Case Study: Establishing Employee Resource Groups with Culture Shift Team Inc.

 

Background:

In 2021, the client corporation, a leading retail company, recognized the importance of creating employee resource groups to create uniquely designed development opportunities and support for their employees. Seeking guidance on how to effectively establish employee resource groups (ERGs) as a key component of their DEI strategy, the client corporation engaged Culture Shift Team Inc to support the DEI committee and ERG leaders.

 

Approach:

Culture Shift Team Inc. provided comprehensive coaching and consulting support to the client corporation to guide them through the process of standing up ERGs and engaging senior leaders as champions. Leveraging their expertise and experience, Culture Shift Team Inc. facilitated a step-by-step approach to ensure the success of the initiative.

​

• ERG Scope of Work Development: Culture Shift Team Inc. worked closely with the client corporation to define the scope of work for establishing ERGs, including identifying the objectives, structure, and key stakeholders involved.

• ERG Program Planning: Culture Shift Team Inc. assisted the client corporation in planning programming and activities for the ERGs, ensuring alignment with the organization's DEI goals and priorities. This included workshops, speaker series, networking events, and community outreach initiatives.

• Engaging Senior Leaders as Champions: Culture Shift Team Inc. provided guidance on how to effectively engage senior leaders as champions for the ERGs. This involved identifying potential champions, articulating the business case for their involvement, and providing training and support to help them fulfill their role effectively.

​

Coaching and Consulting Support:

Throughout the process, Culture Shift Team Inc. provided ongoing coaching and consulting support to the DEI Committee and ERG leaders at the client corporation. This included:

• Offering guidance on best practices for DEI Committee and ERG leadership.

• Providing resources, templates, and tools to support the implementation of ERG initiatives.

• Facilitating workshops and training sessions to build capacity and empower ERG leaders to drive meaningful change within the organization.

​

Progress and Outcomes:

With the support of Culture Shift Team Inc., the client corporation successfully launched several ERGs focused on various dimensions of diversity, including race, gender, LGBTQ+, and disabilities. These ERGs quickly gained traction and became valuable platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for positive change.

​

Additionally, senior leaders at the client corporation actively championed the ERGs, demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. This support helped to elevate the visibility and impact of the ERGs and fostered a culture of inclusivity and belonging across the organization.

​

Conclusion:

Through their partnership with Culture Shift Team Inc., the client corporation was able to establish employee resource groups as a strategic pillar of their DEI strategy. By providing step-by-step coaching and consulting support, Culture Shift Team Inc. helped the client corporation build a more inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued, empowered, and supported.