When considering who is responsible for leading impactful and purpose-driven workplace cultures, we often think of Human Resources (HR) professionals. While this is true, employees can also take initiative and join HR professionals in cultivating this kind of culture at work. Forming Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) is a great way for employees to exercise leadership in fostering the kind of work environment they want to see, while effectively engaging them as a team.

This blog post explores the significance of ERGs and tips on how to build successful ones with your peers at work, based on a resource guide for ERGs put together by our Business Development Analyst, Daniela Sanchez.

‍

What are ERGs?

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led initiatives that focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. These groups are formed by employees who share a common characteristic, background, or interest and come together to create a supportive and empowering community within the larger organization.

According to the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI), ERG-involved employees are 72% more likely to recommend their company as a great place to work.

‍

Struggling to maximize the impact of your ERG?

Here are five strategies that empower ERGs to have a lasting impact on individual members and the organization:

1. Set clear and measurable goals that align with the ERG's mission and the organization's objectives. Regularly review and refine these goals to remain focused and demonstrate value.
2. Gain support and commitment from executive sponsors and senior leadership by understanding their interests and aligning them with the ERG's activities.
3. Foster collaboration with other teams or departments to break down silos, collaborate on joint projects, and amplify the impact of the ERG.
4. Implement a comprehensive communication plan that utilizes multiple channels to keep members informed and engaged. Share success stories and celebrate achievements to highlight the ERG's impact and encourage participation.
5. Provide access to training, mentorship, and career development resources to support member growth. Establish mentorship programs and peer-to-peer learning initiatives.

‍

Integrating Volunteering to Achieve More

‍Looking for ways to make an impact beyond your workplace? Employee volunteering is the way to go! By actively engaging employees in volunteer opportunities, ERGs have the potential to make an impact within community they serve and beyond.

Wanting to integrate volunteering into your ERG but not sure where to start? Not to worry - here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. Conduct surveys or discussions to gauge interest and skills amoung employees. This will help identify causes or projects that align with the group's interests and expertise.
2. Research and identify volunteering opportunities or projects that align with the objectives and values of the ERG, including local community initiatives, charitable organizations or causes
3. Reach out to potential partners, such as non-profit organizations or community groups, to explore collaboration opportunities. Building strong partnerships can provide the ERG with access to impactful volunteering opportunities and resources.
4. Develop a clear volunteering plan that outlines the specific projects, activities, and timelines. Consider how often the ERG will volunteer, the number of participants needed for each activity, and the desired outcomes.
5. Use various communication channels such as emails, intranet, posters, or virtual meetings to promote volunteer opportunities within your organization. Highlight the positive impact of volunteering and emphasize the benefits for the community and the participants.

‍

Exceptional Employee Giving with Moment Energy’s Women+ ERG

‍Moment Energy, a clean tech company based in Coquitlam, British Columbia (BC), took employee giving to the next level for International Women’s Day this year. Its Women+ ERG engaged the whole team to learn about period poverty and assembled period care kits for survivors of domestic violence. These kits were donated to the Atira Women's Resource Society, a non-profit organization operating in BC’s lower mainland with a mission to end violence against women through a continuum of services around housing, education, and more.

‍

‍

Learn more about how Moment Energy engaged its team through our Giving Calendar here.

‍

Ready to Make an Impact?

‍We hope you find these tips and tricks helpful. Now that you’ve learned how to innovate your ERG, you are ready to lead!

Looking for ways your ERG can make an impact like the Women+ team from Moment Energy? MeaningfulWork’s Giving Calendar gives you all you need by connecting your team with curated opportunities covering impact areas that matter to you most with ease. Build your Giving Calendar today!

‍