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If your organization is already leveraging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), then you know how important they are for creating a sense of inclusion and improving engagement in the workplace. However, as companies grow, maintaining the effectiveness of ERGs can become a challenge. As your company grows and adds more employees (many of whom might be located across the country or globe – all with different needs) how do you scale ERGs without losing their impact?
The Challenges of Scaling ERGs
Scaling ERGs requires walking the tight rope between balancing inclusivity with organizational growth. Without a strong infrastructure in place, ERGs can easily become fragmented, inconsistent, or even inaccessible to employees in different locations or time zones. Some key challenges include:
Maintaining a sense of community across dispersed teams.
Ensuring consistent messaging and support for all employees.
Providing access to valuable content and discussions (without overwhelming ERG leaders.)
Scalable Solutions for ERG Success
If you want your ERGs to continue to have an impact – even if your organization is growing – you’ll need scalable solutions. Here are some helpful approaches:
1. Online Portals for Content Access
Creating a centralized digital hub allows ERG members to easily access resources, discussion guides, and event recordings (which are vital when not all members can join virtual gatherings in real time). This ensures continuity and equal access for all employees, no matter their location. Without these centralized tools? You might be looking at a breakdown in both communication and engagement.
2. Centralized Communication Platforms
Using platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or custom-built ERG platforms helps keep communication streamlined. Create dedicated channels for different ERG initiatives so you can improve engagement and keep members informed.
The Role of Tailored Content in Scaling
Content plays a crucial role in ERG success, especially as teams grow. Here’s what tailored, scalable content can lead to:
Consistency in messaging across different locations and employee levels.
Relevant, actionable insights that resonate with all employees – no matter where they’re located, or what their needs are.
Reduced burden on ERG leaders, as ready-to-use resources simplify planning and execution. (This is particularly important, since only about 6% of ERG leaders are paid for their time spent on the initiative.)
Scaling ERGs Successfully
Leading companies often face challenges in managing ERGs across their global workforce. AT&T, for example, has more than 35,000 members across 26 ERGs. But by implementing a centralized ERG hub, the company has been able to:
Increase connection and belonging among employees
Access better business insights as a result of having diverse perspectives
Have more diversity in its leadershipÂ
Scaling ERGs effectively requires intentional investment in infrastructure, content, and communication tools. When company leaders focus on scalable solutions, it is possible for ERGs to continue to have a strong impact on the employee experience.Â
Let's Take the Next Step Together
Looking for an easier way to scale your ERGs? Schedule a consulting call with CARRY™ Consulting today and let’s provide your teams with the resources they need to thrive.