How do employee resource groups (ERGs) transform workplace culture? Explore the leader’s guide and build a strong, influential community within your organization.

Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led initiatives that bring together people with shared experiences, identities, or interests. These can include groups supporting women in business, LGBTQ+ communities, employees with disabilities, parents, or people from different cultural backgrounds.
Although each ERG operates differently, they share a common purpose: creating a more inclusive, open, and supportive work environment.

The first ERG was founded over 50 years ago at Xerox Corporation, and since then, the model has grown significantly. Today, 90% of Fortune 500 companies have active ERGs, and many leading corporations consider them a strategic element of business growth.

Well-functioning employee networks benefit both organizations and employees. For employees, ERGs provide: a sense of belonging and community, opportunities to share experiences and learn from others, personal and professional growth opportunities, expanded networking and visibility within the company, accelerated career development and opportunities to take on leadership roles.

From an organizational perspective, ERGs actively support business objectives by: improving recruitment and talent retention, creating a space for innovation and cross-team collaboration, influencing fairer HR policies,
enhancing the company’s image as a responsible employer. Example: PepsiCo’s Adelante group supports the Latino community while also contributing to new product development and market strategy — proving ERGs can directly impact business growth.

While launching an ERG may sound simple, successful implementation requires a thoughtful strategy and a well-prepared plan. To support leaders in this process, Diversity Hub has developed the ERG Playbook — a practical guide that explains step by step how to create and grow effective ERGs.

In the Playbook, you’ll find: nine essential steps to launch your own ERG, tips for planning activities and building relationships with leadership, practical advice on measuring impact and success, insights from experienced ERG leaders who share best practices and success stories.

We’ve also prepared a few examples from projects recognized in the ERG Excellence Award, organized by Diversity Hub. These initiatives showcase the transformative power of ERGs and prove that their real strength lies in authenticity, collaboration, and focusing on employees’ needs.

This innovative program shows how simple solutions can have a massive impact.
Aimed at candidates in the final recruitment stages, the initiative gives them an opportunity to explore Akamai’s work culture through the perspective of ERG members — including LGBTQ+ employees, parents, veterans, and women in business.
Instead of merely promising inclusivity, the company allows candidates to hear authentic employee stories.
The program now runs globally and demonstrates how collaboration between ERGs and HR can strengthen employer branding and candidate experience.

Inicjatywa PWC Poland is a comprehensive women’s development program combining mentoring, coaching, and skills-building workshops.
It focuses not only on career growth but also on self-confidence, wellbeing, financial independence, and peer support.
This holistic approach empowers women to succeed both professionally and personally — proving that leadership starts with support and that investing in women’s development drives long-term business benefits.

Pobierz przewodnik i zyskaj wiedzę, jak stworzyć przestrzeń, w której zespoły czują się docenione i zaangażowane, a organizacja zyskuje energię do rozwoju i innowacji.Download the guide and gain the knowledge to create a workplace where teams feel valued and engaged, and where your organization gains energy for growth and innovation.Pobierz publikacjęDownload the publication

Download the guide and gain the knowledge to create a workplace where teams feel valued and engaged, and where your organization gains energy for growth and innovation.