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!

I know this because I’ve seen the contradiction live and in-person, within the same firm:  headquarters employees who feel like they can be fully “out” and safe, vs. employees in regional offices headed by partners and other leaders who proactively or passively make it very uncomfortable for diverse employees to be 100% themselves.

Stay tuned to my blog for the high-level findings and recommendations that emerge from this session.  We’d love to hear your observations as well, so please plan to weigh in!

-Jennifer

Come out and hear Jennifer Brown and Tim Wikstrom at The Network & Affinity Leadership Congress in NYC February 25th and 26th, 2009.

Are you attending or did you meet one of our consultants at a NALC event?  Send us an email:  info@jenniferbrownconsulting.com.

Jennifer Brown at NALC

Here are the details:

Wednesday Tim is speaking on the Specialty Issues Track
Innovating in a Downturn: Using AGs and ERGs as Business Partners and Communications Networks

Thursday Jennifer is speaking on the Experienced Leaders Track
Increasing Multi-Generational Representation and Collaboration in Affinity Groups: Seizing the Opportunity

From the NALC web site:

New York City, Sheraton Hotel and Towers

In corporate America’s war to attract and retain top talent, diversity is front and center. People of color, women, the LGBT and disabled communities have made huge strides in advancement by forming thousands of groups inside corporate America to work together for culture change and address the way companies do business with diverse markets. On February 25-26, in New York City, Diversity Best Practices and Working Mother Media are hosting the third annual Network and Affinity Leadership Congress (NALC). This congress brings together network and affinity group leaders from America’s top companies for leadership training, networking and to share best practices.

This is the ONLY event of its kind bringing together leaders from all types of network and affinity groups from all industry sectors to examine ways to increase their groups’ value to business.

On February 5th, Jennifer Brown Consulting will partner with Employee Resource Group leaders at State Farm during a strategic offsite. For more information about how Jennifer Brown Consulting can conduct a similar discussion for your business, please view our Services offerings and get in touch with us today.