ERG Employee Networks
NWO/NWO-I has established various employee networks under the name Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These umbrella networks focus on employees of both NWO and NWO-I who belong to historically underrepresented groups or who face additional challenges in the workplace due to their (group) identity, such as discrimination, prejudice or stigmatisation.
ERGs are a well-known phenomenon within many organisations and offer employees a voluntary, safe space for connection and support. They are formally supported and facilitated by the organisation. Research shows that ERGs contribute to a stronger sense of connection and inclusion among employees.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Project Leader at NWO-D and the EDI Advisor at NWO-I have actively contributed to the establishment of various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in their roles. Based on signals and positive responses from within the organisation, it became clear that there was a real need for such networks. Further support was provided to facilitate their establishment.
There are now four active employee networks (ERGs), each with two to four coordinators from both NWO-I and NWO-D:
- ERG Cultural Diversity
- ERG LGBTIQA+ Prisma
- ERG Neurodiversity
- ERG WOMEN+
The ERGs consult on a quarterly basis with the EDI Project Leader of NWO-D and the EDI Advisor of NWO-I.
What do ERGs deliver?
ERG strengthen the position of 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 for policies and activities aimed at promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) 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, which contributes to an inclusive working environment.
- Input for EDI policy: providing target group-specific information and input for NWO's EDI policy, resulting in a supported and effective policy.
Some activities are specifically aimed at creating a sense of belonging and a safe space for members of the group itself, while others are open to all colleagues to promote awareness and visibility.
Registration and further information
Would you like to register for an ERG? Please go to the specific ERG page. For more information, please contact Judith Kreukels, Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Advisor at NWO-I or Anneke Bloemen, EDI Project Leader at NWO. They will be happy to talk to you.