ERGs Create a Welcoming Space for Employees to Engage, Collaborate, and Bring Their Full Selves to the Conversation

At Calian, we believe people do their best work when they feel valued, supported, and free to show up as their whole selves.  

That belief is at the heart of our commitment to DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging). And nowhere is it more visible than in our fast-growing network of employee resource groups—created by employees, for employees. 

A Growing Workforce Seeking Connection

According to EY’s Belonging Barometer 3.0, the workplace is one of the strongest sources of connection for people, second only to home. However: 

• Three-quarters of global workers report having felt excluded at work. 

• More than half are reluctant to share important parts of their identity such as their background, values or personal experiences. 

These findings highlight a clear reality: today’s workforce is seeking deeper belonging, greater psychological safety and spaces where they can show up authentically. 

With this in mind, we embraced the opportunity to celebrate the growing diversity of our workforce and the unique strengths each individual brings. 

That opportunity came to life in 2023—with the launch of Calian’s employee resource groups (ERGs). 

The Calian Approach: Employee-Led Communities, Leadership-Supported

A popular practice used by nearly 90 per cent of Fortune 500 companies, Calian’s employee resource groups (ERGs) are welcoming, employee-led communities where people unite, exchange ideas, share their journeys and aspirations, and uplift one another.  

Calian’s ERGs focus on:  

• Identity and community—Including women, 2SLGBTQ+, and Indigenous employees; as well as multicultural communities 

• Wellness—Supporting mental health, physical well-being and holistic care 

• Skills and career growth—From leadership development to technical upskilling  

• Purpose—Including those focused on environmental sustainability and community impact 

 
No matter the topic, Calian employees are encouraged to join any group of interest—not only those that align with their identity. Allies and supporters are welcomed throughout each ERG, with many members eager to listen, learn and grow. 

Year-round, they host online chats, learning sessions and events, and spark conversations that might not otherwise arise in daily work. 

At their core, ERGs follow a simple principle: they are led by employees, for employees. While Calian’s leadership has championed them from the start—most executives regularly attend and enjoy ERG events—they do not set agendas or direct activities. 

“The power of ERGs comes from empowering our employees to lead them,” says Candace Labelle, Senior Director, HR Talent Programs. “Our role isn’t to direct, it’s to enable. We provide support, not control, so employees can lead authentically and create spaces that truly matter.” 

Ultimately, ERGs thrive because they are driven by employee passion, making them authentic, relevant and deeply meaningful to all who participate. 

The Impact: A Sense of Belonging

In a short time, Calian’s 11 Employee Resource Groups have become powerful engines of connection, engaging 18 per cent of our full-time workforce. 

Among their many impacts, the ERGs have created opportunities for personal and professional growth—encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and giving employees chances to lead, mentor, teach and volunteer beyond their roles.  

Meanwhile, activities like speed mentoring events and community projects have helped spark innovative ideas to strengthen the business. 

But, most importantly, Calian’s ERGs support the deepest layer of DEIB—belonging.  

As Labelle explains, “Diversity is measurable. Inclusion is intentional. Equity is a leadership commitment. But belonging is a feeling—and that’s where impact begins. When people truly feel they belong, they show up fully, share their ideas freely, and bring their whole selves and maximum potential to work” 

Indeed, the impact shows up in everyday moments of support, collaboration and engagement across the organization. 

What’s Next: Expanding Possibility Through Community

While ERGs are just one part of the bigger picture, they’ve been instrumental in building an inclusive, connected and engaged culture—showing that when employees feel they truly belong, both people and the business thrive. And it’s being noticed:  

• TIME Magazine named Calian in its 2025 list of Canada’s Best Companies, highlighting employee satisfaction, work atmosphere, equality and overall employee experience. 

• Also in 2025, Forbes recognized Calian as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Company Culture, based on employee feedback on recognition, work-life balance, fairness, collaboration and inclusivity. 

Calian’s ERGs are gaining momentum, with new groups forming, more employees joining, and conversations connecting teams across generations, cultures and experiences.  

Looking ahead, the ERG program remains intentionally open-ended—guided by employees and driven by the shared belief that belonging can unlock our greatest potential.  

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