Recognizing International ERG Day:
Empowering Employee Resource Groups in Your Workplace
International ERG Day, taking place on November 17th, is an important opportunity for organizations to celebrate and support their Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs, employee-led groups that foster a sense of belonging and community for members who share similar identities, play a crucial role in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within workplaces.
The History — and Future — of ERGs
The first official Employee Resource Group in the United States was established in 1970 at Xerox as the National Black Employees Caucus. In the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, this group provided a platform for Black employees to advocate for inclusion and drive change within the company.
Since then, ERGs have proliferated across the country, bringing together employees with shared interests and identities. They are often organized around a specific demographic, life stage, or function. According to the 2011 Mercer report ERGs Come of Age: The Evolution of Employee Resource Groups, the most commonly established ERGs center around women, race or ethnicity, and LGBT communities.
Today, 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies have ERGs, which play a vital role in improving the recruitment and retention of underrepresented employees and enhancing the representation of diverse talent.
Supporting Your Organization's ERGs
As an executive leader, celebrating International ERG Day is not simply a symbolic gesture, but an opportunity to demonstrate your company’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. Here are some deliberate steps your organization can take to make this day truly meaningful:
Allocate Dedicated Funding and Resources
ERGs often operate with limited budgets and resources, which can constrain their ability to execute meaningful initiatives despite their leaders taking on an additional workload for the company. On International ERG Day, support your ERG leaders by prioritizing their growth — opportunities like our Culture Champions and Cultivate Leaders programs offer excellent opportunities to amplify the value of ERG leaders in your organization. Extend their impact by evaluating the current allocation of funds that support ERG activities and programming, compensate ERG leaders, and make concrete plans to invest strategically in developing strong Employee Resource Groups in your organization.
Host an ERG Showcase
One effective way to highlight the work of ERGs is to host a dedicated ERG showcase. This event can be a virtual or in-person gathering where various ERGs can showcase their activities, achievements, and upcoming events. By providing a platform for ERGs to share more about their initiatives, you can increase awareness of their contributions and inspire others to get involved.
Provide a Company-Wide Platform
A company-wide ERG campaign can ignite excitement and raise awareness about International ERG Day. Dedicate company-wide communication channels, such as internal messenger apps, all-hands meetings, or company newsletters, to amplify the voices of ERG leaders and provide educational resources about ERGs, their importance, and the impact they have on your organization. Upgrade your organization’s calendar to include experiences across the cultural spectrum by providing each employee with a copy of the 2025 Culture Calendar, further underscoring the important work of various Employee Resource Groups across your company.
Encourage Senior Leader Involvement
The ERGs that generate the most engagement and interest are typically those that are closely aligned with business strategy — when employees see their efforts within these groups as directly contributing to business outcomes, they are more likely to actively participate. With that in mind, it is imperative that ERG members see senior leaders engage with their work. On International ERG Day, encourage your executive team to participate in ERG activities, such as delivering keynote addresses, facilitating discussions, or attending networking sessions. This visible show of support can bolster ERG morale and reinforce their importance to the organization.
Offer Professional Development Opportunities
ERGs can serve as valuable development platforms for their members. On International ERG Day, consider offering ERG members opportunities to enhance their skills, such as hosting leadership training experiences like our Unleash GENIUS professional development program, providing mentorship opportunities, or facilitating cross-functional collaboration. These types of programs not only support individual growth but also strengthen the overall talent pipeline within your organization.
Recognize ERG Contributions
ERGs thrive due to the dedication and hard work of their leaders. Express gratitude for their contributions by recognizing and rewarding them on International ERG Day. Consider public acknowledgment, access to additional professional development opportunities like our Culture Champions series, time off to attend conventions such as the National ERG Leadership Conference, or stipends and awards to celebrate their achievements. By formally recognizing ERGs’ impact on the business and employee experience, you reinforce their value and foster a more supportive environment company-wide.
International ERG Day and Beyond
As an executive leader, you can leverage International ERG Day as a launchpad to affirm your commitment to an inclusive and engaged workforce. Integrating the insights and perspectives of ERGs into broader organizational strategies — from product design and pipeline planning to development efforts — helps foster a workplace that truly reflects and responds to the diverse needs and strengths of your people. We encourage you to take this opportunity to elevate your ERGs and unlock the full potential of your most valuable asset: your people.
