Employee Resource Group Excellence

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led organizations that aim to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace aligned with a company's values, goals, and objectives. Very often, however, these groups wind up being known as the "food, flags, and fun" groups, because of their tendency to focus on social events above all else. They are, however, capable of so much more. In Employee Resource Group Excellence: Grow High Performing ERGs to Enhance Diversity, Equality, Belonging, and Business Impact, renowned management and diversity consultant Dr. Robert Rodriguez delivers an exhaustive look at the current state of ERGs in corporate America. Leveraging his extensive experience in diversity consulting with over 300 companies, the author explores the gaps that must be closed in order to elevate ERGs for greater value. Employee Resource Group Excellence draws on assessment data gleaned from almost 200 corporations to identify key insights, trends, and correlations that help differentiate top-tier and high performing ERGs from ERGs that have minimal impact. Through first-hand experience, analysis, and assessment findings, the author shares his insightful recommendations on how to unleash the potential hidden within ERGs in the U.S. business community. The book offers readers in-depth interviews with diversity executives, HR practitioners, and ERG leaders that highlight best practices and current trends, as well as common pitfalls and mistakes that derail ERGs and prevent them from achieving high-level results. Finally, the author highlights the "4C Assessment (TM) ," the only ERG diagnostic tool on the market today that assesses the pillars of careers, community, culture, and commerce. Ideal for Chief Diversity Officers and ERG leaders, Employee Resource Group Excellence also belongs in the libraries of human resources professionals and other corporate executives who seek to unlock the full potential of these powerful groups.