Enterprise Employee Resource Groups

Enterprise Employee Resources Groups Purpose

An Enterprise Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a collective of employees who meet routinely (e.g., a minimum of four times per year) to support and learn from each other. Enterprise ERGs provide an opportunity for different identity groups to come together and connect about workplace issues. ERGs exist to achieve the following business purposes:

• Provide a sense of community for employees through meetings and events
• Encourage cross-agency relationship building and collaboration for a supportive work environment through meetings, trainings, and events
• Offer employees an opportunity to feel heard and valued through conversations, discussions, and other activities
• Contribute to creating a sense of belonging by creating a cohesive network of employees working towards the broader goal of an inclusive workplace

To achieve the above business purpose, Enterprise ERGs partner with Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) to align their activities with three core principles of Culture, Career Development, and Community Building:

• Culture: Encompasses efforts that involve connecting employees across the enterprise to foster an inclusive work environment
• Career Development: Encompasses efforts to provide ongoing professional and career development opportunities with ERG members and participants
• Community Building: Encompasses efforts to enhance and promote a sense of connection among employees with a common interest in achieving equity and inclusion

Their work also aligns with the strategic goals and business purposes established by each administration, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Creating an inclusive environment for American Indians, people of color, people who have a disability, and veterans
• Raising awareness about disparities related to health and well-being.

Enterprise ERGs shall not be used to discuss, negotiate, or bargain over terms or conditions of employment or to address grievances or labor disputes.

For further information on activities that help achieve these goals and objectives, see Article 4. Meetings, Meeting Minutes, Notices, and Events and Article 9. Employee Participation.

To ensure the work of the Enterprise ERGs remains current and relevant, see Article 13 on By-laws Changes, which requires a biennial review of the by-laws.