“My Dow Network” Provides Dow People with New Way to Connect

February 2008

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In the business world, as in other aspects of life, people need to stay connected. My Dow Network is a corporate social network that addresses that need. The closed, online community allows users to expand their professional networks, renew old friendships, stay connected with the latest Dow information, and explore new job opportunities. It also keeps Dow connected to a larger talent pool, fuels collaboration and innovation, and facilitates a diverse and inclusive work environment. From working parents who take time off to retirees with special skills and knowledge, My Dow Network provides an avenue for Dow to stay connected with top talent, and to potentially re-engage that talent in some way. 

Early Usage Exceeds Expectations

My Dow Network was launched in the U.S. on December 6, 2007.  The community had 4,000 registered users in less than two months, with 95 percent returning to the site again during that timeframe.  A total of 40,000 connections were made, and more than 25,000 invitations to join the network were extended.

On the job front, users conducted 200 searches for Dow positions and 150 searches for Kelly (contractor) jobs.  Nine internal job referrals were made. 

More than 2,000 news items were opened. And, more than 2,000 visits were made to My Women’s Network – a hub site within the community dedicated to helping women enhance opportunities for personal and professional growth.  What a busy beginning!

How the Network Works, and Who Benefits

Any employee, previous employee, or retiree with a Dow ID number can join the network.  Registered users complete a profile page and then invite others to join their personal networks. 

Jeff Schatzer, a Dow retiree, author and Santa Claus, has created a profile and is in the process of accepting and inviting folks into his network.

“One of the great losses of retirement is the severance of ties that had such meaning,” says Schatzer.  “The network is one way to re-establish those ties. After three years of retirement, it’s heartwarming to know that people think of me, that they have a comment for me, or want to share some news with me.”

Dow alumna Becky Marxer, who is now working at a public relations firm, says My Women’s Network helps her to stay connected with friends she left behind when she moved away from Midland to be closer to her fiancé. 

“This is an easy way to keep in touch,” says Marxer. “Although I’m 600 miles away, it feels like I’m back at Dow.  I have about 35 friends on my contact list.  I can look at their photos, keep in touch with job moves and stay current.

Growth Expected for Online Community

As existing members use the built-in Refer a Friend feature, the community and its potential benefits are expected to grow.  What is it that drives an employee to use the network and encourage others to use it?  Perhaps no one knows better than Mike Harvey, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning Leader in Houston, Texas, who referred 250 people to the network!

“Careers are based on relationships and positive synergies between people,” said Harvey. “My Dow Network has great potential for helping people with common interests to establish contact and share ideas, wherever they are.  And the connections go beyond our work. Dow’s investment in My Dow Network has the potential to establish and maintain relationships that make the corporate workplace more personal and more rewarding.”

My Dow Network is currently being trialed within the United States with consideration for expansion beyond this audience following review and success of metrics for the website later in the year.

Related Links:

• My Dow Network
• The Human Element Website
• Dow Feature Stories
• Dow Careers