What are ERGs?

Did you know that the first Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) were developed in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States? Ever since, ERGs have been an important part of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within organizations. In this course, you’ll be provided with an overview of ERGs by first defining their meaning and how they fit within DEI initiatives. You’ll also learn how ERGs have developed from the 1960s to what they are today, so you can understand their purpose and structure. Finally, you’ll identify how these groups can provide benefits on both an individual and organizational level. By the end of this course, you’ll have a basic foundation to propel you towards your own ERG efforts, whether you’re a leader, manager, or individual contributor to your organization.

This course is part of the OpenDoors ERGs series, a series where we teach the steps organizations can take to create thriving ERG communities that foster belonging and inclusion in the workplace.