Importance of Employee Resource Groups for Inclusive Workplaces

In a new bid to make workplaces safe for employees, decision makers have begun to understand the importance of building employee resource groups within workplaces. Employee resource groups (ERG) are an integral way to foster a safe environment within workplaces. These resource groups are an integral way to harbour a workplace culture that provides an inclusive environment for all employees. Moreover, employee resource groups are also an important way to build support systems within workplaces.

What are Employee Resource Groups?

Employee resource groups are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. These groups provide networks of support that make marginalised employees feel safe and comfortable. Moreover, ERGs are also important to align workplace activities to organisational culture. For employees, employee resource groups are a great way to build solidarities within the workplace. For marginalised employees, entering a new space of work may be daunting. The presence of solidarity networks in the form of employee resource groups are a great way to make them feel welcome and safe.

Organisations that depend on legal advisories for their diversity and inclusion mandates are automatically more aware of ways in which workplaces can become safer for employees. The awareness on building ERGs also comes from training and sensitization programs. Consequently, building of ERGs will help organisations increase awareness and sensitization to relevant topics like gender within their workplace.

How Can Employee Resource Groups Create a Better Workplace Culture?

Employee resource groups are an effective way to build support systems for employees. This not only helps marginalised employee but also helps allies learn more. For example, an organisation with an ERG for queer employees builds space for conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion. This not only benefits queer employees but also goes a long way in raising awareness for allies within the workplace.

 

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These groups are also a great way to increase confidence and promote collaboration within workplaces. Organisations that induce collaborative processes for employees have a higher rate of output and productivity. ERGs are an effective way to increase comfort and promote collaborative work ventures. This also fosters an environment of diversity that celebrates differences while building solidarities.

Consequently, ERGs are also an effective way to better working conditions for employees that may feel alienated within the workplace. While organisations may have been successful in building a diverse workforce, the lack of an inclusive environment may cause hindrances for employees to feel comfortable and connected with the organisation. ERGs provide a solution for the same by building support systems that alleviate feelings of isolation.

Employee resource groups are also an effective way to keep a check on colleagues within the workplace. An employee resource group works towards building preventive measures that help marginalised employees feel safe. For example, the presence of an ERG raises awareness that in turn helps employees address their own harmful behaviour. The presence of ERGs also provides confidence in redressal mechanisms.

How can Advisories Help in Raising Awareness About the Importance of Employee Resource Groups?

Advisories that focus on building safe and inclusive workplaces for organisations raise awareness about policies and processes. Moreover, advisories like Ungender also focus on curating and awareness sessions that help employees and leaders understand certain concepts like the concept of an employee resource group. Advisories also help organisations create a space where employees are able to build these networks of support. An organisation with leaders that do not listen to the needs of their employees, are bound to fail in terms of output as well.

 

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Diversity and inclusion advisories also focus on educating organisations about the importance of equity measures. ERGs are an effective way to build spaces that are specifically made for marginalised employees and hence fall within the ambit of equity measures. Equity measures are also a great way to boost employee morale and ensure that organisational values remain intact. Diversity and inclusion advisories also help put policies and processes in place. An organisation that has clear-cut processes to build and support employee support groups build and foster an environment of consolidated growth and productivity.

Conclusion

Employee resource groups are an effective way to ensure employees within the workplace feel safe within the work environment. They help in alleviating isolation for employees and also create solidarities within allies. These groups are a great way to ensure employees feel truly included within the workplace. Consequently, these groups help organisations traverse beyond the legal mandates of compliance and build a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Advisories that work with diversity and inclusion can help organisations understand the importance of employee resource groups. Organisations that promote and celebrate these groups ensure employee satisfaction as well as a higher level of productivity from employees.

Written by: Anuska Roy

Ungender Insights is the product of our learning from advisory work at Ungender. Our team specializes in advising workplaces on workplace diversity and inclusion. Write to us at contact@ungender.in to understand how we can partner with your organization to build a more inclusive workplace.