ERG Employee Networks
NWO/NWO-I has set up a series of employee networks under the name 'Employee Resource Group (ERG).' These are networks formed around employees who belong to historically underrepresented groups or groups who, due to their (group) identities, face additional challenges such as discrimination, prejudice and/or stigma. Many companies and organisations have ERGs, that employees can voluntarily join and are formally supported and facilitated by the organisation.
These networks emerge on the basis of the needs of staff and eventually become autonomous. NWO-D's Diversity, Inclusion and Equality (DEI) project leader and NWO-I's DEI advisor encouraged the establishment of a number of ERGs within our organisation. Subsequent reactions showed that there was indeed a real need, after which further support was provided for setting up the ERGs. Currently, there are three staff networks/ERGs:
- ERG LGBTQA+ Prism
- ERG Neurodiversity
- ERG WOMEN+
Each ERG has one or more coordinators and several staff members who actively participate in the network. The ERGs meet several times a year.
What do ERGs provide?
ERGs empower employees from underrepresented groups. They contribute to a sense of belonging and support the professional development of these employees. In addition, ERGs provide valuable input to policies and activities aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion and equity (DEI) within the organisation.
The objectives of the ERGs within NWO/NWO-I are:
- Belonging: employees find each other, feel less alone and therefore experience more inclusion.
- Awareness and visibility: increasing awareness and visibility of diversity throughout the organisation, contributing to an inclusive work environment.
- Input for DEI policy: providing target group-specific information and input for NWO's DEI policy, resulting in a supported and effective policy.
Some activities focus specifically on creating belonging and a safe space for members of the group itself, while others are open to all colleagues to promote awareness and visibility.
Sign up and more information
Want to join an ERG? Then go to the dedicated ERG page. For more information, contact Anneke Bloemen, NWO DEI Project Leader or Judith Kreukels, Advisor Diversity, Inclusion and Equality NWO-I.