The Resurgence Of Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are gaining popularity alongside workplace diversity and inclusion programs. ERGs have been around since the 1960s when black workers at Xerox organized to discuss race-based tension in the workplace. They are increasingly relevant today as gender issues, questions of personal identity, and politics affect everyone.
So, what are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)?
The purpose of an ERG is to create a supportive community within the workplace, provide resources and advocacy for the group they represent, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. With the resurgence of ERGs in the workplace, they are expanding to “interest-based” groups gathered around activities. These include job responsibility, environmental advocacy, community service and volunteerism, and workplace wellness. Further, as an emerging facet of human resources and employee engagement in the business world, the existence of ERGs is essential as a reference and an understanding in the current business world.
Syniti, a global enterprise data management company helping organizations manage and optimize their data for better business outcomes, has an amazing culture. With seven active and engaged employee resource groups, inclusion and diversity are key ingredients in the Syniti culture. “Sometimes all it takes is a dash of awareness to bring understanding to an issue or our cultural differences. Sometimes, it takes a generous portion of time, planning, and commitment.” Variety is the Spice of Syniti
One of the many ERGs at Syniti is the wellness employee resource group, F.I.T. Fam. which stands for “Fitness Inspiration Team.” This group started in 2022 and was created to support the holistic fitness of the Syniti family by inspiring all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Offerings include weekly meditations, monthly wellness activity plans, inspiration, and a sense of family and community. Last May, the “F.I.T. Fam” employee resource group supported Mental Health Awareness Month with various activities, including guest speaker Colleen M. Reilly, who focused on the power of positivity by cultivating a growth mindset and a daily gratitude practice.
Here are just a few reasons why employees have joined this ERG.
Rex Ahlstrom is F.I.T. Fam’s executive sponsor, passionate about physical and mental wellbeing. He loves to ski (sometimes extreme), practices yoga, and enjoys boating and fishing in Ocean City, NJ.
- Christa Turner is a working mother whose previous fitness journeys have inspired her to focus on overall Wellness rather than Physical Fitness in hopes of better balancing work and personal life.
- Joshua White successfully improved his health through fitness and is eager to help others reach their fitness goals.
- Lauren Yealdhall is a certified meditation teacher who believes mindfulness can create positive impacts within the workplace, including day-to-day stress management and providing a foundation for healthy relationships.
Not only do the ERGs organize and participate in various activities and initiatives, like networking events, culture celebrations, and community service projects. Suzanne Barth, the EVP/CPO, goes even further and says: “Innovation drives inclusion, and inclusion drives innovation.” She is right. Great Places to Work cited that companies that build an Innovation By All culture generate more high-quality ideas, realize more incredible speed in implementation, and achieve greater agility—resulting in 5.5 times the revenue growth of peers with a less inclusive approach to innovation.
Suzanne fully supports Syniti’s seven ERGs. She has championed and hosted, along with her team, 14 global events in 2022, and more than 1,600 Synizens (Syniti’s name for its employees) attended.
Benefits of ERG’s
As usual, some skeptics may think ERGs are the new flavor of the month, but that is inaccurate; there are numerous tangible business benefits inclusive of:
- It’s a compelling motivator when employees feel they belong, that they are part of the solution, and that they—as individuals—genuinely matter to the organization. People truly feel like part of the team and will want to bring their A-game.
- A sense of belonging acts as a rare earth magnet, drawing amazing people to your company and keeping them there for the long haul. Employees will naturally be more reluctant to seek out greener pastures if they’re in a place where they feel emotionally safe and comfortable.
In Deloitte’s 2020 Global Human Capital Trends report, 93% of respondents agreed that a sense of belonging drives organizational performance—one of the highest consensus rates they’ve seen in a decade. Deloitte revealed that workplace belonging can lead to “an estimated 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a 75% decrease in employee sick days.”
That’s enough to make any company want a culture of belonging. But … How do you get started?
Here are 5 tips to help you get started now.
Encourage Inclusion
Make sure that all employees have a voice and are included in both formal and informal meetings, brainstorms, or decision-making processes. It’s important to ensure that everyone is given equal opportunities to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
Celebrate Diversity
In a diverse workplace, it’s essential to recognize people for who they are and what makes them different. Celebrating diversity can help foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and heard.
Get to Know Your Teammates
Take the time to get to know your teammates better by asking questions, listening to their stories, and sharing experiences. This helps create a strong bond between everyone on the team and makes them feel like they belong.
Foster Open Communication
Open communication is key to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable speaking up and sharing their opinions. Encourage employees to reach out when they have questions or concerns, and ensure that their feedback is heard and taken into consideration.
Provide Resources
Providing resources that promote inclusion, such as diversity and inclusion training or resources on how to be an ally, can help make everyone feel like they belong in the workplace. It’s also important to focus on creating a safe working environment where employees are comfortable speaking up and sharing their unique perspectives.
Want to learn more and start your own ERG?
The 2023 Employee Resource Group Toolkit has arrived!
Read the full article here
