Who invented employee resource groups?

Who invented employee resource groups?

Joseph Wilson
Joseph Wilson, the celebrated former Xerox CEO, developed the concept following race riots in Rochester, NY in 1964.

How do you name employee resource groups?

Note: Not all companies use the term “Employee Resource Groups” or “ERGs.” Names vary widely, but some other common ones include Business Resource Groups, Diversity Networks, Colleague Resource Groups, and Team Member Networks.

How long have ERGs been around?

ERGs have been around since the 1960s when black workers at Xerox organized to discuss race-based tension in the workplace. They are increasingly relevant today as gender issues, questions of personal identity and politics affect everyone.

How do you name an erg?

Here are five tips on what—and what not—to call your employee resource group:

  1. Avoid complicated acronyms.
  2. Have the name of the demographic group in the title.
  3. Try really hard not to be esoteric.
  4. Ensure your LGBT group and your disability group have the word “allies” or “friends” in their title.

How did employee resource groups start?

ERGs were started as race-based employee groups that developed due to racial tensions in the 1960s. Xerox is known for having the first ERG, the National Black Employee Caucus, which was initiated in 1970. The group was founded with the support of the CEO of Xerox at the time, Joseph Wilson.

Why do companies have employee resource groups?

An Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a network within a company where employees meet up (in person or remotely) based on shared characteristics, experiences or goals. The groups offer a chance to network and socialize, work on professional development, and to raise awareness of relevant issues.

How do you organize employee resource groups?

How to Start an Employee Resource Group (ERG)

  1. Share Your ERG Idea With HR. Have an idea for a new ERG?
  2. Define Your Group’s Mission & Goals. In addition to a group name, draft the mission and goals for your ERG.
  3. Find an Executive Sponsor.
  4. Recruit Members.
  5. Schedule Meetings & Plan Events.

How do you market employee resource groups?

7 Best Practices for a Successful ERG Program

  1. Create a Mission Statement and Goals for Each ERG.
  2. Establish Guidelines and a Structure for ERGs.
  3. Define ERG Leadership Roles.
  4. Engage Executive Sponsors.
  5. Track and Measure the Effectiveness of ERGs.
  6. Promote Allyship and Collaboration among ERGs.
  7. Align ERGs on Business Initiatives.

When did ERGs start?

1960s
ERGs were started as race-based employee groups that developed due to racial tensions in the 1960s. Xerox is known for having the first ERG, the National Black Employee Caucus, which was initiated in 1970. The group was founded with the support of the CEO of Xerox at the time, Joseph Wilson.

When was the erg invented?

Back in the 1800s a man named WIlliam B. Curtis invented the erg or indoor rowing machine.

How do I set up an Employee Resource Group?

How to Start Employee Resource Groups — and Maximize Existing Ones

  1. Seek input from employees.
  2. Get leadership buy-in.
  3. Establish your mission and structure.
  4. Don’t be afraid to start small.
  5. Encourage others to join.
  6. Allocate resources.
  7. Measure your impact.
  8. Collaborate with other ERGs.

What is an erg in physics?

erg, unit of energy or work in the centimetre-gram-second system of physical units used in physics; to lift a pound weight one foot requires 1.356 × 107 ergs. It equals the work done by a force of one dyne acting through a distance of one centimetre and is equal to 10-7 joule, the standard unit of work or energy.

What are employee resource groups and what do they do?

What are employee resource groups? Employee Resource Groups (ERG) are employer-recognized workplace groups voluntarily led by employees. These groups allow employees with commonalities to meet, support each other and produce a particular outcome that helps improve your business and their job satisfaction.

How to form an Employee Resource Group ( ERG )?

Follow these suggested steps to form an ERG: 1 Determine company goals and decide if an ERG is needed. The first thing to do is assess which ERGs the company truly needs. 2 Secure leadership buy-in to implement an ERG. 3 Start with a small group. 4 Spread awareness about the group.

Why are ergs called Workplace Affinity Groups ( ERGs )?

They are led by employees on a volunteer basis so that ERGs can be an empowering and safe avenue for employees to express themselves and seek support. The first ERGs, originally called Workplace Affinity Groups, formed in the 1960s as a response to racial tension and workplace discrimination.

What are diversity resource groups in the workplace?

Diversity resource groups consist of employees within the minority of their workplace. Minorities can be distinguished by race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation and other characteristics that may unintentionally alienate someone from the larger group.