A topic like family can be difficult to discuss in the workplace. But, when Relativity asked employees what topics they wanted to learn, modern family dynamics – including adoption, interracial dynamics, LGBTQ/same-sex adoption – topped the list.

After realizing employees want to talk about the evolution of the modern family and what family dynamics look like today, Ana Ramirez, Senior Specialist: Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging at Relativity, reached out to the Electives team to collaborate on developing a unique, customized Electives class (“Elective”).

Relativity wanted its Elective on modern family dynamics to be fun and educational.

The Relativity team was familiar with Electives, and Ana knew Monica Livingston, a popular Electives teacher, would be perfect to bring back to her team for the Elective on modern family dynamics. Monica previously delivered an Elective on the topic of implicit bias to the Relativity team, and survey data proved that the content resonated. Ana was confident Monica would curate a space for a discussion on modern family dynamics that would be educational and fun, even as they addressed recent news and opinions surrounding Roe v. Wade rulings.

The modern family dynamics Elective created team bonding opportunities at Relativity.

Team bonding happens when employees learn from one another. Those moments of connectivity leave a lasting impact. During the modern family Elective, Monica created a space, coined a “family meeting,” and encouraged Relativity employees to share their family stories. Relativity employees appreciated hearing personal stories from colleagues and found themselves celebrating interracial families, families with adopted children, childless families, large and small families and more. Any type of family, they affirmed together, is a family. This point was highlighted throughout the custom modern family Elective delivered to Relativity.

Relativity teammates shared insights on how people can be more understanding or supportive of modern family dynamics. Themes included:

Not making assumptions about an individual’s reproductive abilities

Recognizing that adoption is a positive life event

Identifying both similarities and differences across teammates

“I love it when people give maximum effort to the practice of having a growth mindset,” commented Monica after leading the 90-minute Elective. “We looked at how the family has changed over decades, but also how it hasn’t. The fundamental takeaway is that, regardless of the members of your family, the true unifier is acceptance and being valued.”

Relativity created a safe space for its people with the modern family dynamics Elective.

“People want connection.. to be seen.. heard and valued,” continued Monica. “The Relativity community was a true example of how, when employees are able to be their full selves in the workplace, in a safe environment, people will share and grow.”

“I honestly cannot thank you all enough for organizing this,” proclaimed a Relativity employee in the post-Elective survey. “Countless times, through my working history, my ‘family’ was overlooked or my time off requests or scheduling was second to my coworkers with kids because I didn’t have children. The education and celebration of families of any kind is such a breath of fresh air to me.”

Every company has an opportunity to help its people grow.

For companies that want to bring unique learning topics to their employees, Ana recommends they “create an internal committee to support programming and gauge interest. Get support with logistics and content from members of ERGs or leadership. Also, ensure that the quality of presenters is there! Luckily with Electives, we know the quality of teachers speaks for themselves, so I never have to worry about this! When presenters are willing to share and be vulnerable, it will make the experience so much more powerful.”

When employees feel respected, they give more.

“People will work harder, longer, stronger and faster with you and for you when there is a culture of care,” summarized Monica. “So it’s simple – be accepting and lead with love.”

A topic like family can be difficult to discuss in the workplace. But, when Relativity asked employees what topics they wanted to learn, modern family dynamics – including adoption, interracial dynamics, LGBTQ/same-sex adoption – topped the list.

After realizing employees want to talk about the evolution of the modern family and what family dynamics look like today, Ana Ramirez, Senior Specialist: Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging at Relativity, reached out to the Electives team to collaborate on developing a unique, customized Electives class (“Elective”).

Relativity wanted its Elective on modern family dynamics to be fun and educational.
The Relativity team was familiar with Electives, and Ana knew Monica Livingston, a popular Electives teacher, would be perfect to bring back to her team for the Elective on modern family dynamics. Monica previously delivered an Elective on the topic of implicit bias to the Relativity team, and survey data proved that the content resonated. Ana was confident Monica would curate a space for a discussion on modern family dynamics that would be educational and fun, even as they addressed recent news and opinions surrounding Roe v. Wade rulings.

The modern family dynamics Elective created team bonding opportunities at Relativity.
Team bonding happens when employees learn from one another. Those moments of connectivity leave a lasting impact. During the modern family Elective, Monica created a space, coined a “family meeting,” and encouraged Relativity employees to share their family stories. Relativity employees appreciated hearing personal stories from colleagues and found themselves celebrating interracial families, families with adopted children, childless families, large and small families and more. Any type of family, they affirmed together, is a family. This point was highlighted throughout the custom modern family Elective delivered to Relativity.
Relativity teammates shared insights on how people can be more understanding or supportive of modern family dynamics. Themes included:
Not making assumptions about an individual’s reproductive abilities
Recognizing that adoption is a positive life event
Being vulnerable with colleagues
Identifying both similarities and differences across teammates
“I love it when people give maximum effort to the practice of having a growth mindset,” commented Monica after leading the 90-minute Elective. “We looked at how the family has changed over decades, but also how it hasn’t. The fundamental takeaway is that, regardless of the members of your family, the true unifier is acceptance and being valued.”

Relativity created a safe space for its people with the modern family dynamics Elective.
“People want connection.. to be seen.. heard and valued,” continued Monica. “The Relativity community was a true example of how, when employees are able to be their full selves in the workplace, in a safe environment, people will share and grow.”

“I honestly cannot thank you all enough for organizing this,” proclaimed a Relativity employee in the post-Elective survey. “Countless times, through my working history, my ‘family’ was overlooked or my time off requests or scheduling was second to my coworkers with kids because I didn’t have children. The education and celebration of families of any kind is such a breath of fresh air to me.”

Every company has an opportunity to help its people grow.
For companies that want to bring unique learning topics to their employees, Ana recommends they “create an internal committee to support programming and gauge interest. Get support with logistics and content from members of ERGs or leadership. Also, ensure that the quality of presenters is there! Luckily with Electives, we know the quality of teachers speaks for themselves, so I never have to worry about this! When presenters are willing to share and be vulnerable, it will make the experience so much more powerful.”

When employees feel respected, they give more.
“People will work harder, longer, stronger and faster with you and for you when there is a culture of care,” summarized Monica. “So it’s simple – be accepting and lead with love.”

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Electives partners with Relativity to create customized learning on modern family dynamics

Electives Partners With Relativity To Create Customized Learning On Modern Family Dynamics.

Mon Sep 12 2022

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