EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPs (ERGs) CONSULTING

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Consulting

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) often form the backbone of an organization when it comes to representing employee interests. Those ERGs are incredibly useful to implement Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs and they create a welcoming environment for employees who join them, especially for employees who may belong to marginalized groups. ERGs enable the organization to identify competent representatives who can act on behalf of all employees.

To establish and sustain ERGs in the long run is a demanding task. There are multiple factors that lay the foundation for successful ERG contribution.

In 2013 I founded and successfully established the very first ERG at adidas. My experience with successes and failures, the do's and don'ts will also help you to set up your ERGs for success and to cultivate an atmosphere of collective creativity and productivity of all employees.

Learn more about how I founded the first ERG at adidas with these 5 Tipps.

Here you can see a brief overview of prerequisites for successful ERGs by exploring practical examples during my work as leader of the adidas LGBTIQ+ Network "Proud 2 Play".

Events

ERG work requires internal and external events, because it offers a platform of exchange and interaction. This could bring new ideas and allows members to action on the ERG's Purpose.

Business

The adidas Pride Pack, which debuted in 2015, has been created entirely out of the ERG. As head of the ERG. I have coordinated alignments across multiple business areas to ensure products can be offered worldwide to consumers.

Sponsor

To function successfully, it is essential for ERGs to have a sponsor or patron in Senior Management. I was fortunate enough to win our CFO for this important role. I am happy to consult you on how you an support your ERGs in the best possible way.

Charity

To be authentic and to give back to the own community has been really important to us. As the head of the ERG I have established a collaboration between Europe's largest LGBTIQ+ Charity, Stonewall UK. Not only did it allow the ERG members to work on products for the community, but it represented a way to earn money that un turn was given back to charitable causes for the community. Apart form financial donations, ERG members were able to support the Charity with skills and expertise.

Community Outreach

Each ERG exists for a specific reason and serves a Purpose. Each member must be epowered to contribute and give back to the community and Purpose. As ERG lead I have started a partnership with the successful LGBTIQA+ soccer club Stonewall FC, which allowed our ERG members to actively contribute to the adidas Purpose "Through Sport we have the Power to Change Lives".

Mission & Vision

In order for ERGs to work effectively, a mission statement is needed that enables the network to work autonomously. The mission statement should include the vision of the network and be consistent with the company's goals. This mission statement allows all employees to understand why the network exists and what the main goal of the network is.