{"id":11786,"date":"2024-05-13T09:10:24","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T15:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/board.org\/?p=11786"},"modified":"2026-01-29T23:49:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T05:49:57","slug":"how-to-optimize-employee-resource-groups-6-key-steps-for-ex-and-dei-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/board.org\/employee-experience-peer-network\/resources\/how-to-optimize-employee-resource-groups-6-key-steps-for-ex-and-dei-teams\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Optimize Employee Resource Groups: 6 Key Steps for EX and DEI Teams"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Strategic ERG integration:<\/strong> Embed ERGs throughout the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to offboarding, to enhance attraction, retention, and overall employee experience tailored to diverse needs.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>External engagement for impact:<\/strong> Collaborate with external partners to address societal issues and enhance corporate social responsibility, brand reputation, and community impact beyond internal efforts.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Alignment with business goals:<\/strong> Align ERG agendas with organizational priorities to maximize impact and drive outcomes like supplier diversity and employee well-being.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;Full Width Line&#8221; line_thickness=&#8221;1&#8243; divider_color=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employee resource groups (ERGs) have become powerful drivers of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and employee experience (EX) within companies. They also have the potential to enhance business operations when aligned with broader enterprise goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a recent leadership panel on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/board.org\/dei\/resources\/leveraging-employee-resource-groups-to-enhance-ex-and-dei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leveraging ERGs to enhance employee experience and DEI<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, our Board Members discussed best practices for effectively integrating ERGs into overarching business initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We highlight the critical steps to leverage ERGs to achieve organizational objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Integrate ERG Awareness Across the Employee Lifecycle<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alison-jones-she-ella-%E5%A5%B9-31a7a04\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alison Jones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Edgewell Personal Care, discussed the importance of integrating ERGs.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;11782&#8243; image_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;10px&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<blockquote><p><em>ERGs help people to see someone like them as soon as they join the business, especially in today&#8217;s world where you could be working hybrid or remote.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alison-jones-she-ella-%E5%A5%B9-31a7a04\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alison Jones<\/a>, VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Edgewell Personal Care<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She explained that ERGs play a vital role in enhancing attraction, retention, and employee experience from the first interaction with recruitment to the time an associate leaves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;ERGs help people to see someone like them as soon as they join the business, especially in today&#8217;s world where you could be working hybrid or remote,&#8221; Alison said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ERGs can also be utilized at various stages of an employee&#8217;s journey beyond community building. For example, Alison noted that ERGs are critical during ongoing employee development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ERGs facilitate networking opportunities and skill-building workshops tailored to diverse employee needs. Even during transitions or exits, Alison said ERGs can provide support networks and offboarding resources, ensuring employees feel valued throughout their journey within your organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Enhance Community Impact Through External <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employee Resource Groups <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engagement<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alison emphasized the importance of ERGs collaborating with external partners to extend their influence beyond internal efforts. She explained that ERGs shape how organizations interact with communities outside their workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, at Edgewell Personal Care, they bring attention to external issues such as &#8220;period poverty&#8221; through their stay-free and carefree feminine products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this effort, she explained how their Teammate Resource Groups work alongside community shelters to provide feminine products to those in the community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;There are many ways that we can advocate and make sure how we show up in the community is not offensive and that employees&#8217; voices are vetted,&#8221; Alison added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alison said ERGs demonstrate corporate social responsibility by addressing societal issues or collaborating with community organizations. They also enhance brand reputation and community impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Align Employee Resource Groups Goals with Business Priorities<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/shrutibahadur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shruti Bahadur<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Global Leader of Employee Experience and Employee Resource Groups at Dow, talked about the importance of aligning ERG agendas with your organization&#8217;s priorities.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;11783&#8243; image_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;10px&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<blockquote><p><em>That ERG agenda is aligned to the priorities of the company and helps enable ERGs to position themselves as a resource for the employees and as a resource for the business.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/shrutibahadur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shruti Bahadur<\/a>, Global Leader of Employee Experience and Employee Resource Groups at Dow<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By establishing ERG agendas that mirror company goals, Shruti said organizations can leverage the collective power of ERGs to drive impact on both business outcomes and employee experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;That ERG agenda is aligned to the priorities of the company and helps enable ERGs to position themselves as a resource for the employees and as a resource for the business,&#8221; Shruti added.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use ERG Insights to Support Supplier Diversity Goals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She shared examples of how her team at Dow used the insights from ERGs in various initiatives, such as promoting supplier diversity, addressing employee wellbeing, and advancing corporate strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Supplier diversity is a priority for the company this year, to the extent that we&#8217;ve added supplier diversity goals to our corporate scorecard and corporate level,&#8221; Shruti said. &#8220;It&#8217;s also one of the metrics influencing our yearly bonus payout. That&#8217;s the level of importance it has, and that&#8217;s where we are activating our ERGs.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dow&#8217;s ERGs &#8212; including Asian, African American, women&#8217;s, LGBTQ+, and veterans groups &#8212; actively engage with suppliers within their communities to bring them into the Dow network.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They facilitate the certification process, ensuring these suppliers meet Dow&#8217;s standards. This proactive approach supports diversity initiatives while positively impacting the bottom line by contributing to a balanced and enriched employee experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activate Your ERGs to Support Employee Well-Being<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shruti also shared how their ERGs create safe spaces for employees to discuss work-related stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Work-related stress is at its highest ever in the company&#8217;s history, or since we started recording it, and the post-pandemic world exacerbates it,&#8221; Shruti said. &#8220;We are activating our ERGs to provide a psychologically safe platform for people to engage in conversations that are causing work-related stress and access to leaders and experts in the company to get support to improve their overall well-being.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dow&#8217;s ERGs also play a crucial role in translating complex business strategies, like sustainability efforts, into accessible language through initiatives like their &#8220;sustainability literacy series,&#8221; enhancing employee understanding and engagement with complex business objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Bridge ERG Initiatives and Business Goals with Executive Support<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alison and Shruti shed light on the pivotal role of executive sponsors in supporting ERGs. Both noted that executive sponsors serve as mentors, advocates, and facilitators, bridging the gap between ERGs and organizational leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alison explained that leading the Black TRG doesn&#8217;t require you to be Black, just as leading the LGBTQ+ group doesn&#8217;t require you to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. This is because there is mutual learning in both situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;We want to expand their worldview,&#8221; Alison said. &#8220;The goal is to be that soundboard when we&#8217;re trying to bring things to bear and to help advocate for TRGs in those executive spaces.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shruti explained the significance of executive sponsorship in driving the success of ERGs within Dow&#8217;s DEI efforts. Each of their 10 ERGs is backed by an executive sponsor, typically a direct report of the CEO. These sponsors play a multifaceted role, including coaching, mentoring, and breaking down barriers for ERGs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She highlighted the ongoing process of refreshing the executive sponsor bench, ensuring alignment with evolving priorities, and identifying individuals with a genuine passion for supporting ERGs and fostering inclusivity within the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Empower ERG Autonomy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dgomezor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dani Gomez-Ortega<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Senior Manager of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at McCain Foods, also highlighted the need to balance organizational objectives with ERGs&#8217; autonomy. She said organizations must respect the creative autonomy of ERG leaders and members while providing a framework for alignment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;We need to acknowledge that there is a little bit of tension between the administration or the company and the ERGs, where the company wants to do one thing, but the ERGs are doing this work on top of their regular duties,&#8221; Dani said. &#8220;They don&#8217;t want to be prescribed what to do. It&#8217;s important to recognize that ERGs don&#8217;t like being told what to do and that this is their space to be creative.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She added that organizations can empower ERGs to drive meaningful change by offering guidance on overarching goals &#8212; such as allyship, employee support, and community engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Create Frameworks to Address ERG Misalignment\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While alignment is crucial, Dani also highlighted the reality of occasional misalignment between ERG initiatives and organizational goals.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;11784&#8243; image_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;10px&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<blockquote><p><em>The best way I found to bring ERGs back to something that&#8217;s closer to organizational goals is by creating a framework that specifically says what our intentions are.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dgomezor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dani Gomez-Ortega<\/a>, Senior Manager of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at McCain Foods<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In such cases, she noted that organizations must approach the situation with empathy and open communication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;People are typically volunteering on the side to do this work,&#8221; Dani said. &#8220;The best way I found to bring ERGs back to something that&#8217;s closer to organizational goals is by creating a framework that specifically says what our intentions are.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By providing a clear framework for alignment, fostering dialogue, and leveraging executive sponsors as mediators, Dani said organizations can navigate challenges while maintaining a focus on shared objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover More Insights From Heads of DEI on Aligning ERGs with Business Goals<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By leveraging the collective power of ERGs, our Board Members explained that organizations can drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and achieve sustainable growth across large organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get more insights on how heads of DEI at the world&#8217;s largest companies are aligning ERGs with organizational priorities, join your peers in the DEI Board. Our members meet weekly to benchmark their top priorities in our community and share actionable steps on how to advance your strategies.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_background&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image=&#8221;10232&#8243; bg_position=&#8221;left top&#8221; background_image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;75px&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;50px&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Interested in learning more about membership?&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:35px|text_align:center|color:%23000000|line_height:1.5&#8243; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;As a leader, your mission is important. 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