Rich Products seeks to create intimate communities that foster a sense of connection and belonging, including the ability for associates to network, learn and collaborate.

Two decades ago, a small network of associates within Rich’s USA business launched Associate Resource Groups (ARGs). The mission was to embrace and celebrate differences. Today, there are 13 ARGs in total, eight in the USA, four in Brazil and one in Mexico.  The groups are open to all who wish to participate, regardless of background or identity. These associate-led cohorts represent different populations, interests and experiences within our global workforce, creating opportunities for allyship, collaboration and development. ARGs also foster thought leadership and partnership opportunities as part of Rich’s overall DEI strategy.

Groups include: 

• EnRich Yourself: Empowers Rich’s associates to live their best lives and perform sustainably. 
• Kaleidoscope: Fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion that focuses on associates of color. 
• LGBTQ+: Enhances the inclusion of Rich's family culture for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and allies (+) with a focus on associate retention and engagement. 
• OWN (“Our Women’s Network”): Accelerates the advancement of women leaders with the intention of building a high-performing, gender-balanced leadership team that is reflective of the customers we serve. 
• Parent-to-Parent: Drives long-term success by increasing the retention and engagement of working parents. This complements value-added resources and creates a support network that enables Rich’s associates to successfully manage work and family responsibilities. 
• StayRich: Supports the development, engagement and retention of Rich’s young professionals. 
• Unplugged: Fosters development opportunities, business partnerships, and helps Rich’s support the local Buffalo, NY community through in person relationship building in and outside the office.
• Veterans: Focuses on supporting veterans within Rich’s and our surrounding communities through professional development as well as community support to veterans in areas where we live and work. 
• Mujeres: Advancing gender equity in the workplace and giving women the resources and support they need to thrive as leaders (Rich’s Mexico).  
• Rich’s Brazil has launched four ARGs to support associates of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.  

ARGs have proved to be an incredible resource for associates, and helped corporate leaders hear directly from the Rich’s “family” through a vital two-way dialogue. The groups have been instrumental in advancing our culture and deepening engagement so associates feel supported and celebrated. Example programming, career development, learning sessions and social events facilitated by Rich’s ARGs include: 

• Inclusive Workplace Webinar Series: builds awareness on key DEI topics and creates space for company-wide discussion. 
• Know the Business (by Kaleidoscope): helps associates gain exposure to business leaders and to learn different areas of the business. 
• Lean In with a Leader (by OWN): brings together small groups of associates with influential female leaders for a conversation about careers. 
• Mentoring Programs (by OWN and Kaleidoscope): matches mentors and mentees for a full year, after which, the mentees become mentors to the next cohort. 
• MeetUps with a Leader (by StayRich): matches associates for 1:1 monthly meetups to help create community and connectivity. 
• Mother’s Rooms (by Parent-to-Parent): Rich’s has two on-site Mother’s Rooms equipped with comfortable chairs, fridge/freezers, extension cords and emergency nursing storage bottles – all to give nursing mothers a private, comfortable space. Rich’s also gives mother’s access to Milk Stork – a breast milk delivery service for breastfeeding moms while travelling.  
• Mental Health Resources (by EnRich Yourself): This ARG offers educational sessions and mental health first aid training. In addition, they created a dedicated meditation room at Rich’s world headquarters in Buffalo which provides a space for associates to reflect and reenergize during the workday.  
• Volunteering opportunities: all ARGs are active in the community, focusing on their passion categories and creating regional partnerships to engage associates in volunteerism. 
• Sponsorship of outside speakers and key learning opportunities. 

Lauren Genovese