How can ERGs leverage technology and social media to reach and connect with remote or hybrid workers?

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture. They can also play a vital role in onboarding new hires, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. How can ERGs leverage technology and social media to reach and connect with remote or hybrid workers? Here are some tips and best practices to consider.

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1 Define your goals and audience

Before you launch or promote your ERG online, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and who you want to engage. What are the main objectives and benefits of your ERG? How does it align with your company's values and mission? Who are the target members and allies of your ERG? How can you communicate your value proposition and invite them to join?

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Elizabeth Brasher, MBA

Sr. HR Professional | People Enthusiast
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One other thing that's not always taken into consideration when starting and running an ERG is asking members or potential members what they themselves want to get out of the ERG. Do they want to have an impact on their surrounding communities? Are they looking for a support network? Or do they want to learn applicable skills via speakers or workshops? Understanding this will help ERG leaders better clarify the mission, vision, and goals of the group and in turn build a strong, meaningful, and dedicated group.

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2 Choose the right platforms and tools

Depending on your goals and audience, you may want to use different platforms and tools to reach and connect with remote or hybrid workers. For example, you can use your company's intranet, email, or chat system to share information, events, and resources related to your ERG. You can also create a dedicated website, blog, or newsletter to showcase your ERG's activities, achievements, and impact. Additionally, you can use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to build your ERG's brand, network, and community.

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Dimitra Dimitropoulou

HR & Marketing Leader passionate about using AI for good | EU & NA Markets | DEIB Champion | Speaker | Mentor
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When choosing between different platforms and tools, also consider the type of content you want to share. Some platforms may be more suited for short and casual updates, while others may allow for more in-depth and interactive content. For example, platforms that support longer video formats such as YouTube and LinkedIn can be great for sharing event recordings or interviews with your audience, while a podcast can offer an engaging way to share conversations and stories related to your ERG's mission and impact. Additionally, consider choosing platforms and tools that allow for easy collaboration and accessibility, particularly if your audience is spread across different locations or time zones, as is often the case with remote workers.

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3 Create engaging and inclusive content

Creating engaging and inclusive content for remote or hybrid workers is one of the challenges of running an ERG online. Avoid jargon, acronyms, and assumptions that may exclude or confuse members. Examples of engaging and inclusive content include stories and testimonials from members and allies, tips and advice on topics related to the ERG's focus and interests, surveys and polls to gather feedback and insights, contests and challenges to encourage participation and interaction, and recognition and appreciation for contributors and supporters.

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Dr. Kelly Alvarado-Young

Latina Coach | Onboarding Enthusiast | Using Mindfulness to shift into a more balanced, peaceful, and calm place in business and home | Talent Management, Onboarding, Remote Workforce, DEI
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Inclusive content can also be an opportunity to collaborate with other ERGs. Gen Z and Millennial are requesting more intersectionality in ERG experiences. They do not want or should have to pick one identity (women, Black, Veteran, caregiver, LGBTQ+, etc.). Combining efforts allows for cross cultural learning as much as deepening a sense of belonging to the ERG for both those with the identities and allies.

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4 Foster a sense of community and belonging

Fostering a sense of community and belonging for remote or hybrid workers is a challenge when running an ERG online. Make sure you create opportunities for members to network, collaborate, and learn from each other. This can be done by hosting regular online meetings, webinars, or workshops to share updates, knowledge, and best practices; organizing online social events, games, or icebreakers; creating online groups, forums, or chats to facilitate discussions, questions, and feedback; mentoring and coaching new hires or existing members; and celebrating and highlighting your ERG's achievements, milestones, and impact.

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Kenneth Averell

Supporting Duetto clients on their product journeys using our innovative product ecosystem! LinkedIn Alum 🎓
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In the ERG that I lead within my company, we have specifically and purposefully onboarded remote leads who sit alongside our office leads in our organizational structure. These remote leads ideate and lead remote/hybrid events and content specifically for our remote members as well as serving as a voice in the room during regional or global event planning to ensure we always keep remote/hybrid workers top of mind. Those leads have the same level of autonomy to direct and guide their members, in this case our remote/hybrid workers, in the way that is best fit and catered to that segment of our workforce.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can ERGs leverage technology and social media to reach and connect with remote or hybrid workers?

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1 Define your goals and audience

2 Choose the right platforms and tools

3 Create engaging and inclusive content

4 Foster a sense of community and belonging

5 Here’s what else to consider

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