employee resource group definition
Sometimes other employees resist the changing culture of the American workforce and the diversity that ERGs promote. Knowledge management teams often include IT professionals and content writers. An employee resource group (ERG) is a voluntary, employee-led diversity and inclusion initiative that is formally supported by an organization. Is long-term care insurance tax-deductible? Please log in as a SHRM member. Cookie Preferences Almost 90% of Fortune 500 companies report having ERGs in 2011. HR staff can also use employee resource groups to "take the temperature" of a variety of corporate measures. Of course, the larger the business is, the more different departments will be present, and the larger the ERG in general. This includes having input on hiring plans, to ensure diversity hiring is taken into account, and ensuring interview and onboarding processes are inclusive and accessible. These groups form for different minority groups to come together and connect about workplace issues. Or, it can be in terms of introducing benefits that improve the work-life balance and mental health of employees, such as: Flexible hours for groups that need them (e.g., working moms), Ensuring opinions of remote or hybrid workers are heard. Privacy Policy Here are some tips on how to better engage your company's employee resource groups and business resource groups to improve DEI hiring outcomes. Employee resource groups have the potential to bring about broad change. The information and content provided herein is for educational purposes only, and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, or financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement. [10] Though there aren't prescribed actions for ERGs to take, most ERGs are responsible for their own goals, leadership structure, and functioning. The Women's Employee Resource Group (W-ERG) exists to support and empower women and NPS employees of all genders. Being part of an ERG can also allow employees to bring their authentic selves to work and create meaning and purpose from their contributions. He and his black employees formed the first caucus group in order to address the issue of discrimination and to help create a fair corporate environment. Copyright 2023 The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Association of Black Faculty, Administrators, and Fellows (ABFAF), Association of Harvard Asian and Asian American Faculty and Staff (AHAAAFS), Association of LatinX Faculty and Staff at Harvard (AHLFS), Association of Harvard Latinx Faculty and Staff (AHLFS), Financial and Executive support from the university via a Sponsoring Office, Provide university-wide focus and representation, Operate with a governance process in place. You fill out a quick form. What Is the HR Department and What Does It Do for Employees? Download this guide to learn how to identify the core software your business needs and get your colleagues on board. Employees who lead and take part in ERGs share certain things in common. [7] Members often want their ERG to seem unique to capture the attention of leaders in the organization, which makes supporting other ERGs more difficult. ERGs originated in the 1960s at Xerox, when Black workers organized to discuss race-based tension in the workplace. It also helps to improve retention of underrepresented groups and communicate the needs of the group members to senior leaders. [6], Early in their history, these affinity groups were a risky and political tactic of advocating for equal pay and equal opportunity. There are numerous reasons for these disparities. The purpose of ERGs varies and may be based on demographics, socializing, lifestyle, business strategy or a combination. Based on my experience working with several ERGs and BRGs over the years, I have compiled five ways companies can better engage these groups to achieve their DEI goals. Once management or team members decide to form an ERG, the next step is generally to send an internal message to all team members about the formation of the ERG. Professionals within this group frequently share characteristics. What are these groups, why are they gaining in popularity, how do they help employers, and why should you join or start one? Simplify your hiring process and workflow. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 90% of companies examined helped make . [7] As of 2007 ninety percent of Fortune 500 companies have ERGs. Human Resource departments at some companies are focusing on bringing these ERGs together through diversity councils. ERGs can take on community service and social impact projects that align with their mission, and can develop ideas and garner access to meaningful impact opportunities that are less readily visible to other employees. It is voluntary and driven by an aspect unique to the group of employees. An employee resource group (ERG) is a group of employees who volunteer to improve conditions for marginalised and/or minority groups within a workplace. ERGs give employees an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and are often a cornerstone of employer diversity and inclusion efforts. They have been recognized for their impact on employee engagement, success stories and business outcomes, and the company continues to invest in their development. Build specialized knowledge and expand your influence by earning a SHRM Specialty Credential. What is an affinity group? By becoming so invested in an ERG, there is a greater probability that that member may lose sight of the larger change that they want to see in society by instead focusing too much on the prospect of change in their specific company. While a powerful tool for boosting retention and providing resources for employees, ERGs are often asked to take on a mandate larger than they are designed for. [7] To combat this potential disadvantage to ERGs, some believe it is necessary for them to focus on gaining trust, joint learning with management, and forming alliances in order to promote change. A record number of employees are now working remotely or through a hybrid arrangement (office/remote), and employees in large corporations such as Amazon and Starbucks are flexing their muscles by exploring unionization. An employee resource group (ERG) is an employee-led initiative within an organization. ERGs are employee-run and supported by the larger company, and can carry out a range of potential projects based on their charter and main focus areas (foster social connection, contributing to diversity recruiting efforts, celebrating cultural events and traditions, etc.). ERGs help to create an inclusive workplace by: All of MITs ERGs are open to any employee. Easily post your job ads to 10+ job boards. All rights reserved. Importantly, ERGs also increase the visibility of underrepresented groups. Organisations can better understand their customers through ERGs as well, and adapt their products or services to underserved groups. What is employee retention? Ombudspeople: ERGs are not the venue for anonymous reporting of issues. They're usually led and participated in by employees who share a characteristic, whether it's gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, lifestyle, or interest. ERGs will typically be formed around identifiers such as: There may be other groups that wish to form that should be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. If I were you, I would either join an ERG or start one once you obtain employment. Benefits of employee resource groups for employers. This feedback can help identify areas for improvement and guide future efforts. ERGs are generally created by workers looking for community or support and may or may not be formally or financially supported by an employer. Typically, groups comprise individuals who share a common interest, identity or affiliation. As well as providing a boost to the workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) of a company, an ERG provides the following benefits: Ability to see how changes impact different groups, Stronger relationships between team members. [1] ERGs are generally based on providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment. Related: How to Utilize Employee Resource Groups and Cultivate Meaningful Impact in Your Workplace. / Free eBook How to Build the Perfect Software Stack. In 2021, 40% of companies had Employee Resource Groups, which was a 9% increase from the previous year a sign that organizations are actively investing in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) initiatives. ERGs are generally based on providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment. Notably, they have started to show up in the past 10 to 15 years as essential business assets. Contact us and see how we can support your employee resource group initiatives! [20] Along the same lines, others believe that radical members of ERGs have to find a careful balance between supporting their cause and supporting their workplace. Community spaces: Where colleagues of a shared identity can access a community that understands their experiences with their identity in the workplace. Events hosted by ERGs range from in-person networking days to shared spaces for information sharing on company networks. Instead, they are driven by employees. They act as culture builders by providing members with a voice and visibility. Diversity is important in contributing to the overall wellbeing of a workplace, and employees can find support within ERG's that align with their backgrounds and experiences. [7] It is apparent that companies are less likely to make too many changes, so the more ERGs, the less true impact that each can have. The "Shark Tank" star appeared on FOX Business' "The Claman Countdown" this week. Because these management personnel have the ability to affect promised jobs and bonuses, there are situations that have the potential to arise in which ERG participation leads to discrimination. Of most popular use are internal social networks, external social networking like Facebook or Twitter, blogs, internal collaboration and blogging sites, webinars, podcasts, and wikis. ERGs are supported in many ways by the parent company. They benefit employees in many ways. An employee resource group is a workplace club or more formally realized affinity group organized around a shared interest or identity. if(currentUrl.indexOf("/about-shrm/pages/shrm-china.aspx") > -1) { Unlock their unique benefits for your business by following this simple virtual presentation design process. Creative employees have bonded around a wide variety of employee resource groups, including: Employee resource groups such as those mentioned above have been likened to think tanks, where people gather together to brainstorm ways to improve their lives and the lives of others, and benefit their company by pooling their time and talent for a cause they believe in. ERGs are also a place where new friendships are forged and existing ones can be bolstered. People with these views are often opposed to change and the uncertainty that follows. If you see a need for an employee resource group where you work start one. They may also provide input on company-wide issues for the community they represent. A year and a half into the pandemic, employees' mental "surge capacity" is likely diminished. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Why an inclusive environment supports diversity efforts, To solve the diversity and skills gap in tech, expand the candidate pool, How tech can be used to promote diversity and inclusion, Facebook focuses on building a more inclusive cybersecurity team, Intel Takes on Device Manageability at the Root. Employee resource groups, also known as affinity groups, have emerged in the workplace as a standard component of diversity and inclusion initiatives. [7], Within many organizations the various ERGs compete for funds and impact on the company, and this competition can lead to various negative effects of ERGs. document.head.append(temp_style); You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. EAPs provide a predetermined number of counseling referral sessions usually between one to three at no cost to an employee. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z. 2023 Modern Insurance Agency, Inc. d/b/a Breeze. ERGs promote diversity by ensuring that all members of an organization or business have the same opportunities in having a voice in the company, access to the same information that can help their employment success, helpful networks with other employees, the opportunity to contribute ideas, and the opportunity to advance within the company. An employee resource group (ERG) is a group of employees who volunteer to improve conditions for marginalised and/or minority groups within a workplace. For example, if you or a family member have suffered from depression or anxiety, a mental health advocacy group can help you better understand mental disorders and the mental health crisis in America. 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. Obtain employment inclusion efforts need for an employee help identify areas for improvement guide. Club or more formally realized affinity group organized around a shared interest or.... 500 companies have ERGs '' star appeared on FOX business ' `` the Claman Countdown '' week... These ERGs together through diversity councils form for different minority groups to come together and connect about workplace.. ( temp_style ) ; you may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server us... [ 1 ] ERGs are generally based on providing support, enhancing career development, and adapt their or. 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