As we enter June, Maxim Healthcare Services joins communities around the world in celebrating Pride Month. This is an important time to recognize and honor the LGBTQ+ community for their resilience, bravery and contributions to society. While there have been significant advancements in terms of visibility and acceptance for this community over the years, there is still a long way to go in terms of creating inclusive work environments.
In light of this, Maxim has established an LGBTQ+ Affinity Group to provide support, advocacy and educational opportunities. Join us as we take a closer look at how the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group works towards making our workplace a safe and welcoming space for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We sat down with Alyssa Hann and Lauren Leskowsky, two leaders of the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, to discuss the group and its goals.
The LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
Maxim’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group aims to create a safe space for Maxim’s LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect and support each other – especially since safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals are unfortunately few and far between.
The group meets for monthly coffee breaks to discuss current events, upcoming Pride events and educational topics. Often, volunteers or guest speakers join in to share their experiences, and the meeting closes with a question-and-answer period.
At Maxim, our mission is to enhance the quality of life within our communities – both internally and externally. The LGBTQ+ Affinity Group plays a key role in promoting diversity and inclusion within our company. Lauren commented, “Most of all, we show up and serve each other as a support system, which is really important because we’re always the ones that are working to serve our patients and our clients. So showing up to serve one another…is really important.”
Alyssa added, “Maxim has a huge emphasis on diversity and inclusion, that’s a big component of our company now…I think something that our specific affinity group does is welcome, celebrate and encourage everyone’s true authentic selves and overall diversity. And that works towards Maxim’s mission every single day.”
Building an inclusive workplace
Maxim Healthcare Services prioritizes creating an inclusive workplace. Our affinity groups are crucial to achieving this goal. The LGBTQ+ Affinity Group works diligently to raise awareness on important issues, advocate for the use of inclusive language and discourage making assumptions about gender identity and sexuality.
The group has built a solid and supportive community that helps each other even outside of the monthly coffee breaks. Lauren shared that a few parents in the group have bonded through the experience of having children in the LGBTQ+ community and share resources and support each other. Alyssa added that some group members have periodic check-ins with each other, especially if they are just coming out, or need extra support in their journey.
Participating in the affinity group has also benefited the leaders. Lauren shared, “As a non-leader in my office setting, I am so appreciative of all of the diverse perspectives and real-world experiences that I am able to hear from our guest speakers and volunteers that are willing to speak on our calls.”
She continued, “I feel so lucky and appreciative that people are willing to share their stories and I also think it’s a great first step when thinking and talking about diversity and inclusion, you want to reach as many people as possible with your stories and open up people’s worldviews.”
Alyssa added, “We have the ability to make an impact. It’s been a fun journey and I think Lauren and I’s mission is to reach as many people as we can.”
Be a part of the Maxim team
Maxim employees have access to a range of diversity and inclusion programs. In addition to our LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, Multicultural Affinity Group, Women’s Affinity Group, Diversity and Inclusion Board and committees are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace.
For us, diversity and inclusion is not just a buzzword, it’s something we strive for and work on consistently. As Alyssa shared, “As a DBO [Director of Business Operations], I interview people every single day, and one of my biggest selling points is diversity and inclusion…it’s important to me and I want to make sure it at the forefront every single day.”
Lauren echoed her sentiment, saying, “As an employee that Alyssa hired, the authenticity speaks for itself. You can tell the people on the D&I board are very passionate about it because of the work that they put in to the calls and the topics they discuss in the calls.”
Ready to explore a new opportunity? Maxim Healthcare Services is hiring for positions across the country. Visit our careers site to learn more about our benefits, culture, continuing education opportunities and job openings. Stay in the know by joining our talent community for personalized job updates and company news. Start your Maxim journey today!
Hear from Milan D., a Maxim Talent Acquisition Coordinator, who shares what our diversity and inclusion initiatives mean to them.
“I like working for Maxim because there is truly a range of people. It’s just the best reflection of the world in one workplace. And I think that’s what every workplace should strive to be, just a reflection of the world.”
