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postsMay 20th, 2009
What is the purpose of “Employee Resource Groups”?
Today we look at a very basic concept that we specialize in facilitating: ERGs or Employee Resource Groups.
Once considered merely a social network to support diverse member needs, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) today take on business initiatives that add value to the bottom line. These groups typically take the form of affinities by gender, background, regional group… you may have worked somewhere and been part of “The Women’s Network” or something similar. Its a hard thing to describe if your workplace doesn’t have one, but if you’ve seen them, then you know.
We are finding that now more than ever, our clients are looking for ways to tap in to the power of social networks. Many are re-thinking the way they tap into their talent – and their diversity. Employees know that networking within affinity groups can be a great boost to their careers. For instance, joining a formal networking group that spans roles from new employees to senior executives can give you great “face time” you would never have otherwise. We’ve helped our clients – leaders looking to tap into new, resourceful business initiatives – see that Employee Resource Groups work are best used when tied to business initiatives.
Employee Resource Groups can help inform marketing and strategy in a cost-effective way. For instance, if your business is looking to develop marketing catering to women, wouldn’t the Women’s Network be a great place to start asking important questions?
Taking your ERGs to the new level of business partner requires leadership engagement and a plan. JBC has designed a series of steps to help ERG leaders, their advisors and executive sponsors transform ERG networks to strategically support organizational goals. While every organization’s roadmap is unique, our critical “milestones” are designed to help ERGs, at any stage, develop and deliver on organizational challenges. We are excited to be developing these practices and sharing them in upcoming webinars.
We would love to hear some of your stories about Employee Resource Groups, or Affinity Groups that you may be a part of. These can exist formally (sanctioned by your employer) or informally. Many of our clients have both types!