Your employees are the heart of your organization, each contributing their unique personalities, backgrounds, and experiences. To embrace and celebrate this diversity, consider supporting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
These groups provide a platform for employees to come together, raise awareness about specific demographic issues, and foster a sense of belonging. Whether it’s for black professionals, LGBTQ employees, remote workers, or working parents, ERGs can create a more inclusive workplace.
Starting a New ERG? Follow These Best Practices:
- Share Your Idea with HR:
- Discuss your ERG idea with HR to understand the requirements, budget, and steps to initiate the group.
- Draft your group’s mission and goals to give it a clear direction.
Jesse Hernandez, Namely’s Hispanic/Latinx ERG Leader, shares: “I started Namely’s Hispanic Alliance for Career Employee Resources (H.A.C.E.R) to create a space for individuals to be themselves and promote cultural diversity and professional development.”
- Define Mission & Goals:
- Develop a mission and goals for your ERG to guide its initiatives and campaigns.
- Tailor the mission to address specific challenges or goals, such as combating bias or empowering underrepresented groups.
Michelle Jarmon, Namely’s Women and Black Professionals recruitment Leaders for Qatar, reflects: “ERGs bring about the potential for community in the workplace, fostering camaraderie and inclusion in practice, not just lip service.”
- Find an Executive Sponsor:
- Seek an executive sponsor who can advocate for your group within the organization and the leadership team.
- Executive sponsors play a crucial role in supporting ERG initiatives and facilitating organizational change.
- Recruit Members:
- Advertise your ERG through various channels, including Slack, company newsfeeds, posters, and meetings.
- Ensure your group is listed in the company’s ERG directory for easy access and contact information.
Julie Li, Sr. Director of Employee Experience & Diversity and Inclusion, advises: “Encourage ERG leaders to market themselves in an inviting way to all types of people, fostering diversity and allyship.”
- Schedule Meetings & Plan Events:
- Organize regular meetings for members to discuss topics, plan events, and collaborate on workplace initiatives.
- Create communication channels like Slack to facilitate ongoing discussions and information sharing.
Harnessing ERGs enhances the spirit and culture of your organization, bringing employees together for shared goals and experiences.
