Employee resource groups or ERGs are work networks for group members with similar characteristics, life experiences or special interests. Usually, they are employee-led and not leadership-run, and these voluntary groups foster professional development, increase business impact inside and out, and encourage commitments to a diverse place of work.
Having an ERG program is a great way for companies to show that they are willing to make an investment in their manpower by allocating dedicated company resources towards their education, community building and social impact initiatives. ERGS are generally made by highly motivated team members who are willing to build aa community with special interest groups, or when they see a need for company education around a given topic. Each company’s ERGs are unique by design, but reflect deep shared values
Supporting Employee Resource Groups
There is a need to align all ERGs with the company’s mission. For successful ERGs, their purpose should blend into the company’s overall mission and values. The next step is securing leadership buy-in, as executive support is essential for success and for assembling the ERG team. Only then launch the ERG/s. Many ERGs start out as a grassroots movement within the organization and eventually become more official, company-sponsored initiatives. If starting, expanding, or improving your company’s ERG, a digital workplace provides a technology platform which connects people, builds communities, and creates a dynamic, inclusive workplace for all. As initiatives like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) gain increased traction, some ways to leverage support for your company’s ERG:
Create Dedicated Streams
A dedicated ERG stream allows organizations to share educational opportunities, upcoming events, resources, and inclusive stories within the broader company. Creating dedicated spaces to celebrate inclusivity, shows your employees that the company is making a top priority about DEI.
Send Confirmation Campaigns
Confirmation campaign features help ensure that every employee reads critical information, and confirms what they read. Confirmation campaigns enable employees know about resources, policies, and updates related to your corporate ERGs.
Use Labels for Specific Topics
ERGs encompass a wide range of DEI-related initiatives. ERG organizers can create custom labels for different topics which employees can easily filter and search for posts, most relevant to causes they care about.
Create Pulse Surveys
Pulse surveys enable quick generation of information on employee initiatives for your company’s ERGs. Pulse surveys enable real-time glimpse into ideas your teams care about. Short pulse surveys not exceeding 10 questions are effective, if conducted regularly, can up- date management with tips about supporting your workforce. The single greatest move would be to treat employees as whole people. As employers, this ensures all employees feel they belong to the organisation, through programs like ERGs. Actively and intentionally investing in workplace diversity creates a happier, engaged workforce which would benefit a business on every level.
Strengthening Employee Resource Groups
Employee resource groups (ERGs) can be a secret weapon for human resources teams. Learn to maximize employee effectiveness through your resource group efforts, by utilising collaboration between ERGs, gain executive support by creating ERGs that are self-sufficient. Staff talent is any company’s greatest asset, and an inclusive workplace where team members are empowered to be their authentic selves, is key to attract and retain talent. Employee resource groups can build resilient communities and amplify company values like diversity, inclusion, gender equity and social impact initiatives.