Companies of all sizes and industries have experimented with the best ways to make employee resource groups effective. Possible goals for an employee resource group: Encourage your employer to improve its policies and practices and participate in the Corporate Equality Index. They advocate for inclusive language, work opportunities, and fair practices. 1. With the guidance of the above examples, you can begin formulating a strategy for putting into place employee resource groups that will aid your teams in winning. 10 Little Behaviours that Attract People to You Luay Rahil in ILLUMINATION Elon Musk Eliminated Remote Work Because Working From Home "Doesn't Work" Anangsha Alammyan in Books Are Our Superpower 4. ERGs help employees connect with colleagues who share something in common with them. Actually be crucial to achieve your goal. ERGs are a vital and cutting-edge tool for inspiring your staff to produce their best work. Open lines are vital to the success of these groups, as well as honest communication. 8 min read. One DEIB initiative that organizations are embracing in increasing numbers is the use of employee resource groups, also known as ERGs. The formal presence of an employee resource group within an organization allows it administrative privileges including, the development of emerging leaders, talent acquisition and retention, and the logistical support of HR. Before we take a deep dive into the topic, lets break down the basics: what is an ERG and what does ERG stand for? Here are some of the largest and most notable employee resource groups today. Employee Resource Groups, sponsored by Fannie Mae's Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, provide opportunities to connect around common interests while furthering the company's mission and business objectives. To help you get started, below is my list of top 11 employee networks. The whole point of ERGs is to give underrepresented voices an opportunity to communicate with each other and with leadership. Top millennial workers like to work for companies that support them in living their ideals, and TIAA is fully aware of this. If any of these employee resource group examples sound like a good fit for your business, wed love to help you get started or grow your program. Community NETwork participants collaborate with the company's Executive Advocate Program (Champions) to find and develop high-potential leaders. Affinity groups where employees with similar lifestyles or interests can get together and socialize. In fact, there are probably several members that will likely be a part of multiple groups. Your email address will not be published. A corporation should only presume that someone will be interested in joining a group that fits a specific generalized demographic. ERG goals will be contingent on the company goals and needs. But as a leader of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it's key to understand the complex roles of ERGs and ensure Identifying common characteristics of employees and the same challenges they might be facing as a yardstick has always helped organizations propel employees to find support and ways to overcome problems. 1. Many workers are constantly searching for improved employment alternatives with equitable opportunities. Theyve inspired you. Implementing employee resource groups, or ERGs, at large enterprises comes with many benefits. Step 2: Get executive support. Because ERGs are employee-run, and can require minimal business involvement at least at first, theres no limit to how many ERGs a business can have. Subscribe to our blog & get notified on the latest trends that impact your business. The modern employee resource group is one way employers of choice, especially in the tech industry, have made concrete strides toward improving workplace diversity. Most companies take a leap of faith in terms of supporting them because, on a moral and ethical level, they are the right thing to do to provide an inclusive environment for diverse employees. W@M is in charge of everything from recruiting efforts at institutions with historically female student bodies to forging connections with female-owned suppliers. Check out our guide on effective ERG goal setting here. Wine clubs, literature groups, walking clubs, and bicycle clubs are examples of standard company clubs. What Is an Employee Resource Group (ERG)? These groups operate differently from one company to another but commonly incorporate both professional and social networking activities. Setting up DEIB programs that are effective and impactful is a top priority for many chief culture officers and HR managers. Keep an eye out in your email inbox for next steps from Verbate. In fact, these groups have been around since the 1960s when black workers at Xerox formed a group in order to find a solution to racial tension in the workplace. Resource Groups will meet quarterly at a minimum. There really isnt a downside to setting up and supporting ERGs, regardless of your business type or size. 1. Common examples of an ERG group include the following: Think about your workforce for a moment. Explore the best employee resource groups examples and read about the next steps to create a more inclusive working environment in the future. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups made up of individuals who join together based on common interests, backgrounds, or demographic factors. 1. Employees can learn more about the company by connecting with other departments and better understanding the company goals and strategy. . The first step is deciding what sort of group you want to create: The next step is aligning the goals of your ERG with the overall objectives of your company. The employee resource group examples after this point tend to vary based on the companys demographics. Examples of employee resource groups Creative employees have bonded around a wide variety of employee resource groups, including: Women's networks Groups for people of color LGBTQ+ groups Working parent support groups Sustainability committees Veteran support groups Networks for people with disabilities Mental health advocacy groups According to a recent study, 38% of U.S. employees use their own funds for work-related purchases at least once a month. The existence of employee resource groups makes a positive impact on employees working peacefully by developing a culture that makes work less stressful. Demonstrate &Improve: Company-wide email from CEO co-sponsored by ERG Leads, Public Letter, LinkedIn Post, Quarterly Action Revisits, Alignment: Align business objectives with community efforts, Increase Transparency, Stakeholders: ERG Co-Leads, ERGExec Sponsor, HR Leadership Team, Demonstrate &Improve: Survey distributed through email, collected on Verbate platform or Confluence. Nevertheless, stable leadership and low staff turnover lead to corporate triumphs. Present your ideas to the general workforce and encourage employees to participate. Although relationships between coworkers develop organically, ERGs are a terrific method to promote excellent and fruitful associations. The fact that theyre set up informally, or often have an informal atmosphere to them, can be refreshing. Employee Resource Group: Defined. Allies can also use their existing privilege for good, both inside and outside of the workplace. The Department of Energy supports participation in employee resource groups as a way to cultivate a supportive, welcoming, inclusive and equitable work environment. Employee resource group examples may include communities for women, people of color, differently-abled employees, parents, or veterans. It aims to create an inclusive environment at Capital One where Black associates can drive change, break barriers and make an impact. Toolkit for Establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Getting Started Congratulations o n getting your Employee Resource Group started! These organizations bring disparate workers together to discuss a common passion, which fosters more significant employee interaction. However, there are a number of common drivers: Employee resource groups come in all shapes and sizes. young professionals, seasoned professionals, intergenerational) Members can engage with coworkers who may be in different departments or on another team, fostering cooperation and company alignment. Employee resource groups help provide support for both career and personal development. Employee resource groups help give employees at a company their own voice and can help boost engagement across the workplace. The Young Professionals serve as the initiative's focal point. They take a similar structure to committees, clubs, or task forces. Over time, the business may offer them budget towards things like activities. Typically voluntary and employee-led, employee resource groups assemble organically based upon the shared experience of employees. However, by establishing more formal venues in the form of employee resource groups, your company can simultaneously provide several benefits of employee resource groups to team members and the business. At the same time, tons of attractive perks and benefits that once encouraged lasting employee loyalty have become relics of the past. Businesses of all sizes and sectors have tested employee resource groups' effectiveness. Sponsor, HRTeam, DE&I Team, Timeline: 2 speakers per year (1 during our heritage month), Demonstrate &Improve: Company Newsletter, General Slack Channel, Verbate Calendar, Post-event Retro, Leadership sync, Alignment: Strengthen Culture, Build Awareness, Showcase Diverse Leaders, Stakeholders: ERG Volunteer Member, Recruitment Team, Timeline: Plan in Q1, Execute in Q2, Release in Q3 in time for Heritage Month, Demonstrate &Improve: Company ListServ, Premiere at Q3 Town Hall, Company Nominations on who to Feature, Alignment: Professional Career Development, Recruitment/Rentention, Stakeholders: ERG Co-Lead, Exec Sponsor, HRTeam, Recruitment Team, Timeline: Host entry-level workshop in Q1 and host mid-level workshop in Q3. An integral part of this is our emphasis on employee resource groups (ERGs). They're usually led and participated in by employees who share a characteristic, whether it's gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, lifestyle, or interest. What is an Employee Resource Group (ERG)? Fostering communication between ERGs ensures that all team members are working toward the same goals. Leaders should recognize them, celebrate with them and, if possible, join them. Coming soon! In this guide, we walk you through key frameworks and considerations to keep in mind as you set goals and work towards them. Creating employee resource groups (ERGs) is an approach you can use to build a more inclusive environment and addresses diversity and inclusion in a more holistic, community-based way. In the past, ERGs have traditionally been focused on . The future of work is changing rapidly, and so, the 'future of culture' is too. According to a 2017 report by TopMBA, 90% of Fortune 500 companies have ERGs, and this number is likely even higher following the summer of 2020. As Intel's-acting Employee Resource Group Global Program Manager, I was responsible for overseeing the strategic development, implementation and execution of the strategic programs & initiatives of Intel's 29 diverse employee resource group organizations. Common examples of an ERG group include the following: Women's network ERG groups for people of color An LGBTQIA+ network Veterans employee resource groups Were in an era where the concept of a lifelong job at one employer has fallen by the wayside. A women's network Women in the workplace can mentor each other, model a career path, and work on solutions to stubborn glass-ceiling issues within your company. What groups could your employees potentially create? A female employee may not be interested in joining what looks to be a social club. Happy interactions among coworkers increase productivity. These organizations were initially based on various underrepresented groups based on race and gender. There are groups for working mothers, veterans, cancer survivors, speakers of French, and many others, all of which are encouraged to advocate for key populations. Employee resource groups are both top-down and bottom-up. You also need to plan and identify benchmarks for success, including long-term goals and potential challenges. In todays post, we are going to define ERG and explain the benefits of creating an ERG group in your business. Keep it voluntary ERGs work best when there is a community of committed members that show up and do the work. Making your workplace inclusive for employees with disabilities, Top tips to give employees a greater sense of purpose at work, 6 ways to build inclusion and belonging in the workplace, Age-based (e.g. Kickass employee resource groups ensure employees feel safe from work pressure or overload. Making friends outside the office can enhance the atmosphere by promoting employee collaboration, engagement, and teamwork. strengthen this, amplifying minority voices and increasing the visibility of these groups. Find the right leaders for your group and make sure they are able to commit. Some of the more popular groups acknowledged today are: Work relationships organically develop in every workplace environment. Thus, you need enough interest, someone willing to start the group, established meeting and behavioral guidelines, and goals. Drop by our site or ping us at hello@workrowd.com to learn how we can partner to drive real belonging at your organization. These include: Which types of employee resource groups you'll allow; Who can join (spoiler alert: all employees) Whether employees will be paid for this activity; Your budget for 2. No one can be compelled to join. E&Y currently has more than a dozen ERGs and employee support groups. LGBTQ+ ERG An LGBTQ+ ERG works to create fair practices for LGBTQ+ employees. Taking top honors was the General Motors Employee Resource Group, followed by the Mallinckrodt . Create a solid strategy and communication plan. Being tuned into what conversations are being had in ERGs can provide executives with insights on their employees concerns, ideas, and interests, aligning the company even more. They foster a respectful and caring community that supports each other actively and creatively to resolve issues. They most certainly lack the same first-hand knowledge or viewpoints as those reported in the reports. Today, more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies offer them. Employee resource groups, also known as affinity groups, have emerged in the workplace as a standard component of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Demonstrate &Improve: Verbate Calendar, Leadership Email Listserv, ERG Slack Channels, Post-event Retros, Alignment: Raise Awareness, Show Solidarity, Begin Dialogue around policies that can help, Stakeholders: ERG Exec Sponsor, ERG President, C-Suite Representative. Support from colleagues can therefore be essential to employee happiness, satisfaction, and retention. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), are found in 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies and are . 2021 Kalungi, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. Groups that a company might start with are a group for young . Here are four best practices for employee resource groups. Your email address will not be published. VOICES sponsors the Magellan Program, a customized, comprehensive nine-month offering that provides associates with the tools to . Employee Resource Groups are a critical link between employees and senior management, connecting a diverse array of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences to the Department's EEO . Promoting equality and diversity for all? This means that although the groups are created and managed by employees, senior management still needs to be on board. It can be challenging to grow ERGs in today's socially concerned world. In a more socially conscious world today, trying to grow ERGs can be tricky. These are voluntary, employee-led groups that serve to foster diversity and inclusion. 1. In actuality, many members are likely to belong to many groups. Each ERG group has its own specific purpose and goals. This has resulted in pinpointing more than 30 high-potential individuals at the VP level. diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, Corporate expense cards: easily manage employee expenses, Cultural proficiency: how to nurture it in your organization, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): complete HR guide, Out-of-pocket reimbursements: everything you need to know, Performance reviews vs. competency assessments, Handling layoffs: 7 best practices for HR. This can be a great way to build membership. As you plan your Heritage Month, these are few things to keep in mind. Still, leadership continuity and low turnover spark business successes. From sparking girls interest in technology, working with women-forward organizations, and providing networking, mentoring, and other professional development resources, Women@Microsoft works to break the gender gap in technology and empower women to bring their whole selves to work.. Companies often establish their ERGs in a predictable order. Business leaders should focus on more than just growing the business or expanding its various verticals. Get your ERGs off to a great start with templates for ERG events, budgets, communications, and more. Participants in Community NETwork partner with the companys Executive Advocate Program (called Champions) to identify and cultivate high-potential leaders. Colleagues will find it easier to connect with and support each other. So How can todays employers, in todays job market, encourage that all-important engagement? Catalyst has more than 20 years of experience working with employee resource groups (ERGs) across a variety of industries and regions. It is AT&T's third-largest and third-oldest ERG at AT&T, with about 12,000 members. We spend most of our waking lives with our colleagues. Your employee resource group suggestions should be individually tailored to your organization and its unique workforce. Employee Resource Groups or ERG are voluntary employee-led associations where members come together with common interests, background, or demographics. With over 12,000 members, it is the oldest ERG at AT&T as well as its third largest. Cat is the founder ofThe Content CAT: Content And Translation, providing Portage, MI 01/2015. Building a company culture around inclusion and diversity should be instilled from the top to the bottom. If you are considering starting an ERG corporate group, there are a number of elements you need to consider so that it is a success. Employee resource groups may provide short-term solutions but are an execution tool for more inclusion, diversity, and openness. CVS Health established a Latino Mentoring Group 31 years ago, which later combined with the Portuguese Empowerment Group to form the Portuguese and Latino Empowerment Group (PLEG), one of 15 Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) at the company. Longer employment cycles among content employees also lower employee turnover and hasten the onboarding of new team members. Effective and empowered ERGs also contribute to better retention and recruitment for employers - a key factor in today's competitive talent market. Table of Contents Planned, led, and directed by women, W@M is responsible for everything from recruiting drives at traditionally female colleges to developing relationships with women-owned suppliers. Employee resource groups (ERGs) have been around since the 1960s. Join the Verbate community to learn and grow alongside leaders from other non-profit and community organizations. They provide a sense of community, which can help people find their purpose and confidence in the workplace. That being said, it isnt the job of ERGs to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives. Also known as affinity groups, employee resource groups give employees the opportunity to build a community, have discussions about meaningful topics and share resources. Be sure ERG goals are aligned with organizational goals to . This ensures they are structured and supplied adequately to achieve their purposes. Originally, these groups were centered around race and gender, offering minorities an opportunity to present their concerns to management and advocate for change as a united front. So resource groups for employees are a fantastic solution. ERG leaders have a profound impact on employees. UNICEF, and Corporate Excellence - Centre for Reputation Leadership. Setting effective goals is key to your ERG's success. An inclusive company culture will include educational events and networking events for employees to learn and collaborate. One strategy employers of choice use, particularly in the IT sector, to improve workplace diversity is the employee engagement tactic. In this article, we give you some concrete goal examples to get those creative ideas going! ERGs assist in putting these people in cooperative groups where, for less severe issues, some of their concerns can be addressed in safe spaces without even needing to climb the ladder. 3. Transforming the way companies market, sell, and service their customers, 8 Ways to Motivate Your Team and Hit Your Q4 Goals, The 4 Next Business Tech Advances Your Company Needs to Scale Fast, How to Support Your Marketing Team During the Holiday Season, 5 Kickass Employee Resource Groups That Drive Engagement, 5 of the Very Best Employee Resource Groups in Business Today, 3. Race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and other qualities that may unintentionally alienate a person from the wider group can be used to identify minorities. The initiative aims to empower and inspire women to break the glass ceiling, both within the company and the wider community. Research by Gallup suggests that the problem of employee engagement is one of the biggest ones facing businesses worldwide. Leaders set examples from the top down. However, you might find her more eager to participate if it's made clear that a women's ERG emphasizes aiding the business in hiring, educating, retaining a more significant percentage of women and further accessing the female consumer market. Check out our free templates for employee resource groups. ERG Examples Women in the workforce Veterans Multi-Cultural Team Member Resource Groups (TMRGs), part of Hilton's diversity program, focus on Inclusive and innovative business Talent growth, professional development, and coaching Nonprofit partnerships and services for diversely owned businesses. A safe space. Diversity groups that foster a sense of belonging amongst minority groups in your organization. These groups focus on awareness, which may come from asking for donations from the office or attending events to promote and support their cause. One of the functions of an ERG is to provide under-represented employees with an opportunity to discuss challenges they might be facing unique to their identity. They run the risk of being singled out or shot down. ERGs are . Communicate the Need for Structure Dell developed a new governance model for its global employee resource groups four years ago and launched them two and a half years ago. This could be a shared value, passion, background, or culture. Even better, volunteer with them if the opportunity . This support system forms a strong foundation for healing from discrimination and reaching each individual's potential. Description: A networking happy hour gives members of your ERG an opportunity to meet each other in-person and others who support your community.. Alignment: . Evaluation plays a role in mentorship programs and creating an effective career management. Volunteer groups help employees from different backgrounds come together over a shared passion, which can improve relationships in the workplace, fostering a greater sense of community. Stay up to date with the latest marketing, sales, and service tips. 2. Most of the recruiting industry has gone to LinkedIn, which has made the process smooth and silent. History of Employee Resource Groups. For example, Disability Employee Resource Groups may share information on appropriate etiquette; assist in promoting physical and virtual accessibility; offer . More than 30 VP-level high potentials have been identified due to this. Which could benefit your workforce culture and help your employees feel more included? Since ERGs have been around since the 1960s, there's been quite a few official groups established that have lasted a good amount of time. These tips will help you build an ERG group that provides true value to both your employees and your business as a whole: Cat Symonds is a freelance writer, editor, and translator. ERGs are groups of employees who join together based on shared characteristics or life experiences to provide fellowship, friendship and support, enhance career and personal development and contribute to the organization's vision and values. An employee development group's primary goal is to bring together employees from various levels and business divisions so they may share expertise, encourage those aspiring to leadership positions, and offer direction to those trying to advance their skills in a particular field. The CEO of Xerox met . Employees can even learn more about the business by interacting with different departments, keying more into business drivers and strategies. Here is a list of basic employee resource group guidelines and best practices to help groups achieve success. Once youve done that, take a look at a couple of examples of well-known ERG initiatives launched by a few big brands. Employee Resource Groups are employee identity or experience-based groups that focus on creating community and belonging for employees. The concept of an ERG group is not new. Nor is it in reference to having these groups join forces to overthrow The Man. As we mentioned in the introduction, workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives are on the rise. At Achievers, we have the Achievers Women's Network (AWN). employee resource groups (ergs) are grassroots groups formed by employees across all demographicsrace, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, education, geography, military status, occupation, energy field, etc. An Overview of Employee Resource Groups At , employee resource groups (ERGs) support the diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and objectives that are determined by the Global and the Executive Office (C-suite). It is a general result of employees feeling disengaged or disassociated at work when there is nothing to look forward to. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), or workplace affinity groups, are not new, and in fact they have been around in workplaces since the 1970s when they evolved in response to racial tensions in the US. It may even attract more diverse employees if they see how diverse your workforce is already. Aetna's Hispanic CRG, AHORA, was established in 2006. Employee resource groups can take a fair amount of monetary and non-monetary resources to organize, lead, maintain and support. Women at Microsoft is held up as one of the greatest recent ERG success stories. They likely dont have the same first-hand experiences or perspectives as their reports. Originally from Wales, she studied Spanish and French at the University of Swansea before moving to Barcelona where she lived and worked for 12 years. The aim behind these initiatives is to create a working environment that benefits all employees, regardless of gender, ethnic background, socioeconomic background, and mental and physical ability, among others. . The very high retention rate and rising leadership presence of African American employees at AT&T have been credited to Community Network. Employee-led organizations called affinity groups, or affinity clubs, are formed for people who share common interests and desire to mingle. Goals: Fosters Community, Career Development & Morale. Community is key, which is why these employee resource group examples are so effective. The AVBFS has a three-fold mission: 1) to support and uplift Black faculty and staff, 2) to build and maintain a sense of community among Black faculty and staff, and 3) to advocate for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Black faculty and staff at Vanderbilt. Executive involvement can help ERG leaders match their objectives with company objectives and guarantee well-structured growth. Participants all share a common characteristic, such as gender, race, ethnicity, veteran status, religious affiliation, or lifestyle. Examples of companies with the biggest and most well-known employee resource groups are listed below. It has a busy schedule of annual events to help participants expand their skills. On a more sympathetic note, it's perfect when a workmate is eager to lend a helping hand even though they may not be in the same situation as you. Recognized by Diversity Inc. for pioneering leadership in the world of ERGs, Ernst & Young is a global management consulting firm. Employee Resource Groups offer employees of all backgrounds and interests a chance to connect, learn, develop, and serve. Employee resource group examples We will now conclude by mentioning three companies that utilize ERGs in the workplace: Hilton - with over 170 nationalities represented in its workforce, Hilton has nine employee resource groups which the company calls Team Member Resource Groups (TMRGs). Timeline: September 4, 2022 It's also important to regularly have the CEO and top leaders meet with employee-resource-group leaders (all of the DiversityInc Top 50 do this). However, no team member should ever feel pressured to join and participate. Examples of Effective Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Goals Anisha Nandi Co-Founder, CEO Intro As Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) drive culture efforts, influence company policy and more, it's important to create goals that set ERGs up for success. ERGs are generally based on providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment. Low employee engagement, lack of opportunity and isolation among employees can adversely affect the overall productivity of the organizations. As coworkers learn more about shared interests and values, they form informal groups. Building on that purpose, ERGs have continued to grow and change. As new people join and leave the organization, you'll have connections with a ton of people. Even though different demographics and cultures have different perspectives, there are certain experiences that overlap. While it isnt an ERGs job to drive any DEI policy, they can set an example. Interfaith ERG An Interfaith ERG works to spread cultural awareness and norms. As Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) drive culture efforts, influence company policy and more, its important to create goals that set ERGs up for success. Encouraging communication among ERGs ensures that everyone on the team is focused on the same objectives. Membership in an employee resource group must be voluntary. What Is the Purpose of an Employee Resource Group? The Nation's Top 25 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and Diversity Councils were honored at the 9th Annual ERG & Council Honors Award luncheon celebration today at the 2017 ERG & Council Conference at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. In fact, according to the Sequoia Consulting Groups 2021 Employee Experience Benchmarking Report, 40% of companies have now established an Employee Resource Group, a 9% increase from the previous year. Employee resource groups may not solve problems overnight, but they represent a powerful step forward to greater inclusion, diversity, and transparency. You should edit, add, and delete content from this as . These commonalities normally include: Race Religion Nationality Gender Sexual orientation Disabilities Social or economic causes Shared interests Due in large part to its world-class talent, it is seen as the top in its field. It engages in various volunteer endeavors, company gatherings, and social media recruiting to find the next generation of financial talent. Outcomes include supporting employees in their internal and external goals, helping them to network with potential mentors, and giving them an opportunity to socialize with colleagues. According to Karyn Twaronite, EY Global Vice Chair of Diversity & Inclusiveness: When organizations build a culture that values all dimensions of diversity one that provides equitable opportunities for people to grow, learn and advance it creates an environment where everyone thrives and where people can experience a true sense of belonging.. This benchmarking scientific study originated in 2012, and it is pivotal to advancing our knowledge of ERGs and their impact on your organization's strategy and performance. ergs are established by submission and approval of an employee resource group charter application by the office of This will feel more genuine than if its coming from a faceless company. on specific issues or barriers that may negatively impact certain groups of employees. Extra points if its your employees talking about how great your DEI efforts are. The company embraces diversity and encourages employees with common interests to advocate for key populations. It can be frightening for employees to contact management alone and voice their concerns. This is particularly true in businesses that are larger, more formal, or may be perceived as old-fashioned. ERGs help to foster a diverse and inclusive working environment. With a focus on aiding the transition from military life to civilian life. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Additionally, networking groups help foster a more inclusive work environment, improve communication among employees and enhance . ERGs fuel this machine, preserving employee engagement and motivation at work. They are generally created by motivated employees who want to build a sense of community within your organization. Organizations may create an LGTBQ+ group around the same time. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), sometimes referred to as Diversity, Affinity or Inclusion Groups, are a safe space for employees with shared characteristics or experiences to come together as a community and provide support within an organization. You can sponsor an affinity group by promising a stipend for materials if the group's attendance hits a specified threshold. As a result, these groups can be a great way to build inclusive environments that drive diversity and equity in the workplace. The final, and perhaps most important step, is communicating your initiative and building your team. ERGs help put these individuals in a collaborative group where, for lighter topics, some of their concerns can be addressed before it even has to go up the ladder. But It cannot be generalized to the whole employee lot as some may have issues coming forward and mingling with the rest. While Employee Resource Group is the most common name for these types of communities, you might also hear them referenced as Affinity Groups . As ERGs are employee-led, theyre often created informally. Be thoroughly communicated throughout your ERG. To do this successfully, many organizations are favoring the use of employee resource groups. A campaign or plan will be better developed, thoroughly investigated, and prepared for an effective launch, producing outstanding outcomes for the company. Every ERG needs structure and boundaries, so creating employee resource group guidelines is key. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) help organizations create safe spaces within the workplace where diversity is welcomed, nurtured and celebrated to build a sense of community and belonging amongst employees. 6 Background on Employee Resource Groups. She also offers services to a number of NGOs including Oxfam Intermn, Alignment: Build ERG Community, Showcase Culture, Decrease Burnout, Stakeholders: ERG Co-Leads, ERG Community Chair, Events Planning Team, HR Team, Timeline: 1 Per Quarter, 6 per year (2 in collaboration with other ERGs), Demonstrate &Improve: Invite Email, Verbate Calendar, Slack cross-post, Town Hall announcement, Post-event Retros, Alignment: Build Ally Community, Foster Culture, Raise Awareness, Stakeholders: ERG Co-Lead, ERGExec. Employee Resource Groups are a key component of any organization's commitment to create an inclusive culture and foster a sense of belonging. Employee Resource Groups provide a platform for employees to connect with others who share similar backgrounds or experiences outside their immediate social circle. Ernst & Young Professional Networks Ernst & Young is an international management consulting company that has been honored by Diversity Inc. for its pioneering leadership in ERGs. At Verbate, we're here to give your teams the tools to maintain a healthy company culture. With that in mind, each company's ERGs are unique by design, but common resource groups may include: Below y ou will find some suggested steps to ensure that you can get your group up and running. But if its communicated that a womens ERG has a focus on helping the company recruit, train, and retain a higher percentage of women and further penetrating the female consumer market, you may find her more enthusiastic about joining. If the employee resource group is going to be a success, your senior managers need to buy into the initiative. YoPros is one of TIAA's eight ERGs. I find it hard to believe theyd be so popular in such large companies if they didnt help employees and businesses achieve their goals. Cross-team relationships and a sense of the company, rather than a collection of tiny cogs, significantly boost company culture. An employee survey might help determine which ERGs have the necessary support to sustain themselves. In many cases, much more time than we spend with our loved ones. Increase market share. The three examples of successful employee resource groups above all include mentoring programs. They also help contribute to Establishing employee resource group guidelines. on Employee resource group examples & when to form them, 7 ways to support mental health for employees, 7 key drivers of mental wellbeing in the workplace. Executive engagement can ensure well-structured progress and help ERG leaders align their goals with the companys. Every workplace setting fosters the organic development of working connections. W@M works hard to empower and inspire women to shatter the glass ceiling both at Microsoft and within the community. Members can interact with employees on separate teams or in various departments, promoting collaboration and corporate alignment. For example, c ompanies that have formal employee-resource-group charters promoted 9 percent more women into management than those that don't. For sample charters, click here. Employee resource groups have been around for decades. Common interests, backgrounds, and demographic factors such as gender, race, and ethnicity provide the foundation for ERG cohesion. However, top-level leadership must provide these groups with unwavering and passionate support. This support ensures they are set up and supplied adequately to fulfil their functions. Once employee resource groups are established, they can largely be operated by member employees. Employee resource groups attract employees from all over your company. ERGs have developed and changed over time regarding the foundation and goals they must pursue. Hiring! For example, the Veterans and Allies Resource Group developed training for Indeed's Talent Acquisition team, Folks shares . A diversity group's goal is to create a sense of inclusion for minorities and give them a secure setting to express their concerns and issues around diversity. According to their expert estimates, about 85 percent of employees are not engaged or actively disengaged at work costing more than $7 trillion in annual productivity. Here are a few suggested steps to create an ERG. This group's mission for ERG members is to "connect and empower employees of African descent through cultural exploration and community building." Establishing SMART goals keeps the practice from feeling like pigeonholing demographics and more like promoting and highlighting diversity. Recruiting . Our suite of tools makes it easy to launch, manage, and measure ERGs with templates and guides to support group leaders, user-friendly features to build transparency and connection, and automated data tracking and analytics. At many companies, participating in ERGs gives employees opportunities for professional development and to be more involved with larger organizational goals. ERG Event Recap. a guide to employee resource group creation, Explore the Evaluation of an Effective Mentoring Program, Executive Mentoring Programs To Guide Future Leaders, Exclusive Guide to the Executive Leadership Development Program, Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme. What does your company care about as a brand? Member employees can mostly run employee resource groups once they are established. They can help you identify where to focus your DEI efforts, and which areas are in need of improvement. It includes a full calendar of annual events people can attend to develop their abilities. Led by their Military Affairs Team, the group has several initiatives focused on job recruiting, career advancement, and financial education. Coworkers establish informal organizations when they become increasingly aware of shared beliefs and interests. The ERGs within a business can reflect the companys values a lot more than a cookie cutter DEI statement. To help these groups succeed, many employers match the monetary donations or help provide resources needed for events. They can be part of the strategy, but its up to business leaders to create and follow your DEI policy. Employee resource groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-run organizations where coworkers connect via shared interests, exchange of ideas, or demographics. For more information or to contact Cat visit herwebsite(thecontentcat.com) or send her a message throughLinkedIn. When workers feel encouraged and confident in their leadership, they are more motivated to perform well and find fulfilment in their work. For this to work, people need to feel safe to talk about sensitive topics without fear of judgment or conflict. Check out our guide on effective ERG goal setting here for some more details on frameworks, actionable steps and best practices.. 1. The E&Y approach's innovative ability to identify areas of shared interest is one of its most intriguing features. The idea of lifetime employment with one company has become obsolete in the current company culture. Employee Resource Groups are recognized by DHS as a vital component in diversity development and inclusion. For an ERG to be successful, there has to be a core group with a passion for the initiative. She has since relocated back to Wales where she continues to build her business, working with clients in Spain and the UK. Next is likely to be a group for Black employees or people of color. Supporting the local community? It depended greatly on giving minorities a chance to voice their issues to management and lobby for change as a unified front. The Business Resource Groups (ERG) provide encouragement and an enhanced sense of belonging through informal mentoring, professional and community events and access to personal and professional development and growth. As the forum for employees has been around since the 1960s, numerous official groups have been established and have lasted a long time. Any issues can be raised during group meetings and promptly corrected to prevent business growth from stagnating. A basic employee resource group initiative should always consist of a space for empowering female employees as they make a substantial part of organizational growth. Many members of the workforce are always on the lookout for better opportunities. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Share the best way to reach you and well respond within one business day. Yes, as human beings, we enjoy being among our peers. Conversations can generate fresh concepts and tactics when participants share their experiences, advice, and techniques. Best Employee Resource Groups Examples to Learn From, Click below to pick a time to demo Qooper. ERGs are a powerful and modern tool for motivating your people to deliver their best work. And, in most cases, but not always, corporate executives and leaders may not actually be eligible for joining most ERGs. It is planned, led, and directed by successful women. The bookkeeper is responsible to provide accounting of their expenses to HR at . DHS recognizes that Employee Resource Groups are chartered committees within their respective agencies; however, if an Employee Resource Group demonstrates that it can represent one or more agency interests and choose to operate as such, With support from W@M, more women can take the next step toward their dreams. Company culture gets a pretty big boost when cross-team interactions take place and the organization feels more like a collective enterprise than a bunch of smaller cogs. ERGs are considerably more functional with more specialized groups added to them, such as those that identify veterans, those who are handicapped, LGBTQ+ or single or employed parents. If it does, such problems are then expressed as a single entity that can be taken seriously, respected, and included at all levels. Still, it is vital these organizations receive full and enthusiastic support from high-level leadership. These strategic imperatives are comprised of 151 chapters globally . Perfect. Executive sponsors can further the mission statement by sponsoring ERG activities. Since employees form a significant part of any company's growth, leaders should always keep employees' welfare and career advancement opportunities in mind. CVS Health. It can be a place to find guidance and make new friends. E&Y currently has more than a dozen ERGs and employee support groups. Gauge the Level of Interest. Women@Microsofts mission is to attract, retain, and develop women around the world. It is regarded as the best in its field, in significant part because of its elite talent. Micah Lally | Examples of companies with the biggest and most well-known employee resource groups are listed below. More so when it's with their coworkers and other healthier employees. This is especially true for your HR department as your recruiters can help spread the message at the onboarding stage. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, business practices, and objectives. This toolkit serves only as a guide and you may find other methods that enable your group to grow and thrive. The more you have, the more it can reflect and support the diversity of your workforce. Typically, the employee leaders of the ERG will manage these funds. Our Business Resource Group, VOICES, is focused on supporting Black associates. Employee resource groups (also known as ERGs, affinity groups, or business network groups) are groups of employees who join in their workplace based on shared characteristics or life experiences. Well also explain why theyre important for your diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. An ERG group should ultimately give underrepresented voices an opportunity to communicate with each other and with leadership. . Im a Content Writer at Bluleadz. Here are some aims of employee resource groups that need to be focused on while creating such groups for your organization: Giving marginalized voices a chance to interact with leadership and one another is the whole aim of ERGs. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when developing your own. Some experiences have cross-cultural and demographic boundaries while having differing views. We are going to end this post by looking at a few best practices to help you get the most from your ERG employee resource group. Company Culture | ERGs promote diversity and equality by raising awareness and . Female employees are coming to the forefront to achieve their ambitions and goals. They are generally created by motivated employees who want to build a sense of community within your organization. Community NETwork has been called the key to AT&Ts exceptionally high retention rate and growing leadership presence among African American employees. Inclusive practices go a long way in making employees feel nourished and get back happily to work. ERGs are a critical part of that future as they foster a greater sense of belonging, purpose and employee engagement. This can be avoided by encouraging ERGs to pursue different goals. This is Verbate's ultimate guide to running a successful ERG program at every stage of your ERG Journey. How better to show you support belonging than encouraging employees to network with those who have similar experiences to them? But there's nuance to ERGs and their role is changing. Oops! Groups that can be polarizing and fail to serve a purpose in furthering your organizational mission. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are networks of employees that form based on shared characteristics or background, sponsored by the organization they work for. The future of work is changing rapidly, and so, the 'future of culture' is too. Working mothers, veterans, cancer survivors, French speakers, and other groups are encouraged to speak for essential populations. Stakeholder: ERG Community chair working with events team Execution: . This isnt WWII were talking about. Here are four employee resource groups examples: 1. The only way for employee resource groups to succeed is if you get support from the executive and senior leadership. Positive relationships mean happier workers. The world of recruiting has largely moved to LinkedIn, making the process seamless and silent. ERG member who will be responsible for managing the annual budget. You may find that you attract more diverse candidates when they find out about your DEI efforts, too. A Fortune 100 financial services company named TIAA has found an excellent strategy to reduce excessive turnover in its sector, particularly among young people: cultivate, challenge, and assist them from day one. Timeline: Q2 in line with the rise in hate attacks were seeing. Offer a public shoutout or buy pizza for the next meeting. Our guide is designed to provide step-by-step instructions as organizations and leadersat all levelsplan, launch, grow, and evolve ERGs within their workplaces. When employees feel supported and have trust in their leadership, they have a stronger drive to perform well and be satisfied in their work. They can encourage other people from these groups to join because they know that theyll have friends and allies within your business. Ernst & Young is an international management consulting company that has been honored by Diversity Inc. for its pioneering leadership in ERGs. Required fields are marked *. Organizations need to understand that extra activities outside of work, like coffee times and fun events, are not a time waste but rather a way to rejuvenate the employees from the "all work and no play" setup. A solid diversity policy will attract a more diverse workforce, and therefore encourage a wider variety of ERGs. But by providing more official forums in the form of employee resource groups, your business can offer many benefits to team members and the enterprise at once. Groups may include: As you can see, there are a wide range of employee resource group examples organizations can create to drive belonging. SEIA has developed a sample charter and overview document to adapt and utilize when launching ERGs at your company. Groups should be able to hold one another accountable through feedback, dialogue between demographics, and engaging employees at all levels. . ERGs can also reduce high staff turnovers by cultivating spaces for individual concerns and expressions to be realized. Women at Microsoft (W@M) is perhaps one of the greatest ERG success stories to date. Top millennial employees want to work with enterprises that help them live their values, and TIAA truly takes that to the bank! Employee resource groups must be inclusive. These are voluntary groups of employees that have traditionally existed to support communities with similar identities (for example gender, race, sexual orientation). Over time, diverse mentorship programs were introduced for employee upskilling and career development for the employees and the organization's growth. At all levels of the organization, productivity depends on employee retention and engagement. One of the most interesting aspects of the E&Y approach is its creativity in recognizing where common interests lie. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) voluntary, employee-led groups that serve traditionally marginalized or underrepresented employees are important pillars of your company's diversity and inclusion efforts. Get template. But first, lets look at what an ERG is, and what its role in a business is: ERGs are employee-led groups, where employees who have something in common come together. A company shouldnt just assume that because someone is a part of a generalized demographic, theyll be interested in joining a group just for the sake of it. With the examples above, you can start developing a plan to implement employee resource groups that will help your teams win. 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