Why Employee Resource Group Activities Matter in Organisations

Explore the impact of employee resource group activities on retention, innovation, and workplace belonging

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as affinity groups or employee networks, are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with an organisation’s mission, values, and goals.

Typically organised around shared identities or experiences—such as cultural background, gender, LGBTQIA+ status, ability, or professional interests—ERGs provide a platform for employees to connect, support each other, and champion equity in the workplace.

As Australian workplaces increasingly embrace diversity and inclusion, ERGs are taking centre stage in shaping company culture. But beyond just existing, it is the employee resource group activities driven by these groups that truly catalyse change and deliver value—for both employees and businesses alike.

Why ERG Activities Matter

ERG activities are the heartbeat of these groups. They turn purpose into practice, giving voice to underrepresented communities and creating space for dialogue, development, and solidarity.

Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Workday's 2024 Global Diversity Survey reported that 97% of large Australian organisations have at least one DEI initiative in place.​

ERG events bring visibility to diverse experiences and foster education across the organisation. From celebrating cultural holidays to running DEI panels, these activities challenge unconscious bias and build empathy.

Creating Psychological Safety and Belonging

When employees see their identities and perspectives represented and valued through ERG initiatives, they are more likely to feel safe being their authentic selves. This sense of belonging contributes directly to improved morale and mental wellbeing.

Supporting Employee Wellbeing

Many ERG activities centre on holistic wellbeing, including mental health support sessions, mindfulness workshops, and safe spaces for marginalised voices. This creates a supportive environment that values the whole person—not just their professional output.

Business Benefits of Engaging ERG Activities

Engaged, empowered employees are the foundation of a successful business. When companies support meaningful ERG activities, they tap into a range of organisational benefits:

• Increased Employee Engagement and Retention: People stay where they feel valued. ERGs provide community, recognition, and support that can dramatically increase employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.

• Enhanced Innovation Through Diverse Perspectives: Inclusive workplaces fuel creativity. ERG activities often bring together diverse individuals, sparking conversations that lead to new ideas, problem-solving approaches, and business solutions.

• Strengthened Employer Brand and Talent Attraction: Companies with vibrant ERG programs often attract top talent—particularly from Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritise values-driven employers. ERG activities demonstrate an organisation's commitment to inclusion, giving it a competitive edge in the job market.

• Improved Business Performance: Research consistently shows a strong link between inclusive practices and financial performance. ERGs support this by helping cultivate inclusive leaders, more effective teams, and healthier workplace culture.

7 ERG Activities That Drive Impact

Here are some powerful and proven ERG activities that foster engagement and equity:

1. Mentoring and Sponsorship Programmes: Structured mentoring builds bridges between junior and senior employees, promotes knowledge transfer, and uplifts emerging leaders—particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.

2. Panel Discussions and Speaker Events: Inviting experts and internal voices to speak on topics such as intersectionality, gender equality, or cultural identity helps foster awareness and create inclusive dialogue.

3. Cultural Celebrations and Awareness Campaigns: Celebrating NAIDOC Week, Lunar New Year, or International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) encourages education and inclusion across the workforce.

4. Professional Development Workshops: Workshops on leadership skills, confidence-building, career navigation, or financial literacy provide tangible value to members and promote equity in career advancement.

5. Volunteerism and Community Outreach: Partnering with local organisations, ERGs can organise fundraising drives, community service events, or school outreach programmes that make a difference beyond the workplace.

6. Wellbeing and Mental Health Initiatives: ERGs often provide peer-led mental health check-ins, meditation sessions, or support groups tailored to the unique experiences of their members.

7. Allyship and Advocacy Training: Training sessions that focus on being a better ally or upstander help extend the reach of ERG impact across the entire company, building a more inclusive environment for all.

How Mentoring Serves as a Cornerstone ERG Activity

Among all ERG initiatives, mentoring stands out as one of the most effective and impactful.

Why Mentoring Matters

Mentoring provides guidance, confidence, and networking opportunities to those who might otherwise face barriers to advancement. For women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ individuals, or those with disabilities, mentorship can be a lifeline to leadership.

Benefits for Both Mentor and Mentee

• Mentees gain career clarity, support, and visibility.
• Mentors develop leadership, communication skills, and a sense of purpose.
• The Organisation benefits from a more connected, future-ready workforce.
  
  

Designing an Effective ERG Mentoring Programme

• Goal Alignment: Ensure the programme addresses specific challenges or goals (e.g. retention of women in STEM).
• Diverse Matching: Allow mentees to choose mentors based on compatibility, not just function.
• Structure and Support: Provide toolkits, conversation guides, and check-ins to keep the program on track.
• Measurement: Track progress, satisfaction, and promotion outcomes to refine and showcase results.
  
  

Case Study: Mentoring Success in a Male-Dominated Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing sector has historically been male-dominated, with women making up only 29% of Queensland’s manufacturing workforce. However, the disparity goes beyond just numbers—women are overrepresented in office and administrative roles and underrepresented in technical, trade, and leadership positions. 

AI Group’s Women in Manufacturing Mentoring Programme achieved its goal of fostering mentorship and supporting young women in considering careers in manufacturing.

Read our case study here.

How to Design and Sustain Meaningful ERG Activities

To make ERG activities truly effective, they must be thoughtfully planned and consistently supported.

• Listen to Employee Voices: Use surveys, listening circles, or suggestion boxes to gather input on what employees want and need from ERG activities.
• Collaborate With Leadership: Securing leadership buy-in not only helps secure funding and visibility, but also ensures alignment with business goals.
• Set Goals and Measure Impact: Define clear success metrics—such as participation rates, satisfaction scores, or career mobility indicators—to evaluate effectiveness.
• Ensure Inclusivity and Accessibility: Make sure all events are accessible to employees with different needs and locations. This includes closed captioning, hybrid formats, and scheduling across time zones.

How Brancher Supports Employee Resource Group Activities in Organisations

Employee Resource Group activities are more than just internal events—they are a strategic lever for business success, cultural transformation, and employee empowerment. As Australian workplaces continue to evolve, investing in robust, inclusive, and meaningful ERG programming is not just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move.

From mentoring to cultural celebrations, every activity is an opportunity to uplift voices, drive connection, and unlock potential. When done well, ERG activities become the heartbeat of a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong and succeed.

If your goal is to invest in ERG activities to improve employee engagement and wellbeing, Brancher can help support your organisation through its mentoring platform. Book a demo today to learn more about our software.