ERGs can be a tremendous asset for a company as long as they are seen as a The U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey defines a disability as: The product of interactions among individuals bodies; their physical, emotional, and mental health; and the physical and social environment in which they live, work, or play. Here are some ways you can make your social media communications more inclusive and accessible. ERGs offer great opportunities for employees with disabilities to build a community and develop professional relationships outside of the confines of their given departments. The group works closely with Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) to provide transitioning service members and veterans with critical technology career skills. And to improve the retention of underrepresented groups, some ERGs work with HR and leadership to communicate the needs of these groups. Seeing that there are other successful people with disabilities within the company demonstrates that the company values their contributions. Employees are able to step outside of their normal department groups. Here, A question that is currently winding its way through American courts Authors note:Because of Mediums refusal to address its accessibility issues for both authors and readers,Ive moved my last three years of blogs toSubstack. Videos showing how the St. Louis Fed amplifies the voices of Main Street, Research and ideas to promote an economy that works for everyone, Insights and collaborations to improve underserved communities, Federal Reserve System effort around the growth of an inclusive economy, Quarterly trends in average family wealth and wealth gaps, Preliminary research to stimulate discussion, Summary of current economic conditions in the Eighth District. Please sign up there for notices, In theory, absolutely. In a survey rating the ERGs effectiveness, Shannon rated the ERG effective at employee community building but ineffective with respect to allyship, leadership connection, career advancement, and external engagement. In line with this goal, Thomson Reuters has established a formal process for employees to develop Business Resource Groups (BRGs). This includes: It also doesnt hurt to have sign-off from the managers of the ERG Leadership team. An employee resource group for people with disabilities provides a great testing group to ensureyour website or other resource are accessible. Learn why improving business opportunities for people with disabilities is a social issue at the heart of ESG. Last week, I wrote about how important disability-focused employee resource groups are to creating an environment where employees with disabilities feel comfortable disclosing them and in turn helping others. p.usa-alert__text {margin-bottom:0!important;} It also became clear that ERG leaders were overburdened by the work of keeping the ERGs running. The best disability employee resource groups (ERGs) are those that foster open dialogue and networking not only among their own members but also with members of other ERGs. Nicholas Jones et al., 2020 census illuminates racial and ethnic composition of the country, US Census Bureau, August 12, 2021. The Global Asian Affinity Network supports and highlights the rich diversity of the Asian community across Thomson Reuters. ERG leaders and members are asking whether the groups provide what employees want and are seeking ways to offer the support employees are actually looking for. 3. The site is secure. Find more resources for employers at the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion. The .gov means its official. Fostering inclusion, which we define as the extent to which an organizations systems and people promote a welcoming and fair environment for all employees. This blog explains everyday economics, consumer topics and the Fed. Business leaders seeking to develop their companies DEI infrastructure further would do well to understand how ERGs can contribute. Quick facts on the disability community through a global employment lens. As a best practice, effective ERG leaders take advantage of strong connections within their organization to get access to the right people and funding required to sharply execute their initiatives. Companies may wish to consider recognizing and rewarding those who lead and run ERGs. Many larger companies have branding guidelines that must be followed, so make sure you find them and stay within those if this applies to you. Do You Need an Employee Resource Group for People Were just really getting started, but if you look at the group of people at our meetings, its super diversewe have people from all over the Bank. Enhance recruitment efforts to better target and appeal to job seekers with disabilities. Having a passion about a topic and a safe space makes it easier for one to confront those barriers that have been looming in front of their continued professional development. They share information using the companys communication channels; ensure that joining ERGs is easy; engage members through frequent communications and community-building events, ensuring that ERG members meet one another; and empower members to take action to further the goals of the ERG. The Hispanic ERG, on the other hand, had an extensive membership but no members above mid-manager level. Create accessible and universally designed workplaces, spaces, processes and opportunities. Authors note:Because of Mediums refusal to address its accessibility issues for both authors and readers,Ive moved my last, All jobs have up and down cycles. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are not new. Use them as a resource to determine what qualities job searching PWD would look for in a company. And it is the only minority group any individual can become a part of at any time in their life.. As a result, the group struggled to obtain resources and funding. When does a disability accommodation become a personal benefit? Asking an ERG for disabled employees to evaluate your website will more accurately evaluate accessibility than using a static checklist. . ol{list-style-type: decimal;} Consolidate multiple country-specific spreadsheets into a single, customizable solution and improve tax filing and return accuracy. Other essential activities include: This may also be a good time to reach out to your facilities management group. We conducted our conversations and research in late 2020 through early 2021. Employee Resource Groups can show employees with disabilities tools and techniques they can use to develop important career skills. This prevents the same leaders from making all the decisions for the company based solely on their own experiences. Do You Need an Employee Resource Group for People with Disabilities? .h1 {font-family:'Merriweather';font-weight:700;} This week Im going to describe some steps to take to build or relaunch one. As a die-hardSan Francisco Giantsfan for more than four decades and compound archery 2024 Paralympic, I am one of a jillion people anxiously awaiting season 3 of Ted Lasso. Analyze data to detect, prevent, and mitigate fraud. Through ERG inputs, companies better understand their customers and are able to cater products to underrepresented groups. Once you have found an executive sponsor, then you want to make sure you also address the following issues: Avoid choosing a leader from HR or Diversity and Inclusion. Sometimes referred to as Employee Networks or For example, an administrative assistant may find herself in charge of planning an event to celebrate national disabilities month for her ERG supporting people with disabilities. Census 2018 ACS five-year estimates show 12.6% of the U.S. civilian population, or some 40 million Americans, live with a disability. So far, the group has offered education on subjects like designing for accessibility and communicating with dignity. The Disability:IN ERG/BRG Leadership Committee has prepared this fact sheet to assist corporate disability Employee Resource Groups/Business Resource Groups to advance a deeper understanding of thinking and actions that stem from misconceptions that surround disability. Their launch event also helped lay employees learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act. In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, join Disability:IN and the National Industry Liaison Group (NILG) to hear speakers from multi-national corporations discuss their actions to promote mental wellness across their company. External engagement: engaging outside the Weve created a collection of intersectional illustrations that highlight the wide range of people with disabilities. Access to these tools is especially important in the first few weeks and months of employment as employees settle into the daily routines of their jobs. Recent US Census data show a 276 percent increase in people who self-identify as multiracial, for example.4Nicholas Jones et al., 2020 census illuminates racial and ethnic composition of the country, US Census Bureau, August 12, 2021. The group can present the idea to management, increasing the chances it will be accepted. ERGs foster inclusion in a number of ways, including by helping employees feel that they belong and are part of a community, especially through connections that counter the feelings of being an only within an organization. Affinity Groups: Risks and Rewards GLEAM also actively helps to attract, retain and develop LGBTQIA+ people and raises awareness about the LGBTQIA+ community to increase ally engagement. Being able to access information equally ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity for education, employment, and success in life.. To stay abreast of such changes, please check: Accessibility Overview of Microsoft Teams (additional links at the end of this document) Teams meetings are different [], This International Day of Persons with Disabilities is the second to occur during the Covid-19 crisis. business topics and support the ERG at large. Discover Disability:INs newest program, Procure Access and how accessible technology affects everyone. View the Zoom Webinar. A year in, she felt frustrated. This fact sheet provides ideas, recommendations and resources for disability inclusion that go beyond A sincere and well-drafted statement can build customer loyalty and help avoid lawsuits by addressing issues before legal help is sought. WebDisability Employee Resource Groups. A powerful tax and accounting research tool. 1 American Community Survey and Puerto Rico Community Survey 2018 Subject Definitions (PDF). Formal ERGs came into existence in response to race-related tension in the 1960s. Some things that you may need to accomplish to saturate your potential members with information about your group include: Every company that is large enough to have any ERG needs to have a disability ERG. We're proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ people. To support the career advancement of their members, ERGs foster sponsorship3Monne Williams, Dont let fear stop you from forging ahead: An interview with Erika James, McKinsey, September 15, 2022. within or outside the ERG. WebFounded in 1989, our first employee resource group, BAM, has led investment in programs like the BAM scholarships and Minority Student Day, an outreach event it hosts annually It is important when starting any type of ERG not to overload too few people with too many responsibilities. Employee Resources Groups (ERGs) go by many different names (i.e., Affinity Groups, Business Resource Groups, Employee Network Groups), but regardless of what they are called, they share a common purpose. #views-exposed-form-manual-cloud-search-manual-cloud-search-results .form-actions{display:block;flex:1;} #tfa-entry-form .form-actions {justify-content:flex-start;} #node-agency-pages-layout-builder-form .form-actions {display:block;} #tfa-entry-form input {height:55px;} Conduct legal research efficiently and confidently using trusted content, proprietary editorial enhancements, and advanced technology. An accessible platform and content will work for people in all these roles. Exercises/Activities/Events; and 3. But none of her other expectations had materialized. They have grown to become important networking, retention, and marketing groups that continue to benefit businesses. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. TheBlack Employee Networks (BEN) mission is to foster the inclusion and advancement of employees that identify as Black or of African descent at Thomson Reuters. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are employee affinity or experience-based groups that build community. WebIf you have a disability employee resource group (ERG), include mention of the group and, if available, a link for visitors to learn more. For employers, NDEAM is a perfect time to launch a disability Employee Resource Group (ERG) if one doesn't already exist. An employee resource group for people with disabilities provides a great testing group t. your website or other resource are accessible. Perhaps they want to make resources more accessible but arent sure how best to accomplish that. They do so by clearly stating their goal and mission and how it ties to the companys DEI strategy; developing a charter that details the ERGs strategic objectives; drafting annual plans that outline initiatives to drive the strategic plan; defining who is accountable for the initiatives and how ERG members support them; establishing metrics to assess the impact of initiatives and programs (outlining how ERGs benefit employees, the organization, and potentially the community, depending on ERG goals); soliciting feedback and analyzing those metrics; and then making adjustments to ERG goals and initiatives. Employee resource groups can contribute to employee retention by showing employers what PWD need to be successful. This checklist outlines required documents needed to become a certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE), including Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (V-DOBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (SDV-DOBE). The CDC says a disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions). More information, including state-level data, is available at the, Receive updates in your inbox as soon as new content is published on our website, American Community Survey and Puerto Rico Community Survey 2018 Subject Definitions (PDF). A newer employee may have insights into how the company can better accommodate everyone. But they have a knack for convening internal and external experts and igniting a passion in others. Experience suggests that this task can be fulfilled by paying attention to several factors, such as ensuring clear communication about the ERGs purpose and goals, aligning each ERGs activities with the corporate DEI strategy, and lending sufficient organizational support to ERG leaders. Employee engagement is essential to our vibrant workforce. Sometimes known as Affinity Groups or Diversity Groups, ERGs are generally founded by core organizers, have volunteer membership and provide support to personal and professional development in the The group can present the idea to management, increasing the chances it will be accepted. To be an ERG member, one should either have one of the common characteristics in question or be an ally of those with the common characteristics and want to be seen as publicly supporting that group. If ERG members want to expand the ERGs remit and activities by, for example, taking a more active role in debiasing internal processes or shaping corporate giving strategy, ERG leadership should decide whether to expand their scope of activities. The CDC describes disability using the World Health Organizations dimensions of impairment, activity limitation or participation restrictions. Toolkits, checklists, books, films, and more about the Americans with Disabilities Act to help aid in awareness, education, and action towards a more inclusive future. Affinity groups, also known as employee resource groups (ERGs), bring together employees with similar backgrounds or interests and can have a powerful influence in the workplace. Its official goals include promoting greater awareness and understanding of people with disabilities through advocacy and allyship. ERGs also help reform business operations, for example, when members of underrepresented groups call attention to unfair processes. Use them as a resource to determine what qualities job searching PWD would look for in a company. People with disabilities benefit all groups with which they identify. In fact, our research shows that employees who rated their ERGs effective or very effective were much more likely to say they feel included than employees who rated their ERGs ineffective or very ineffective. Web"Salesforce is a place for employees of all abilities. American Community Survey and Puerto Rico Community Survey 2018 Subject Definitions (PDF). To celebrate Global Volunteer Month, the Thomson Reuters Social Impact Institute is excited to host the third annual IMPACTathon from April 24-28, 2023. ERGs DOI Employee Organizations Its a great way for employees to share how theyre making their departments accessible and make valuable connections. Our 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Report measures progress on our commitments to increase representation and strengthen inclusion at Microsoft, and explores how we innovate to drive positive change in our company and communities. Contact us! 2. Prevent, detect, and investigate crime. And when theres a gap between what ERGs deliver and what employees desire, employees can feel less included at work. Employees with disabilities can share tools and ideas with one another, upper management, and the company as a whole to ensure their needs are met and that they are professionally successful. Provides a full line of federal, state, and local programs. Web1. Intel Natacha Catalino is a senior expert in McKinseys Boston office, Nora Gardner is a senior partner in the Washington, DC, office, Drew Goldstein is an associate partner in the Miami office, and Jackie Wong is a consultant in the Philadelphia office. Finally, you need to understand where you are starting so you can objectively prove the worth of your ERG. I joke that since this effort started, officially kicked off, the floodgates of subject matter have just flung wide open, she said. Focus investigation resources on the highest risks and protect programs by reducing improper payments. Mayo Clinic | Employees with Disabilities The difference between the experiences of these two groups is wide. 7 Benefits of Disability Employee Resource Groups 4. Learn more about the Econ Lowdown Teacher Portal and watch a tutorial on how to use our online learning resources. Fibromyalgia, chronic migraines can be, as well. Year-Round Employer Strategies for Advancing Disability Inclusion TheLatino Employee Networkwas created to foster cultural, as well as professional growth within Thomson Reuters, both in the Latino and general community. To honor this important day, Disability:INs Dorothy Garcia will open this webinar by sharing initial findings from the pilot round of the Global Disability Equality Index, and how the pandemic has made disability inclusion [], Microsoft believes its most important contribution to accessibility will come not from their own work, but from helping their customers and partners use technology to meet their accessibility commitments. Gaining information on what benefits they value, what kind of environment they work best in, or whether a job description would catch their attention can help attract the best, Disability-related ERGs include all levels of experience or management, giving new hires or those with less experience and tenure equal opportunities for input to. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Pride Taken together, however, Persons with disabilities are the largest minority group in the United States, noted a representative from St. Louis-based Paraquad, who spoke at the employee resource groups kickoff. ERGs help with recruiting efforts by participating in talent attraction. Todays businesses recognize the importance of buying, selling, and licensing technology that can be used by all stakeholders, including applicants, employees, and customers with disabilities. We encourage our employees to This could demonstrate her organizational and event planning skills, making her a great candidate for a position in event marketing. Humana CEO Bruce Broussard signed the Disability: IN CEO Pledge, and our Network Resource Groups (NRGs) ranked No. According to the National Disability Institute, Americans with disabilities have [], Best Known Methods for Creating Accessible Digital Microsoft Teams Meetings Download the Teams Resource DOCX Notes: Microsoft Teams continuously upgrades its accessibility features and options. This could demonstrate her organizational and event planning skills, making her a great candidate for a position in event marketing. PTSD can be an invisible disability. Both census and CDC data show disabilities are more common among older adults and non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives. WebEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs) What is an ERG? Regardless of company size or industry, the best and most effective way to undertake or maintain new business initiatives is by learning ERGs have charters with specific goals and objectives the group aims to achieve. But in our research, we found that even while many companies believe their DEI aspirations are transformative, the majority do not have a DEI infrastructureincluding ERGsthat is equally innovative and set up to advance the companys overall DEI strategy (Exhibit 1). Its official goals include promoting greater awareness and understanding of people with disabilities through advocacy and allyship. WebResources that the ERG/BRGs of the Disability:IN partner companies have found useful are listed under three categories: 1. I think thats a testament to how much of an impact it is in their lives, that they want to be involved in this.. ERG members who feel well served, on the other hand, enjoy greater feelings of inclusion. Since launching in 2019, our Disability Employee Resource Group is helping co-workers understand what its like to live with a disability, visible or not. In our research, we looked at how the following five dimensions correlate with employee inclusion and belonging. We have also included a case study of an organization that got its ERG right (see sidebar How an effective ERG program came together). We conducted our conversations and research in late 2020 through early 2021. ERG Maturity Model Matrix - Disability:IN Make It Safe for Employees to Disclose Their Disabilities
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