As 2024 begins, we want to take the time to reflect on the steps we’ve taken as an organization to bolster our culture and environment for all Zayoites. In 2023, we committed to our employees and communities that our values would be reflected in all we do, implemented recognition awards tied to our culture, and introduced a new time off structure that reinforces our trust in our employees and values. Read on for details.
Working Toward Our North Star with an Exciting New Partnership
In 2022, we introduced our North Star statement: “At Zayo, we connect what’s next. We are committed to making a positive impact through investing in the next generation of technology leaders by creating development and professional advancement opportunities for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.”
The statement outlines our commitment to the enrichment of the communities we live and work in.
We’re proud to share that we’ve partnered with Girls Who Code to create opportunities for future female programmers and make a positive impact. Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization that aims to close the gender gap in computer science by offering coding resources and programs to girls in the U.S. and beyond – half of which come from historically underrepresented groups. More details about this exciting new partnership will be coming in 2024!
Committing to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Zayo unveiled a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) statement at the end of 2022. This statement reads: “At Zayo, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovative ideas and fuel our growth. We foster a culture where every Zayoite feels seen, valued, respected, and empowered to be their most authentic self. We strive to work with partners that also demonstrate core values around diversity and sustainability.”
In 2023, we reaffirmed our commitment to DEIB with a few key initiatives:
1. Employee training
Zayo rolled out virtual DEIB training to educate all employees about unconscious biases, discrimination, and microaggressions while encouraging greater inclusion in the workplace. Our conscious inclusion training, officially rolling out in 2024, takes the learnings from the virtual DEIB training a step further by raising awareness of unconscious bias and conscious inclusion.
Overall, the goal of these trainings and discussions is to make Zayo employees more aware and inclusive and foster empathy towards diverse experiences and perspectives.
2. Sponsorship pilot program
This year, we kicked off an employee sponsorship program to give senior female leaders the resources, tools, guidance, and support they need to further develop their professional skills and accelerate their career goals. This program allows participants to partner with executive leaders, expand their business knowledge, and set professional development goals.
DEIB Senior Manager Jay Bess says about the program, “We are thrilled to launch our sponsorship program. This initiative aims to address the issue of underrepresentation among senior levels by placing a strong emphasis on fostering career advancement opportunities for women. Looking forward to more cohorts in 2024 and beyond!”
Recognizing Employees Who Embody Zayo’s Values
In 2023, we launched our employee recognition program, the Zenith Award. This quarterly award recognizes employees who consistently demonstrate a commitment and dedication to Zayo, live our values and operating norms and are role models who support and grow our strong Zayo culture of connection.
Each quarter, three Zayo employees and three leaders are recognized and one of each is selected for the Zenith Award. Recipients receive company-wide recognition, along with a monetary and physical award.
Introducing Flexible Time Off
Another step we took in 2023 was introducing flexible time off (FTO) to eligible employees. According to a MetLife survey, flexible PTO is the highest-valued emerging employee benefit.
FTO plan gives employees flexibility in scheduling time off, without having to worry about how many hours they’ve accrued. FTO demonstrates trust in employees while encouraging a healthy work-life balance. It also reduces employee burnout by encouraging employees to take off the time they need to recharge and return to work reinvigorated. Some studies have even found that employees with flexible schedules are more productive – a win-win!
Overall, 2023 was another great year for strengthening our culture. We look forward to continuing to grow and broaden it, through partnerships, events, programs, and initiatives in 2024.