That electric workplace culture we all crave won’t create itself. From Airbnb to lululemon, the world’s most inspired teams create momentum by making targeted investments in programs and technology that will build genuine, lasting relationships and communities in their workplaces.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among employees is crucial. Employee resource groups (ERGs) play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive environment, but their success often depends on the tools and technologies in place.
Consider investing in these five essential elements to supercharge your ERGs and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Why You Need to Invest in These 5 Things to Boost Engagement in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
1. Social impact technology for employee empowerment
Today's employees seek more than just a job; they want a purpose. Incorporating social impact technology into your ERG initiatives allows employees to engage in meaningful charitable activities effortlessly. Platforms that seamlessly integrate with ERGs not only encourage employees to participate in community service but also empower them to make a positive impact on society. From virtual volunteering opportunities to donation drives, these technologies make it easy for employees to contribute to causes that matter most to them.
2. Timely, thoughtful content
In the age of information, employees appreciate staying informed about current events and social causes. Invest in creating a dedicated space within your ERG platform for timely, thoughtful content and commentary. Regularly updating this section with relevant news, articles, and discussions not only keeps employees informed but also sparks meaningful conversations within the community. This dynamic content hub can serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging employees to stay engaged and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding important issues.
3. Community-building tools that kick in at onboarding
An engaged employee starts with a seamless onboarding process. Investing in community-building tools streamlines the onboarding experience for both new hires and existing employees looking to join ERGs. These tools facilitate connections, making it easy for employees to find and join relevant groups. Features like discussion forums, mentorship programs, and virtual meet-and-greets create a sense of community, ensuring that every employee feels welcomed and included from day one.
4. Comprehensive events management platform
ERGs thrive on meaningful events, from volunteering initiatives to educational sessions and social gatherings. Invest in a platform that supports end-to-end event management. Whether it's organizing volunteer activities, lunch-and-learns, fireside chats, or virtual happy hours, having a centralized platform ensures seamless coordination and participation. This holistic approach to events fosters a rewarding workplace culture, with employees feeling more connected and invested in the success of their ERG.
5. Intuitive reporting and real-time dashboards
To gauge the impact of your ERG initiatives, invest in a platform that provides intuitive reporting and real-time dashboards. Having all relevant data accessible through a single login simplifies the tracking of engagement metrics, participation rates, and the overall impact of your ERGs. This data-driven approach not only helps in refining and optimizing future initiatives but also showcases the tangible benefits of employee engagement to leadership and stakeholders.
One last question: But is this worth the money?
Investing in these five key elements—social impact technology, timely content, community-building tools, comprehensive events management, and intuitive reporting—can transform the engagement levels within your Employee Resource Groups. By embracing these tools, organizations can create a workplace culture where employees feel empowered, connected, and inspired to make a positive impact both within the company and in the broader community.
Deed is an enterprise social impact platform that makes it fun and easy for millions of employees to share their time, money, and talent with causes they care about. We started as a viral volunteering app, and today our platform gives the world’s most inspiring brands—from lululemon to Airbnb—one exceptionally-designed home for all of their purpose-driven activities.
Corporate grantmaking, employee donations/matching, diversity & inclusion, and employee resource groups (ERGs) are only the beginning. Because over the past three to five years, everyone’s expectations for Fortune 500 corporate social responsibility have radically changed. But with our trusted integration partners like Workday and PayPal, hand-in-hand customer service, and a collaborative product team, Deed’s platform moves at the speed of work.
Ready to raise the engagement floor in your company’s ERGs? Request a demo with one of our social impact specialists today.
