Click here for a full transcript of the episode.

Ninety percent of Fortune 500 companies have employee resource groups. What they call themselves varies, with 36% using the term employee resource group, 32% using business resource group, and small percentages using affinity group, employee network, or other terms. The most ERGs are focused on women, LGBTQIA+, disabilities, veterans, Black employees, Hispanic or Latino employees, Pan-Asian employees, multi-generational, young professionals, and Indigenous Americans.

ERGs can help with acculturation, whether you’re new to the organization or are long-tenured and looking for friends. They can also be a source of knowledge, as they have subject matter expertise you may not be able to develop yourself. Organizations benefit because they can use ERGs as market research, allowing them to become informed about things that can inform how they create products and services.

If you’re interested in starting an ERG, look for existing volunteer networks or local organizations that employees may be involved in. Provide some structure, routine, and governance so that the ERG is a safe space for communication to happen, but also in alignment with the goals of the company. And partner with HR; they can help you create a more effective and aligned group.

One challenge with ERGs is trying to represent one perspective or boil it down into something that makes everyone feel like they’re part of the same journey while also being authentic to the diversity of perspectives. The good news is that ERGs tend to give a lot of grace and are usually willing to give you a pass when something doesn’t work well. ERGS can make employees feel safe being open about their identities, connect them with senior leadership, and help them develop their skills.

In this episode’s listener question, we’re asked about HR professionals having unprofessional social media in their personal lives. In the news, there’s a rising trend in “dry promotions,” or promotions without pay raises.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• JoyPowered® Memberships
• ”15+ Game-Changing ERG Statistics – 2024 Research Updates for ERGs and DEI”
• Wells Fargo
• Special Olympics
• Disability:IN
• ”Dry Promotions: Pros, Cons & 5 Ways to Handle Them”
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®

Let us know what you think! Rate and review our podcast on Apple Podcasts – we love hearing your feedback, and it helps people find our show.