New ERG Benchmarking Report data reveals the powerful impact global of ERGs on business growth

Employee Resource Groups, better known as ERGs, are no longer just optional community hubs; they're strategic pillars driving business growth and innovation. As champions of a richer company culture, they're driving innovation and employee engagement. 

As such, The Rise Journey team is thrilled to announce the release of our 4th annual ERG benchmarking report packed full of data-driven opportunities that dive deep into the current state of ERGs, offering actionable insights to help organizations optimize their impact and unlock full its potential.

What to expect from the 2023 ERG Report

Diversity Among Organizations

This year’s report shows a diverse mix of organizations, with 71% being For-Profit, 22% Non-Profit, and 7% in Education, Government, or other sectors. Notably, 23% of respondents came from companies with 1,001 to 5,000 employees.

Participant Roles and Leadership

Most respondents held DEIBA (44%) or HR (28%) roles, with 38% in mid-level positions. Significant representation from senior levels included 27% Directors and 12% C-Suite executives, reflecting strong DEI advocacy across all levels.

DEI Committee Insights

61% of organizations have DEICs, with many having over ten members. Leadership often includes senior roles, demonstrating high-level commitment. Effective DEI efforts are feasible in both large and small organizations.

Global DEI Trends

DEI is expanding globally, with DEICs present or in development in all regions where organizations operate. This raises important questions about regional DEI practices and aligning global efforts.

DEIC Budgets

DEIC budgets show a wide range, with 29% reporting more than $10,000 and 26% having no budget. Transparency remains an issue, but when budgets are allocated, they often exceed $1,500.

For more in-depth analysis and additional insights about budgets and ERG leads, download the full ERG report today!

But why do ERGs even matter?

Implementing ERG plans can significantly drive innovation and creativity within your organization. By providing a platform for diverse teams to share unique perspectives, ERGs help generate creative solutions and enhance business success. 

They also boost employee engagement and retention by fostering a sense of belonging and offering valuable support and development opportunities. Additionally, ERGs contribute to a positive employer brand, making your organization more attractive to top talent and enhancing its reputation as a socially responsible entity.

Moreover, ERGs play a crucial role in improving business performance by helping organizations understand and meet diverse customer needs, thus increasing market share and addressing inclusion barriers. They align with corporate social responsibility goals by promoting equality and community engagement, which strengthens your organization’s societal impact. 

Finally, ERGs provide valuable leadership development opportunities, helping employees acquire essential skills and build a pipeline of diverse leaders for future roles.

Next steps: How to use the ERG report data internally?

To effectively leverage the 2023 State of the ERG Report data internally, start by focusing on the benchmarks and insights that are most relevant to your organization’s DEI goals. Begin by presenting the data to your C-Suite and leadership teams to underscore the importance of ERGs in your organizational strategy. Use the report’s benchmarks as a guide to evaluate your current ERG initiatives and identify areas for improvement. Integrate these insights into your strategic planning to enhance DEI and ERG integration across all levels of your organization.

Set specific action items based on the report’s recommendations, considering both incremental and significant changes. Assess where your organization stands in relation to the DEI & ERG Engagement Maturity Model and develop a roadmap for growth. Whether you aim for small, steady improvements or large-scale changes, use the qualitative data from the report to support your decisions and drive progress.

For expert support in implementing ERG initiatives, The Rise Journey specializes in providing tailored solutions for enhancing ERG effectiveness. Their expertise includes guiding organizations through the complexities of ERG integration, offering best practices and strategies for achieving measurable results. With a focus on helping organizations leverage ERG data to its fullest potential, we can assist you in aligning your ERG efforts with broader DEI objectives and maximizing their impact.

Get in touch today to learn more about our ERG Support solutions.