Elza Pálinkás, Associate Director and Global Communities Leader, explains how Kyndryl’s Inclusion Networks are building connection across a truly global organisation.
Global Inclusion Networks
As the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, Kyndryl operates across diverse markets, cultures and communities. The company has long invested in its ERGs – Kyndryl Inclusion Networks (KINs) – recognising that belonging helps foster connection, increase employee engagement and helps business performance.
Kyndryl supports seven global KINs, each with chapters spanning more than 30 countries. In total, there are 73 country-based KIN chapters, reflecting both the scale of the organisation and the local relevance of its approach. “Our KINs are open to all Kyndryls and are integral to our global footprint,” says Elza Pálinkás.
“They enable us to cultivate a culture of belonging across geographies, backgrounds and lived experiences.”
Elza Pálinkás – Kyndryl
KINs Around the World
The Kyndryl Inclusion Networks are carefully designed to balance global and local needs. A dedicated central team – Kinship @ Kyndryl – provides strategic alignment, guidance, and governance support for KIN activities and all networks operate within a clearly defined governance framework. At the same time, local chapters benefit from dedicated leadership and HR support to ensure relevance within regional and country contexts.
“Our KINs are designed to be both globally consistent and locally relevant”, Elza explains. “While all KINs share a common purpose – to foster belonging and support for our communities – their focus areas and activities are tailored to reflect the unique needs, cultures and priorities of each region or country. This flexibility ensures that our networks remain meaningful and impactful for Kyndryls around the world.”
Belonging as a Superpower
At the centre of Kyndryl’s ERG strategy is a clear belief: belonging drives engagement and engaged employees deliver better customer and business outcomes. That belief is embedded in the company’s culture, known as The Kyndryl Way.
“Belonging – being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team – is fundamental to engagement and sits at the heart of our culture,” says Elza.
“Belonging is recognized as a superpower at Kyndryl, and our KINs are instrumental in cultivating this sense of connection and purpose, empowering employees to bring their authentic selves to work.”
Elza Pálinkás – Kyndryl
KINs are also aligned to Kyndryl’s Talent Journey. By embedding ERGs into talent development, engagement and leadership pathways, Kyndryl positions inclusion as a driver of growth, innovation and long-term employee engagement success.
Investing in Progress
Kyndryl is continuing to invest in its KINs, recognising their positive contribution on engagement, attraction and retention. A key initiative this year has been accelerating ERG maturity through targeted enablement initiatives, including investment in the Radius ERG Leader Certification programme for 100 ERG leaders globally. “This investment equips our leaders with the tools and confidence to drive greater impact across the organisation,” Elza explains. Progress is tracked through a KIN Progression Model, which assesses network maturity through annual self-assessments. Over the past three years this model has demonstrated clear and consistent progression across regions, providing both accountability and insight into what high-impact ERGs look like at scale.
People and Culture Impact
Kyndryls Inclusion Networks are deeply embedded within its People and Culture strategy, serving as catalysts for innovation, collaboration and cultural transformation. They provide a continuous feedback loop to senior leadership, helping ensure that employee perspectives inform decision-making.
In some cases, ERG impact extends directly into business development. Several KINs have contributed to customer Requests for Proposals, helping to strengthen Kyndryl’s positioning as a purpose-driven, inclusive partner. “Our networks are increasingly visible as a business asset,” Elza notes. “They reinforce our reputation and help differentiate us in the market.”
Regionally, KINs adapt their focus to local priorities. In Costa Rica, for example, the Women’s KIN received formal recognition from the Ministry of Labor for championing inclusion – demonstrating how local chapters can drive impact beyond the organisation itself.
Innovation and Engagement
KINs also play a role in driving innovation through collaboration with customers and partners. Joint sessions focused on cultural celebrations and community topics provide opportunities to share best practices, deepen relationships and co-create solutions.
Beyond the workplace, Kyndryl Inclusion Networks support the company’s broader corporate citizenship agenda. Through partnerships and community engagement, they advance Kyndryl’s social impact priorities: Future Forward Education, Climate Action, and Inclusive Economy. “Our KINs extend Kyndryl’s reach into external communities,” says Elza. “They help us build partnerships, foster dialogue, and create positive change while reinforcing our role as both a partner and employer of choice.”
Evolving with the Workforce
As Kyndryl’s workforce evolves, so do its KINs. One emerging trend is increased interest in multi-generational topics across the organisation. “This trend shows employees’ enthusiasm for sharing experiences, learning from each other and tackling issues like communication styles and career expectations in ways that benefit everyone”, says Elza.
“Our goal is to nurture environments where every voice is heard and valued.”
Elza Pálinkás – Kyndryl
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Kyndryl remains committed to scaling its Kyndryl Inclusion Networks while continuing to support meaningful employee connection and engagement. Continued use of the maturity model, strong executive sponsorship and HR partnership will support this next phase of growth. “Our vision is to embed belonging and well-being even more deeply into the fabric of Kyndryl,” says Elza. “KINs are central to that journey.”
By creating safe spaces, amplifying employee voices, supporting talent development and connecting inclusion to business outcomes, Kyndryl Inclusion Networks demonstrate how ERGs can drive meaningful culture change at scale. In doing so, they reinforce a powerful truth at the heart of The Kyndryl Way: when people feel they belong, everyone performs better.
At Radius, we’re proud to work with the world’s most inclusive employers – organisations that put people first and are committed to building workspaces where everyone belongs.
Our 2026 Radius Global ERG Impact Report offers strong evidence that ERGs are continuing to deliver impact at scale – driving change, strengthening inclusion and belonging developing talent and skills and supporting workplace resilience and wellbeing.
