Cadmus Resource Groups
Opportunity:
Another learning resource through our DEIA Passport Program offers brave spaces allowing like-minded staff to connect and build community while nurturing a sense of belonging. Our Cadmus Resource Groups (CRGs) act as culture-builders that give members a voice and visibility and help drive change toward an exceptionally inclusive and equitable workplace.
Actions:
Our CRGs are voluntary, employee-led organizations that comprise a specific or intersectional social identity group typically based on demographic, life stage, or function, as well as their allies. CRGs encourage personal and professional development, promote DEIA, and contribute to business strategy and operations. The inaugural group, focusing on women's leadership, was launched in March 2022 with the company President and CEO, Ian Kline, serving as its executive sponsor. Additionally, we anticipate a second resource group supporting early career professionals to become active in the second half of 2023.
Outcomes:
Cadmus Resource Groups – Women’s Leadership Group
During year one of the Women's Leadership Group (WLG) at Cadmus, membership grew to 80 staff (96% women, 4% men) representing every division/team of the organization. Despite using "leadership" in the group name, 54% of the members represent early and mid-career roles, providing significant opportunities for the mentoring pilot program launched in August 2023. Additionally, the WLG organized two internal events during the inaugural year, achieving solid attendance and content engagement results.
Event One
Virtual Networking
Event: Taking Control of Your Work Plan (November 10, 2022)
Attendance: 37 employees
Agenda: The WLG co-chairs opened the event by sharing the WLG's vision and mission with participants before turning the floor over to four senior leaders at Cadmus who presented perspectives and best practices for building an energizing workload, balancing time, boundary setting, and becoming goal oriented.
Engagement: Attendees selected one of the topics and joined a Teams breakout group to continue discussions. Participants could engage in a lively conversation with their peers while asking questions and developing recommendations with the Cadmus senior leader who facilitated each session.
Event Two
Virtual Coaching
Forum: Effective Self-Promotion (March 23, 2023)
Attendance: 35 employees
Agenda: The WLG celebrated its first anniversary at the beginning of the call! Three senior leaders at Cadmus shared their journey of becoming more comfortable with self-promotion and their strategies to highlight their value proactively.
Engagement: Attendees were divided into five randomized breakout groups to get to know other Cadmus WLG members, discuss ways to create an impactful introduction, and practice and provide feedback to one another on their elevator pitches or introductions.
Result: 85% of participants are Likely/Very Likely to attend another WLG event in the future.
As One Cadmus, we encourage staff to build community within the organization. Our CRGs offer a unique opportunity for employees with similar interests to collaborate across practices and divisions to network, exchange ideas, and gather different perspectives that will lead to shared success as we positively impact our clients and society.