The Friendfactor Workplace Ally Challenge Overview for Potential Participants

Why we’re here Straight AmericansWho Support LGBT Inclusion Who Do Something About It 96%77%14% Sources: Williams Institute 2013, Center for Talent Innovation 2013 We want to move more people here. The workplaces where they spend most of their time are a good place to start.

Why allies? Imagine a culture where everyone, not just LGBT people, takes responsibility for LGBT inclusion. The voices of allies –bosses, team members, execs – can have an exponential impact on LGBT people’s everyday work experiences. In the words of our participants: I’ve always felt that the most inclusive communities I’ve been a part of are the ones in which allies have a visible and vocal presence. Allies provide invaluable support to LGBT folks and create necessary social change by disseminating information and positively influencing the opinions of others. Strong vocal allies are so important in the fight for equality, compassion, and respect for the LGBT community. The onus can’t be solely on us.

What is the Workplace Ally Challenge? Workplace Ally Challenge 9 months. 15 companies. Who will build the most LGBT-friendly office culture? The Workplace Ally Challenge challenges firms to build or grow ally initiatives that activate as many employees as possible over the calendar year. For the first time, companies have the opportunity to evaluate and be recognized for their progress in creating inclusive workplaces, not just in policy but in practice.

2014 participants included 8 Fortune 500 companies from New York to Omaha Collective impact: 69 events and campaigns 2,000 employees activated as allies 50% more colleagues speaking up about LGBT issues at work

What’s in it for your company? 1.Access to ally engagement resources and expertise 2.Ability to benchmark performance against other companies 3.Network of information sharing and peer support 4.A critical mass of employees speaking up and demonstrating culture competence about LGBT issues 5.A workplace where all LGBT employees feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work Inclusive workplaces are more engaged, productive, and innovative. Employees stay longer and their firms see better business results.

Results you can expect The 2014 Challenge participants saw the following results: The Workplace Ally Challenge has been featured in The Huffington Post, LGBT Weekly, Affinity Inc. Magazine, and other national and local publications. “We were able to engage 15% of the staff in our corporate HQ (over 600 people) and garner support for a Pride float for the first time. We can feel the difference this outpouring of support has made to the company culture.” – Challenge participant 5-20% of employees at participating offices 20% higher awareness about LGBT issues 50% more employees speaking up about LGBT issues at work ParticipationAwarenessCulture

How it works Timeline The 2015 Challenge will run from January to September Awards will be presented at the annual Ally Challenge Awards Dinner in October. Resources provided In-depth leader training Survey deployment, analysis, & diagnostic report Action planning templates Library of over 80 activity ideas Training decks, fact sheets, & educational materials Bimonthly peer check-in calls On-demand troubleshooting 2. Administer baseline survey 4. Implement planned activities 5. Attend quarterly peer check- in calls 6. Report activities & participation 7. Administer post-survey 8. Earn program status & awards Challenge process 1. Kickoff leader training 3. Develop action plan

How it works Awards are determined on an equal weighting of 3 metrics: % of employees from each participating office who take part in at least one activity Number of ally-related activities reported Scores on pre and post surveys measuring workplace inclusiveness MembershipActivitiesOutcomes Additionally, companies achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold status when they achieve the below milestones: StatusBronzeSilverGold Membership 5% of office10% of office25% of office Activities Companies with multiple participating offices will be evaluated on the % of employees who take part from all participating offices.

Participation options Companies can participate at one of 3 levels: 1.Pilot Program All the resources, none of the risk: company takes part in all activities and evaluations, but is not ranked or publicly listed as a participant. A good option for companies just getting their ally engagement initiatives started. Registration: $1,000 2.Standard Participant All the resources, all the glory. Company participates in all activities, receives name and logo recognition in press releases and communications, and is eligible to receive program status and awards. A good option for companies with established ally initiatives. Registration: $1,000 3.Trendsetter Taking the road to greatness. Company participates publicly, is eligible for program status and awards, and receives additional tailored training and program development services. Best for companies looking to take their inclusion commitment to the next level. Registration: $5,000+ (dependent on additional services)

Register to participate Firms may register as one entity or separately by office/site. 25% early bird discount available for all participant types through Oct 31, Questions?