ERG Playbook

diversity and inclusion

EMPLOYEE
RESOURCE

GROUP

PLAYBOOK

WHAT IS AN ERG?

Employee Resource Groups (“ERGs”) are voluntary, employee-led groups that
serve as a resource for members and organizations by fostering a diverse,
inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, business
practices, and objectives. Employee Resource Groups (also commonly referred
to as Employee Networks or Business Resource Groups) are true staples at
many large companies across the world. View the videos to the right to learn
more about successful ERGs in the United States.
ERGs are key to building a workplace culture of inclusion as the groups
members often have the opportunity to address diversity issues, opportunities
and best practices as the company. As a part of the MarketSource Diversity
and Inclusion Workforce strategy, ERGs will support the development of diverse
leaders, enhance retention and expand our marketplace reach.

Google’s Employee Networks Comcast’s Kimberly Clark’s
Employee Resource Groups Employee Resource Groups

WHY AN ERG?

ERGs provide support, contribute to professional growth and enhance career
development for employees. ERGs also contribute to retention and members
often provide assistance with new employee referrals and recruiting. Employee
Resource Groups at MarketSource are one vital component of the Diversity and
Inclusion Workforce Strategy.

WORKPLACE

• D&I Education/Training
• D&I Council
• Organizational Culture Assessment
• Recognition Months

WORKFORCE

• Diversity Recruitment Strategy
• Diversity Internship Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• MarketSource Insiders

MARKETPLACE

• Community Service Initiatives
• External D&I Customer Programming

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Guiding principles are “principles or precepts that guide an organization throughout
its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in its goals, strategies, type of
work or the top management.”
It is important that MarketSource has guiding principles that govern current and
future Employee Resource Groups. These principles will allow the ERGs to flourish
and expand, while keeping sight of the ultimate goal and purpose of their existence.
As ERG leadership teams brainstorm programs, events and other activities, the
Guiding Principles should be consulted to ensure the proposed engagement aligns
with at least one of the stated principles. The MarketSource ERGs:

1. Deliver long-term business benefit to MarketSource and provide professional
and personal development to ERG members.

2. Exemplify MarketSource’s Core Values while driving engagement internally
and externally.

3. Enhance the employee experience and connection by fostering a diverse and
inclusive environment where all are welcome, respected and valued.

4. Impact employees nationally, regardless of job title or location.

AREAS OF FOCUS

ERGs are known for engaging employees through various programs, activities,
events and community service. Employees often join ERGs not only to fuel their
engagement, but to grow, develop and network with other employees. To actualize
all of these benefits, ERGs at MarketSource will focus all of their activities in three
focus areas:

Personal Mentoring Community
Development Outreach

Provide life skills and personal Help grow internal talent, by Engage in projects that contribute
development workshops and related developing and honing leadership to under-served communities

programming. skills of ERG members. and causes related to Education,
Workforce Development and
Employee Engagement.

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CHAPTER STRUCTURE

D&I ERG EXECUTIVE
MANAGER SPONSOR

CHAIR

VICE CHAIR VICE CHAIR

(LOGISTICS) (PROGRAMS)

Secretary Membership Technology Program Community Marketing/
Lead Lead Lead Service Lead Comms Lead

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

CHAIR
• Leads ERG in the establishment of annual ERG theme
• Represents ERG in the local area and at all ERG-sponsored events
• Promotes ERG initiatives and ensures that all activities align to guiding principles
• Collaborates with other local chapter leaders to share and learn next practices

VICE CHAIR - LOGISTICS SECRETARY

• Represents the ERG on behalf • Records notes of ERG leadership meetings
of the Chair, when necessary • Provides and distributes summaries and worksheets from

• Provides guidance and programs to members
leadership to ERG Leads to • Organizes and keeps track of all local ERG documents
ensure execution of all ERG
logistics and operations MEMBERSHIP LEAD

• Develop campaigns to drive and engage ERG membership
• Maintain current log of active members and event

participation

TECHNOLOGY LEAD

• Set up and test computers and related equipment for
meetings/events

• Maintain ERG Sharepoint sites
• Collaborate with Program and Community Service leads on

Women in technology-related offerings

3

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

VICE CHAIR - PROGRAMS PROGRAM LEAD

• Represents the ERG on behalf • Evaluates and recommends all events and programming options
of the Chair, when necessary • Manages event project plans and coordinates program-related

• Provides guidance and logistics
leadership to ERG Leads to
ensure execution of all ERG COMMUNITY SERVICE LEAD
programs, initiatives and
activities. • Evaluate potential charity partners and outline scope of
community engagement

• Source new community partners and detail opportunities for
ongoing engagement

• Partner with D&I to support community relations programs

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS LEAD

• Develop quarterly communication plan
• Partner with Corporate Communications to drive awareness of

ERG throughout company
• Coordinate the design of ERG event and program collateral
• Maintain standard and customize materials for ERG use

SELECTION AND TERMS

EVALUATION CRITERIA
ERG leadership will be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
• Managerial approval/endorsement
• MarketSource tenure
• Interest and capacity to manage a stretch assignment
• Team leadership experience or demonstrated

leadership potential
• Interest in Diversity and Inclusion/Corporate Social

Responsibility efforts
• Previous involvement in a corporate ERG (not

required)

ERG LEADERSHIP TERMS

• 14 Month Terms (1 year in role; 2 month transition)
• Officers wishing to continue may reapply
• Officers may resign at any time

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“With women accounting for more than half of the country’s
working population, it’s no surprise that women’s employee
resource groups are the most common within companies.”

- Diversity Best Practices

THE WOMEN’S
EMPLOYEE
RESOURCE
GROUP

WORKSHOP PREP

In preparation for the official kickoff of the MarketSource Women’s ERG, the ERG Download Workshop
leadership will come together in a one-day workshop. The purpose of this work- Prework
shop is to build camaraderie among the team, learn more about the ERG goals and
metrics and plan the 2015/2016 Women’s ERG calendar.
The pages that follow provide insight into the topics that will be covered during the
workshop. In order to ensure the one-day workshop is truly effective, there are
some items that need to be completed prior to August 25.
Scan and email your completed worksheets to Sheri Kelly via email no later than
Wednesday, August 26th at noon. The information contained within each work-
sheet will be compiled and discussed during the workshop.
For your convenience, a Word document with all of the worksheets is available for
download.

WORKSHOP AGENDA

The Women’s ERG Leadership Workshop will be held on WORKSHOP
Friday, August 28 from 9:00-4:30. DELIVERABLES:

Welcome %% Women’s ERG Name
Agenda Overview/Introductions %% Logo
Team Building I %% Charter
Why an ERG? / Why D&I? %% Mission
Lunch %% Vision
Team Building II %% Value Proposition
Workshop Roundtables: %% Annual Theme
%% Membership Drive
• ERG Name/Logo %% 2015/2016 Calendar
• Charter, Mission, Vision
• Employee Value Proposition
• Annual Theme
• Membership Drive
• 2015/2016 At A Glance
Blue Sky Discussion
Closing & Next Steps

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NAME AND LOGO bTIP!
Try to avoid
What should the “Women’s Employee Resource Group” be called? complicated acronyms
Provide a few recommendations for the group’s official name. Also, tap and think of ways to
into your creative side and sketch a few ideas for the logo. incorporate women in
The Women’s ERG should be called: the title.

1.

2.

3.

Campbell’s Soup ERGs Coca Cola’s ERGs

The logo for the Women’s ERG should look like:

1. 2. 3.

Novartis Pepsico
(scroll down on page to view logos)
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CHARTER, MISSION & VISION

During the Workshop, the ERG leadership team will develop the Charter, Mission
Statement and Vision Statement for the WERG.
An effective charter document provides ERGs a solid foundation and structure to
understand and carry out its purpose, goals and objectives. The Charter ensures
members understand the exact purpose of the Women’s ERG and what should be
accomplished.
The Mission Statement is a sentence that describes the group’s reason for being.
The Vision Statement defines the optimal desired future state of the Women’s ERG.
Mission Statements are usually more succinct, whereas Vision Statements can be a
little longer.
To prepare for this portion of the workshop session, finish the sentence below, us-
ing 35 words or less: “The MarketSource Women’s ERG is:____________________”

SAMPLE STATEMENTS

Provided below are samples of ERG Charters, Mission Statements and
Vision Statements.

Charter Charter Comcast Allstate
Sample 1 Sample 2

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ANNUAL THEME

Similar to a Company Theme (think, “One Vision. One Team.”), many ERGs choose
to select an annual theme to shepherd its agenda and ensure all of the programs
and activities for the year relate to the ERG’s defined goals. Themes should be rel-
evant, easy to remember and engaging.
To develop a theme, identify at least three causes or issues that would support
MarketSource womens’ development, growth and engagement.
1.

2.

3.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVEOur goal is to have ERG members who are actively involved. It is important that weWIIFM
are able to share the value and benefits of Employee Resource Groups to encourage
an increasing number of employees to get involved. What would
Let’s kick off the ERG with a bang! What ideas do you have to drive membership of you say to
Othe ERG? Are there posters? Is there food? Are there videos? What can we do to encourage a
colleague to
join the ERG?

provide an overview of what the ERG is and why our colleagues should join?

1.

2.

3.

TEKSystems
(sign in with your MS

credentials)

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SAMPLE ACTIVITIES
ERG activities commonly range from panel discussions and workshops to
social outings and volunteerism. Identifying programs and activities that TIP!
resonate with their current life stage women can be wildy impactful. Re-
member, although the WERG is focused on women, all employees should When thinking about
be able to grow and develop by participating. When thinking about how to events and programs,
engage men in the WERG, let’s take note of the amazing things developed
by #LeanInTogether. keep the Guiding
What sorts of programs and activities would you like the ERG to develop? Principles and the
annual theme in mind.
bWhat were some of the best programs or events that your former ERGs have
developed? Feel free to use additional sheets of paper to jot down all of
your wonderful ideas!

1.

2.

The ERG Steering Committee also brainstormed a few ideas for the ERG’s
programs. Here are some of the things they came up with:

depveerlsoopnmaelnt mentoring cooumtmreuancithy

workplace Career path requirement with Have MarketSource sponsor
manager. Could incorporate events in local communities
Internal education and in annual goals for FT
training, employee Employees. Donate time/talent to help
engagement Behavioral Based develop community talent
Interviewing course; coaching
opportunities Participate in National Week of
Service

workforce Recruitment: recognize “Day in the Life” program – sending
outside talent and give employees out in to the field
Recruitment, exposure to opportunities Exposure to different areas of the
retention and within the company. business (job shadowing)
development Women and their financial
strength Bring in Atlanta Top “40 under 40” Engage in local volunteer
marketplace Business networking 101 recipients to discuss leadership opportunities (adopt a school,
Priority management; Course teaching employees to look military base, homeless shelters)
Community service, developing personal brand for opportunities to promote our Adopt an organization for a year.
client interaction and courses Use vetting process to determine
right fit.
brand promotion Host a career day for local
high school girls

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THANK
YOU