The Friendfactor Workplace Ally Challenge

Overview for Potential Participants

Why we’re here

Straight Americans Who 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 expertise2. Ability to benchmark performance against other

companies3. Network of information sharing and peer support4. 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

Participation Awareness Culture

How it works

TimelineThe 2015 Challenge will run from January to September 2015. 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 & participati

on

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

Membership Activities Outcomes

Additionally, companies achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold status when they achieve the below milestones:

Status Bronze Silver Gold

Membership 5% of office 10% of office 25% of office

Activities 3+ 6+ 9+

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 ProgramAll 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 ParticipantAll 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. TrendsetterTaking 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

www.friendfactor.org/workplace-ally-challenge-registration

Firms may register as one entity or separately by office/site.25% early bird discount available for all participant types through Oct 31, 2014.

Questions? info@friendfactor.org