Employee resource groups form mentoring circles to expand business relationships, develop leadership skills, and encourage a growth mindset in a safe, inclusive way.
At UKG, our purpose is people, and our 10 employee resource groups (ERGs) bring that purpose to life in a very action-oriented way. Through their work, they drive business innovation, create opportunities for our U Krewers and new hires, foster community impact, and promote professional development. By enriching our culture and empowering employees to thrive, our ERGs help us achieve extraordinary outcomes.
We know that our ERGs provide measurable business impact. In a recent study, 91% of respondents said ERGs enhance organizational culture, and 88% feel they can be themselves at work because of ERGs. At UKG, we believe that when people feel valued and that they belong, their innovative spirit is unlocked, empowering them to tap into their unique talents. One of the key ways we foster this sense of belonging is through mentoring.
Take Coralys, a Manager of Learning Program Management and co-chair of BUILD (Black U Krewers in Leadership and Development) ERG, for example. Coralys’s involvement in our ERG mentoring circles has been transformative – both as a mentor and a mentee.
Coralys has mentored early career talent for nine years. “Seeing mentees implement advice that has led to their personal and professional success, really has become a purpose of mine," she says.
Her perspective as a mentee is that “one of the best perks of having a mentor is the doors they can open.” As she transitioned careers, her mentors from many walks of life helped her build relationships that have been instrumental in her growth. “It’s like gaining VIP access to networking opportunities,” she says.
Coralys found that building unexpected and new relationships in her circles was extremely gratifying. UKG’s ERG mentoring circles connected Coralys with U Krewers that she typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to collaborate with in their day-to-day jobs. The fresh perspectives among her group taught her a lot about balancing work and life, being assertive and setting boundaries in the workplace, and navigating the corporate space as women of color.
"Being a mentor for me has been about more than career growth, it has been about leaving a positive mark in other’s experiences as they navigate their careers.”
Manager, Learning Program Management
Another testimony to the reciprocal value of UKG’s ERG mentoring circles comes from Adam, Vice President of Engineering – Technology and Solutions, who proudly discusses the impact of intentional mentorship on U Krewers in the United States and in our global communities.
“Mentorship at UKG knows no boundaries, and that includes geographical ones. One of the most enriching aspects of our mentorship efforts has been the collaboration between our teams in the U.S. and Noida, India … These moments of cross-cultural mentorship are extraordinary,” Adam shares.
Cross-cultural mentorship fosters a deep understanding that strengthens our bonds as a global team. Mentorship across regions enables UKG employees to work together better and positions the company to excel as a cohesive global organization.
Adam reflects on the “ripple effect” of mentorship programs throughout UKG, “These circles and global mentorship sessions allow us to set aside focused time to build each other up, share stories, and push boundaries … Witnessing the connections formed across continents is a testament to the value of being intentional about mentorship. Every small interaction, every shared insight, every word of encouragement matters — it’s all part of the bigger picture.”
“Mentorship at UKG is more than a tool — it’s a spark that ignites growth, connection, and transformation.”
Vice President of Engineering – Technology & Solutions
Shaping the future of UKG, one intentional connection at a time
Coralys and Adam’s experiences reflect the heart of what UKG’s mentoring programs and ERGs aim to achieve. Mentoring strengthens trust, encourages diverse thinking, and helps shape the leaders of tomorrow. These programs have become a cornerstone of our commitment to developing talent and fostering inclusion.
At UKG, we hold ourselves accountable to goals around diverse representation and leadership. Well-structured mentoring programs are a critical part of this strategy, helping to expand business relationships, develop leadership skills, and encourage a growth mindset in a safe, inclusive way. And as research from Forbes shows, mentorship has a significant impact: 87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered, and mentees and mentors are promoted far more often than those without mentors.
Beyond our internal success, UKG is committed to helping other organizations realize the power of ERGs through our ERG Playbook. This resource provides a roadmap for companies looking to establish or enhance their ERG programs, showing how ERGs can drive growth, foster inclusion, and create meaningful business impact. By sharing our best practices, we help our customers create strong, thriving ERGs that inspire greatness in their own workplaces.