Dayna Kleve on Empowering Employee Resource Groups

Amplify - A retail automotive podcast by Reuters Events and ASOTU

Dayna Kleve is the Director of Diversity, Engagement and Foundation, Walser Automative Group

Key Takeaways:

1. Dayna Kleve oversees the diversity, engagement, and foundation efforts at Walser, which includes corporate communications, community engagement, and employee resource groups (ERGs).
2. Walser started its diversity work in 2018 by focusing on the customer perspective and realizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in serving their diverse customer base.
3. Walser formed employee resource groups, such as Women of Walser and Drive with Pride, to support and empower specific communities within the organization.
4. The ERGs at Walser are employee-led, employee-driven, and fully funded, with a collective budget of $85,000, not including stipends for the board chairs.
5. Walser's initiatives, such as open PTO, paid family leave, and fertility and adoption assistance, have positively impacted employee retention and engagement.
6. The organization tracks retention closely and emphasizes the importance of metrics to demonstrate the business case for diversity and inclusion initiatives.
7. Walser aims to continue its progress by exploring additional ERGs, such as a veterans group and a parenting resource group, and focusing on mental health support for employees.

During Automotive Retail USA 2023 in Las Vegas, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier interviewed dealers, OEM representatives, industry partners and more, looking to make the most innovative voices in retail automotive louder.

This is Amplify, the retail automotive podcast by Reuters Events and ASOTU.

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