GLBT Employee Resource Groups
Employee resource groups, also known as employee network groups or affinity groups, first emerged for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees in the early 1990s with the former AT&T Corporation’s LEAGUE. Today, the vast majority of employers rated in the Corporate Equality Index have an employee resource group or diversity council that includes GLBT issues. Businesses usually provide these groups with a small budget and access to resources such as meeting rooms and e-mail. In return, ERGs serve important roles in recruiting and retaining talented GLBT employees, as well as marketing to the GLBT community.
Recruitment and Retention
By recognizing the GLBT members of its workforce through an employee resource group, an employer supports a positive environment in which GLBT employees feel comfortable and valued. GLBT ERGs can:
- Help develop and implement policies and practices
GLBT ERGs can assist in the beginning stages of policy making, providing input on issues such as non-discrimination policies, diversity training, leadership development and marketing. They can also serve as an additional go-to point for information concerning GLBT-related workplace policies such as the availability of domestic partner benefits or clearly defined gender transition guidelines. - Feedback
GLBT ERGs can provide a clear line of communication between employees and management, ensuring that policies and practices have their intended effect. - Programming and Visibility
GLBT ERGs foster a sense of safety and acceptance for GLBT employees in the workplace by providing support and offering services and programming for GLBT employees and candidates. They also work to increase awareness and education of all employees about sexual orientation and gender identity as workplace issues. - Recruitment/Marketing
The existence of a GLBT ERG is a clear sign that an employer supports equality in the workplace. These groups often sponsor events that are external to the organizations such as AIDS walks and GLBT film festivals, increasing the business’s exposure, helping to attract prospective employees and consumers. - Leadership Development
An ERG provides an additional avenue for leadership development and mentoring.
Established Employee Resource Groups
Related Links
- Search HRC’s database for employers with GLBT employee resource groups
- Establish an "Allies Program" in your workplace
