What is an Employee Resource Group (ERG)?
An Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a formal assembly of employees who connect based on shared characteristics or interests. These groups provide mutual support and strive to create a more inclusive workplace. Hosting ERG activities can also prove to be valuable because they encourage employee engagement, foster a sense of belonging, and give employees a collective voice to share feedback, offer diverse perspectives and address biases or non-inclusive company policies.
Overall, employee resource groups offer many benefits for both employees and employers. They provide community and career development opportunities for employees, leading to higher job satisfaction and engagement. For employers, ERGs help retain employees, attract diverse talent and create a collaborative and innovative culture, ultimately driving organizational growth and success.
The Role of ERGs in the Workplace
The benefits of ERGs are extensive, with one major advantage being increased employee engagement. This is why 90% of Fortune 500 companies have adopted ERGs into their organizations, as studies continually show their success.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has increased, leading many employees to feel disconnected from their colleagues. A study found that 67% of workers have struggled to make friends and maintain relationships while working remotely. Implementing ERGs and ERG events in the workplace can transform employee relationships.
As organizations move towards implementing ERGs, it’s important to note that there are two types: identity-specific and interest-specific.
Identity-specific ERGs focus on shared personal characteristics or experiences, such as race, gender or military status. They provide support and community based on these identities. On the contrary, interest-specific ERGs are centered around common hobbies or interests, like books, gaming or cooking. They connect employees through shared passions and activities.
Here are six common identity-specific ERG groups:
- Women’s ERG
- Parenting ERG
- Black Employee ERG
- Military/Veteran ERG
- Latinx ERG
- LGBTQIA+ ERG
The beauty of an ERG is that it is founded on employees’ shared characteristics and interests. ERGs also align with the organization’s mission and values, creating a win-win situation for both employees and employers. A few interest-specific ERGs include:
- Book Club ERG
- Gaming ERG
- Cooking ERG
- Fine Art Collectors ERG
- Gardening Club ERG
Hosting employee resource group activities can catalyze a more engaged workforce by providing a platform for employees to build meaningful relationships, share experiences and support each other. Additionally, they enhance individual well-being and strengthen the organization’s culture. Senior leaders should embrace and support ERGs as an investment in the health and success of both employees and the organization as a whole.
ERG Activities to Organize
Employee resource groups play a vital role in creating a supportive and inclusive workplace environment. By organizing various erg events, ERG leaders can enhance member engagement, contribute to professional development opportunities and community building. These ERG activities help members connect with one another while also being a support system of their collective goals. Here are nine effective ERG activities that can bring members together to learn, grow and drive positive outcomes for both individuals and the organization.
Hosting a Speaker
Inviting guest speakers to ERG events offers members valuable insights, learning opportunities, and inspiration. A comprehensive report by Culture Amp shows that employees without consistent development opportunities are twice as likely to leave within a year. ERG leaders can use speakers to address specific interests or challenges faced by ERG members, fostering personal growth and professional development. This activity enhances the ERG’s programming and strengthens the connection between members and their shared interests or identities.
Attending Events
Encouraging ERG members to attend external events like industry conferences or community gatherings can enhance their professional networks and broaden their perspectives. A 2022 study by TravelPerk found that 79% of employees are eager to return to in-person networking events to build meaningful relationships. With the pandemic normalizing virtual connections, in-person events can foster a sense of connection with colleagues at ERG-sponsored internal events and with other industry professionals at external events. By participating in these events, members can bring back new ideas and practices to their ERG, creating a dynamic and informed community.
Networking Sessions
Organizing networking sessions within ERGs helps members build professional relationships and share career opportunities. For instance, in a large company with over 1,000 employees, it can be challenging for a specific ERG to connect regularly with all members. Two ERGs within the same company could host a networking session to facilitate meaningful connections, promote collaboration and increase engagement. Alternatively, an ERG could attend a networking session hosted by another company’s ERG, benefiting from their established format and connections while contributing unique perspectives and expertise.
These sessions often lead to advanced career development, enhanced teamwork and support networks, benefiting both individuals and the organization. The Harvard Business Review highlights that “in today’s world, networking is a necessity,” noting that professional networks lead to more job and business opportunities, broader and deeper knowledge, improved capacity to innovate and faster advancement.
Group Meals
According to a study by Cornell University, eating with colleagues can offer numerous benefits to both employers and employees, including stronger employee relationships, increased engagement, productivity and inclusivity. Similarly, ERGs can allocate their funding to sponsor group meals that engage memebers, allowing members to eat together more frequently. The same study, which examined firefighters, found that platoons who ate meals together had better group job performance compared to those who dined alone. By investing in shared meals, ERGs can create long-lasting bonds among their members, ultimately enhancing overall team performance.
Celebrations
Celebrating milestones, cultural events and personal achievements within ERGs enhances member engagement and morale. According to Gallup, employees who receive great recognition are 20 times more likely to be engaged compared to those who receive poor recognition. This recognition doesn’t have to be limited to job performance; it can include celebrating significant achievements of all ERG members. For example, a parent’s ERG can celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with its members. Employee resource group activities create small moments of recognition that significantly enhance a positive and inclusive workplace culture. These events help members feel valued and appreciated, strengthening their connection to both the ERG and the organization as a whole.
Organizing a Panel
Panels featuring multiple speakers or internal experts offer diverse perspectives on specific issues. These panels can be tailored to ERG members or opened to the entire organization, facilitating broader discussions and enhancing understanding of complex topics. They provide key opportunities for employee growth and development, and studies show that hosting such development opportunities can attract talent, retain employees and boost engagement. This format also encourages dialogue between ERG members and allows for a more comprehensive exploration of relevant issues.
Retreats
Entrepreneur reports that 72% of global workers experience loneliness monthly, with 55% feeling it weekly. To address the loneliness many remote workers face, an ERG-sponsored retreat can provide team-building opportunities that boost morale and improve company culture.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlights the benefits of company retreats, especially for remote teams, such as fulfilling the need for in-person contact and encouraging creativity and innovation. In-person retreats offer ERG members a dedicated space to focus on their objectives, strengthen relationships and develop strategies to achieve their goals, countering the effects of Zoom burnout.
Workshops
Workshops are cost-effective ERG activities, where members collaborate on projects to enhance skills and teamwork. For example, a parent’s group might develop employee development plans or presentation for senior leadership to address the unique challenges parents face in the workforce. Research shows that hands-on workshops can nurture future leaders and provide a platform for open dialogue about workplace issues and goals.
ERG-sponsored workshops benefit both employers and employees by encouraging active participation and allowing members to apply their learning practically. This engagement helps employees invest in their company’s growth and innovation, ultimately contributing to the company’s success.
Book Clubs
Book clubs within ERGs offer members a platform to explore and discuss relevant topics, promoting intellectual growth and shared understanding. Insights from FasterCapital suggest that encouraging employees to read can be a strategic investment in their personal development, enhancing critical thinking, empathy and diverse perspectives. For employees, participating in ERG activities that are focused on diving into a good book can provide a valuable break from daily routines and promotes deeper connections with colleagues.
Tips for Effective Group Activities
Participation in ERG activities should remain voluntary to create genuine engagement and enthusiasm. ERG leaders can tailor activities to the diverse needs and interests of the group by incorporating member feedback, resulting in more adaptable and inclusive programming.
HR leaders can utilize Chronus ERG software to streamline the management of ERG events, which automates and centralizes the coordination of events, tracks participation and attendance, and facilitates group communication and planning. Chronus is the leading platform for mentoring and ERG software because of its ability to simplify the process, ensuring efficient feedback collection and keeping everything organized in one place.
Additionally, it’s important not to overextend yourself or group members by planning activities beyond available resources. Effective ERG activities should be balanced and feasible within the group’s capacity. Staying adaptable and resource-conscious helps maintain a sustainable, positive experience that supports both personal and professional development.
