Jason Steckler, Revenue Operations & Strategy Manager, DailyPay
Erica Ungarini, Sales Director, DailyPay
By Jason Steckler, Revenue Operations & Strategy Manager, DailyPay and Erica Ungarini, Sales Director, DailyPay
FinTech is a relatively new industry, born out of the goal to tear down the barriers of access to financial services and tools for everyone. It’s noble in concept. Financial inclusion is sorely needed in this country, but inclusion also must manifest itself in the organizations creating these new FinTech products.
There is a legacy of exclusivity in both the finance and tech industries. In fact, research published in 2021 by a pair of scientists from the University of Michigan and Temple University shows clear and persistent discrimination and inequality against LGBTQIA+ people in tech. The researchers determined that LGBTQIA+ STEM workers were more likely to experience harassment and discrimination, while simultaneously being less likely to report such incidents. A Business Insider poll in 2019 shows that while a majority of LGBTQIA+ employees who participated in the survey consider their workplaces “safe spaces,” almost 40% said they have witnessed some form of harassment of an LGBTQIA+ employee.
However, there are many incredible inclusive companies in FinTech that truly champion diversity and inclusion to create a culture of belonging. So, how can you identify the right one for you? Here are six considerations to help gauge if the company is right for you:
INCLUSION IS IN OUR DNA
There is an expectation that large companies have an array of ERGs to support their employees. But for ascending companies in hypergrowth mode, inclusion initiatives are not always prioritized at such an early stage of development. However at DailyPay, the DailyPride ERG was established when the company was at about only 40 people. It set the tone of the culture where everyone is welcome and can bring their best authentic self to work.
PRIDE IS TWELVE MONTHS A YEAR
Advocacy and affirmation of inclusion should not be a company goal for four weeks a year in June. The celebration of our differences makes us all stronger. At DailyPay, one of our core values is “We Win With Diversity,” which permeates into everything we do.
DIDN’T ASK … DIDN’T TELL…DIDN’T NEED TO
Ideally, the right office culture is one where coming out is not even necessary. Because it just doesn’t/shouldn’t matter. In an inclusive culture, it enables a certain level of comfort to exist where derogatory language is just not acceptable.
CREATING A MISSION TO BELIEVE IN
Making the world a better place is quite a goal, but it has to start from within. If the FinTech you work for promotes financial equity and inclusion, you would assume that the company promotes equity and inclusion to its people. It’s great to know you are changing the world for the better – but it’s equally important you are doing it alongside those who truly believe it and accept you for you.
MAKING FAMILY PLANNING A PRIORITY
Look for companies that offer family planning for LGBTQIA+ individuals as part of their health insurance. Sadly, many companies are still not progressive, so if you want to start a family, working at a company that supports you through their health insurance is incredibly important and welcoming.
BE YOU
Don’t be afraid to be who you are. Oftentimes at work, we don’t give people the chance to accept us for who you are because we are afraid of being judged or labeled. The company you choose should of course make it a priority to all accept ALL of their employees
