Company: Progress, Burlington, MA
Company Description: Progress provides software that enables organizations to develop and deploy their mission-critical applications and experiences, as well as effectively manage their data platforms, cloud and IT infrastructure. As an experienced, trusted provider, we make the lives of technology professionals easier.
Nomination Category: Achievement Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion
 Nomination Title: Progress' complete I&D program
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated organization's D&I achievements since the beginning of 2022, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization's history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Progress provides software that enables organizations to develop and deploy their mission-critical applications and experiences, as well as effectively manage their data platforms, cloud and IT infrastructure. As an experienced, trusted provider, we make the lives of technology professionals easier. Over 4 million developers and technologists at hundreds of thousands of enterprises depend on Progress. Learn more at www.progress.com.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Progress has a complete I&D program led by our CIDO and I&D Program manager, who oversee seven employee resource groups (ERGs) and Progress’ I&D committee. Their work plays a crucial role in establishing a sense of belonging for employees at Progress as they promote inclusion, respect and understanding.
In 2023, our seven ERGs, together with our company I&D committee, hosted over 40 programs focused on supporting an inclusive and psychologically safe working environment. Highlights include hosting sessions with external speakers focused on navigating neurodiversity, mental health and the impact on People of Color, Holocaust Remembrance Day and how to navigate work and life post-service and post-traumatic injury. ERGs have also hosted cultural celebrations, curated reading lists and organized fundraisers to support organizations serving communities. Combined, in 2023, our seven ERGS raised close to $20k in giving efforts, and hosted multiple item drives for shelters, veterans and children in need.
Other I&D highlights include a global mentorship program to support the advancement of all employees, Veterans Day, Juneteenth and International Women’s Day have been added to the company’s US calendar of holidays since 2020, and 2023 saw the introduction of inclusive leadership training.
Because of these and other I&D efforts, Progress we received an 86% score on Inclusion and Belonging in a recent employee engagement survey. This is on par with the top 25% of technical companies with similar profiles.
- f you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Progress’ inclusive culture stems from the empathetic management style of our CEO staff and senior leadership teams. We prioritize our people, their needs and careers, understanding that employees bring their whole selves to work. These days, our chaotic world leaves employees bringing heavy hearts with them. From the war in Ukraine, economic aftermath of the pandemic, to humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza, our engaged leadership connects with employees as individuals to provide staff the support and grace they need to thrive.
Inclusion and diversity ID takes a top-down approach at Progress. Because of work led by our Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer CIDO, CEO Staff specifically incorporated I&D related goals and objectives into their corporate goals, enrolled in inclusivity workshops and each CEO Staff member has sponsored or has been actively involved in one or more of our ERGs. Moreover, CEO Staff took part in the I&D Committee’s “Connect with Leaders Program,” which gave employees the opportunity to hear from Progress CEO staff members about their leadership journeys.
Progress was named one of 23 employers in Massachusetts with standout Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practices by The Boston Globe. In addition, our employee retention rate for 2023 was 94%, an increase of 6% from last year. Our Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer also received MassTLC’s Tech Top 50 Mosaic award, which recognizes an individual for their exemplary leadership within their company in the development of a more equitable, inclusive and diverse tech workforce in Massachusetts.
- Optional: Reference here any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and explain how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
https://www.progress.com/inclusion-diversity
https://www.progress.com/company/awards/progress-named-a-top-place-to-work-and-dei-champion-by-the-boston-globe
https://www.progress.com/blogs/progress-awarded-company-culture-inclusion-diversity-efforts
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