Belonging as a catalyst for high performance

At 1Password, we know that a culture of belonging is essential to achieving our company’s goals. Since launching our first Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in 2021 and expanding to Employee Community Groups (ECGs) in 2023, these communities have become so much more than spaces for connection – they’re shaping how we lead, grow, and perform together. Today, our ERGs and ECGs collectively represent more than 1,300 Slack channel members, reflecting strong engagement across communities at 1Password.

Our eight ERGs and ECGs remind us that belonging and high performance aren’t competing priorities; they thrive together. They turn our values into everyday actions, helping people feel both stretched and supported as we continue evolving our high-performance culture.

By keeping community at the center, our groups drive growth, learning, and impact – making belonging something we can see and feel in how we show up for each other every day.

Belonging in action

Earlier this year, our Chief People Officer, Katya Laviolette, shared what high performance means at 1Password: a culture grounded in clarity, accountability, and shared purpose. She emphasized that high performance isn’t about speed or output alone, but about moving forward together with focus and alignment.

That vision has come to life across our ERGs and ECGs, which play a key role in helping socialize what high performance looks like in practice. Building on that message, our Black Caucus and Pride ERGs hosted an Unlocking High performance session featuring speakers from both communities sharing how they interpret and embody high performance in their day-to-day work. The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, because it showed how high performance can look different for everyone, and that people from all backgrounds can thrive, contribute, and do their best work within a shared vision.

Hearing from several folks from different areas within 1Password, and from those that experience several levels of intersectionality was super valuable for me. Just knowing of their existence feels like relief.” -  “Unlocking High Performance” event attendee

By creating space for honest conversation and diverse perspectives, our ERGs and ECGs help bridge the gap between belonging and performance. They remind us that striving for excellence doesn’t mean leaving anyone behind, it means bringing everyone along.

Evolving ERGs: From community to career catalyst

This year, as our culture has evolved, our ERGs have stepped into a new role: becoming true resources for employees and vehicles for career growth and development. What began as spaces for connection and belonging have evolved into communities that empower members and allies to actively shape their career journeys.

We’ve hosted sessions on self-advocacy, how to understand disability accommodations, how to build a personal online brand, and more. These events reflect an intentional shift: embedding more development opportunities so that belonging also means building skills, confidence, and visibility.

To continue that growth, we’ve also proudly launched a formal mentorship program with our ERG community, connecting emerging leaders to structured support, guidance, and growth opportunities. We’re committed to nurturing the growth of our ERG leaders: individuals who not only champion inclusion and culture but also drive collaboration, adaptability, and business impact. Their leadership extends beyond community and is shaping the future of high performance at 1Password.

Community Impact: The power of connection

Even as the focus on professional growth expands, our ERGs and ECGs haven’t lost sight of their original purpose: human connection. These communities continue to be safe, energizing spaces where people can show up authentically and find belonging in a remote-first environment.

Through asynchronous engagement and creative initiatives, our groups have kept connections alive across regions and time zones. They’ve organized book purchases, donated over $20,000 to global charities, and created Slack channels where members can celebrate everything from a Beyoncé tour, to a Taylor Swift album release, to KPOP Demon Hunters. These small, joyful moments remind us that we’re not just colleagues behind screens, but people building community together.

We’ve also proudly hosted events for each heritage month across all of our communities, spotlighting stories, experiences, and cultural learning that make our workplace richer and more inclusive. This continued focus on connection, alongside professional development, is what gives us our competitive edge. By supporting employees holistically, we create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to do their best work.

Photo caption: Members and allies of our South and West Asia and North Africa ECG at our Toronto Collaboration Space. Members gathered for a volunteer event to create and donate 100 welcome baskets for women and children arriving at Nisa Homes. 

Belonging is our competitive edge

At 1Password, we know that belonging isn’t separate from high performance; it’s what makes it possible. When people are truly supported and valued, they bring their best ideas forward and contribute fully to our shared goals. Our ERGs and ECGs are proof that we can turn shared values into action and spark collaboration across teams. They remind us that excellence is a collective effort, not a solo pursuit. As 1Password continues to grow, these communities will continue to lead the way, helping us build an inclusive workplace that  enhances our culture and strengthens our business.

Visit our careers page to learn how you can contribute and discover what makes 1Password a uniquely rewarding place to build your future.