November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, contributions, cultures and lives of Native Americans past and present.
Paycom was founded in Oklahoma, a state with a deep Native American history and heritage. It’s home to 39 federally recognized tribes, each with its own unique history, customs and languages that have helped to shape the state.
Native American culture is not only a vital piece of our past and present but also our collective future — in our state, our country and even here at Paycom. Through our Indigenous Employee Resource Group (ERG), Paycom is creating a more inclusive workspace that celebrates, recognizes and elevates the stories of employees with Native American heritage.
Unique backgrounds build storied careers
Paycom’s Indigenous ERG has helped many employees make strides in the workplace and community. One member growing personally and professionally is Haven, a compliance analyst at Paycom.
From a young age, Haven, a member of the Seminole and Creek tribes, participated in powwows, dances, beadwork and pottery competitions, and language courses and competitions. Her identity as a Native American is integral to both her personal life and her work here at Paycom.
“Native Americans are very much still here in everyday society,” Haven said. “We are not a fairy tale, a costume or some Hollywood movie trope, and we are more than the stigmas that much of society has assigned us. We, as a people, along with our culture, deserve to have our history honored, respected and remembered.”
Haven started at Paycom nearly seven years ago in Reception. She has since worked her way up through several positions in various departments, including Tax and Customer Service. Haven believes Paycom’s leadership and personal growth opportunities, in addition to her life experiences, have helped her reach new heights.
“There is no limit to what you can do at Paycom when you apply yourself,” she said.
This Native American Heritage Month, Haven is showing how identity can be a force in building a storied and impactful career.
“My Native American pride has made me want to be successful in my career so I can honor my ancestors who sacrificed for the life I have now, as well as show the youth that we as a people can be successful while honoring our culture,” she said.
To this day, Haven continues to live by the values instilled in her throughout her childhood, applying those lessons in all aspects of life.
“I’ve been taught the value of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth,” she said. “And I have strived to apply each of these teachings in my everyday life, as well as at Paycom.”
Opportunities to connect with culture at Paycom
Paycom’s Indigenous ERG helps our employees connect with others who share similar cultures and experiences, while also growing professionally. ERGs — and other similar spaces — are integral to an inclusive and diverse organization that truly supports all employees.
Jack is a proud ERG member and pre-employment specialist in our Oklahoma City office. A member of the Cherokee tribe, he believes Paycom’s values help foster harmony and justice, and he’s grateful for what the community has brought him.
“I’m glad that we’ve organized the ERG and are open to all,” Jack said. “I believe ERGs are very valuable for furthering connections and education, so we can all continue to become better and more fulfilled people.”
Paycom is also the sponsor of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, an award that honors college football’s best defensive back each year. Thorpe was the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States in the Olympics, and he’s revered as one of the most versatile athletes in American history.
At Paycom, we believe diversity — and the unique perspectives it brings — is crucial to building a thriving organization that celebrates all people. Through ERGs, the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and our commitment to amplifying a diverse range of voices, Paycom will continue to recognize the impact of every employee, no matter their background.
Do you want to join a diverse, inclusive and industry-leading workplace? Learn more about a career at Paycom and apply today!
