In this episode of Intent to Impact, Takayla King, Head of Belonging at Box, delves into the crucial role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in providing support during times of crisis. The episode explores Box's strategies for maintaining employee well-being and engagement as communities navigate tough conversations around political, economic, or social unrest, while also celebrating moments of joy. Takayla also provides insight into the resources she offers her ERG leaders to ensure they handle these situations with curiosity, accountability, respect, and empathy.
-------
Takayla King (TK) (she/her) is the Head of Belonging at Box where she leads the organization in executing an interwoven global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy - which includes supporting and engaging Employee Resource Communities (ERCs) and business led DEI action teams. TK’s dynamic career includes experience in business roles such as sales and operations, human resources roles such as Chief of Staff, HR business partner and DEI leadership. This holistic view of business functions and the employee lifecycle has provided the expertise required to understand the impacts of DEI to the employee experience and business performance - a pathway to bringing every individual along in a transformative journey.
TK is originally from North Carolina and currently based in Chicago, IL. Outside of work - she enjoys writing, reading, and spontaneous travel.
Key Takeaways
- Integration of ERGs in Product Development: Takayla discusses the role that Employee Resource Communities (ERCs) at Box play in integrating diversity and accessibility considerations into product development. By collaborating closely with various teams, these ERCs ensure products are inclusive and free from biases, particularly in AI-driven solutions, showcasing the proactive approach of embedding DEI principles directly into business processes.
- CARE Framework for Handling Sensitive Conversations: The CARE acronym—standing for Curiosity, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy—guide's Box's approach to difficult or sensitive conversations, particularly during crises or personal challenges. This framework aids in ensuring that conversations are handled with empathy and understanding, providing a structured way to foster constructive dialogue and community support within the organization.
- Role of ERCs in Crisis Management and Communication: This episode discusses the critical function of ERCs during times of social and political turmoil, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements. ERCs at BOX are utilized not only to offer support and create safe spaces for discussions among employees but also to inform and shape the company's external communications and responses to these events, ensuring that they reflect the voices and concerns of the community effectively.
In this episode, we cover:
- (00:26) Welcome to the Intent to Impact ERG Podcast
- (00:48) Exploring Employee Resource Groups at Box
- (02:01) The Role of ERGs in Box's Belonging Strategy
- (05:07) Navigating Crisis Management with ERGs
- (13:27) The Importance of Allyship and Community Support
- (14:40) Strategies for Handling Polarizing Topics in ERGs
- (23:57) Supporting ERG Leaders to Prevent Burnout
- (26:28) Celebrating Successes and Amplifying Joy
.png)
