Making meaningful connections at work: the value of employee communities

Creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported in their development paves the way for the forming of diverse leadership teams. Zalando has committed to broadening the representation of visible and invisible diversity dimensions and backgrounds. Jennifer Walderdorff, Senior Finance Manager Commercial Finance, discusses the impact of ERGs on company culture and shares her experience as a core member of the Black Employee Connection (BEC), one of eleven ERGs at Zalando.

Hi Jennifer, what’s your role at Zalando?

I’m a Senior Finance Manager in Commercial Finance. My work involves overseeing financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to optimize business performance. Additionally, I am responsible for developing strategies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements to support the company's financial objectives and growth initiatives.

What role do ERGs play in achieving Zalando’s D&I commitments?

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a pivotal role at Zalando. They create safer spaces¹ where employees who share identity traits or experiences can come together, cultivate a sense of community and raise important issues. ERGs contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture where employees can connect and exchange ideas. They offer opportunities for personal and professional development, mentorship, and networking, enhancing the overall employee experience.

Having the Black Employee Connection empowers Black employees to be their best, most productive, and most engaged selves. I’m happy to have witnessed our community grow, now comprising over 160 members. This growth signifies that more individuals are finding value and a sense of belonging within our community.

¹ The term safe(r) space generally means “a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.

What were the most memorable activities of the Black Employee Connection in 2023?

In 2023, the BEC made a pivotal contribution to the Black Girls Tech Summit 2023. The summit, sponsored by Zalando, served as a platform to amplify the voices and accomplishments of Black women in the tech industry, shedding light on their contributions and the challenges they face. With our members taking part in workshops and panel discussions throughout the day, the BEC's participation was not only a testament to our commitment to equity but also a major stride toward a more inclusive and diverse tech community.

On top of that, we arranged for the entire BEC community to witness the profound insights of legendary statesman Barack Obama on his European speaking tour. We also implemented an intake form that enabled any member to drive a project, event or idea within the community. As a result, a successful BEC Movie Night was organized over Black History Month.

What led you to get involved in the BEC in the first place?

Growing up with six siblings, my family was my village. As we got older and began to live our own lives, the common bond we once shared began to disperse. This led me to gravitate toward communities outside my family circle. The pivotal moment that underscored the importance of community was during the aftermath of George Floyd's horrific murder, compounded by the pandemic. This was when our ERG became really active. I felt a personal need to fortify our community, aiming to create a space of peace, safety, and resilience. It was an immensely fulfilling experience, albeit an emotionally draining time for many of us within the Black community. It highlighted the critical need to strengthen and support one another, and this became a driving force behind my involvement in the BEC.

What is Zalando’s strategy for ERGs and how does it support your work?

This year Zalando put in place an ERG strategy that aims to provide ERGs with helpful measures around governance, recognition of ERG core members, and to ensure a fairer collaboration between ERGs and the business. While it took some time to be approved, having a company-wide strategy is incredibly valuable and impactful. It serves as our roadmap, guiding us towards our objectives. But also for me, the strategy in place provides recognition for the work I put into the BEC as a core member and the benefits reaped by the company. I know that I’ll receive support from my leadership and can dedicate a percentage of my working hours toward fostering a stronger community.

What are your hopes and dreams for D&I at Zalando and beyond?

My hopes and dreams for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) extend far beyond the workplace. I added the “Equity”- I believe it’s a necessity. I envision a world where these principles are not merely concepts but are woven into the fabric of our existence. In this ideal world, the principles of DEI align harmoniously with sustainability. A diverse and inclusive environment fosters innovation, creativity, and adaptability, which are essential elements for a sustainable and thriving society.

It's a recognition that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences contribute to comprehensive and enduring solutions for global challenges. In pursuit of this vision, it’s vital to establish strategies and policies that cater to all kinds of diversity, both visible and invisible. True equity necessitates fairness and recognizes that different people need different kinds of support, acknowledging historical disparities and providing resources to level the playing field.