Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are comprised of employees who are linked by social factors such as culture, gender, sexual orientation, or by a common interest or goal within an organization.
The characteristics of these networks typically also include serving as a resource to other employees and the larger organization, and being inclusive and open to all employees.
What is the Organizational role of Employee Resource Groups?
High performing employee resource networks contribute to achieving the company’s business goals and results. Examples:
Support company’s diversity vision and contribute to business results
Internal consultant - how to market and sell to their communities
Assist in recruiting and retaining a diverse work force
Promote professional development and advancement of its members
Provide a more honest / realistic perspective than most outside focus groups
What are some of the values for joining or having an ERG at your company?
Employee Resource Groups "get" the customers and the diverse talent you want to attract; they help further develop client relationships, through ERG (social) events
Creating collaborative opportunities with similar ERGs at other non-competing companies, thus tapping into best practices resources
Serving as mentoring circles, helping bridge cultural gaps, building the careers of those getting started in the field/company - "navigating the company's cultural landscape"
Building / improving an understanding of the workplace / corporate environment expectations, without giving up one's cultural identity - "not checking who you are at the door"
