they focus on employee engagement, career development, and retention.
Daniel Nguyen (he/him) is the Culture, Belonging, and Inclusion Program Manager at Chegg, Inc and brings a unique people-first approach informed by his social work background. Daniel has developed impact-driven programs that tackle systemic barriers and create equitable opportunities for underrepresented employees and communities. Additionally to his work at Chegg, Daniel is a community activist and social worker, collaborating with individuals and organizations to set up strong foundations and make an impact on their communities. Outside of the workplace, he enjoys K-pop, golden retrievers, koalas, MMORPGs, hosting dinner parties, and taking naps. You can find Daniel here.
Key Takeaways
- Both mental health and DEI initiatives require behavioral changes, not just shifts in policies but also in attitudes and organizational culture. Promoting mental health within the workplace can help foster an inclusive environment by addressing biases and advocating for openness and support.
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Chegg have integrated mental health into their programming by addressing specific challenges faced by their communities. Examples include sessions on mental health in the Black community, burnout for employees with disabilities, and self-compassion for Pan-Asian employees. These programs expand beyond traditional wellness activities by addressing deeper cultural and identity-based mental health issues.
- Cheggs's ERGs often bring in external speakers to lead discussions on mental health, recognizing that ERG leaders are not always experts in these areas. This strategy not only provides expert insights but also alleviates the pressure on ERG leaders to manage complex conversations.
In This Episode We Cover
- [00:01:00] Daniel Nguyen's Background and Role in ERGs at Chegg
- [00:02:00] Overview of Chegg’s ERG Program and Goals
- [00:04:00] The Intersection of Mental Health and DEI Efforts
- [00:12:00] Bringing in External Speakers for Events
- [00:14:00] Challenges ERG Leaders Face
- [00:16:00] Overcoming Stigma in DEI Conversations
- [00:18:00] The Role of Leadership in Supporting ERGs
- [00:20:00] Integrating Mental Health into Workplace Culture
- [00:22:00] Impact of DEI Initiatives on Employee Retention and Productivity
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