Employee resource groups have been fixtures in Corporate America since the 1970s, providing a safe space where under-represented workers could commiserate and strategize within the otherwise homogenous White/male workforce.
Now, they're under fire, Jeff Green reports, as layoffs mount and workplace diversity initiatives come under increased scrutiny.
The proportion of US companies that fund a DEI function — which often oversees #ERGs — is set to drop to just 20% by the end of this year, compared with 33% in 2022, according to Forrester Research.
For bosses, ERGs are a quick and easy place to make cuts. Employees might grumble, but business will mostly go on. But similar to ill-advised #RTO mandates, this "sends a signal to the employee that it was a smokescreen, the executive never actually cared," says one researcher.
With DEI pros keeping their heads down, “employees don't necessarily feel safe to participate in ERGs," said one ERG advisor.
What's happening at the employee resource groups at YOUR organization? Let us know in the comments, or reach out to me or Jeff directly.
#ERG #DEI #employeeresourcegroups #community #office #futureofwork #leadership #diversity #indigenous #LItrendingtopics #layoffs #workforce #management #
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1dCongratulations to Bozzuto for being named a Top Workplace by the Baltimore Sun! It's inspiring to see how a culture of kindness can empower employees and enhance their sense of belonging. Here’s to continuing this positive momentum into the future! 🙂