10 Innovative ERG Event Ideas for 2024
Do you ever walk into your workplace and notice that the environment is changing to be more inclusive and aware of your coworkers and work policies? Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are becoming more common within the workplace environment. ERGs include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and are there to support all different types of cultures and backgrounds. These groups not only provide a supportive network for underrepresented employees but also play a crucial role in promoting a more positive and accepting change.
The dynamic nature of ERGs calls for a blend of virtual and hybrid event ideas that can accommodate everyone in 2024, regardless of their physical location. Read on to learn more about innovative ERG event ideas that you can incorporate into your organization.
ERG events play a role in Community, Inclusion & Well-Being
ERG events create a sense of belonging among employees by celebrating diverse backgrounds and promoting inclusivity within the workplace. By organizing events that include all employees, ERGs can enhance engagement, facilitate professional development, and contribute to a more inclusive and caring company culture. Please see some virtual ERG event ideas below:
Virtual Event Ideas for ERGs
virtual coffee break with employees
Virtual Coffee Break Roulette: Foster spontaneous connections among remote employees by randomly pairing them for virtual coffee breaks. This initiative can replicate the informal interactions of an office setting, allowing the team to get to know their coworkers on a deeper level and bring about a sense of inclusion and belonging. Give employees options to get to know each other better by suggesting unique ways to start up a conversation, such as playing 20 questions or selecting certain cultural topics for them to talk to one another about.
Global Virtual Cook-Offs: What better way to bring people together than with food?! Celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of ERG members by hosting a virtual cook-off where participants share recipes and cooking demonstrations from their cultural backgrounds. Make it even more challenging and fun by having each employee draw a random recipe from a bag and then have them attempt to make that culture’s food!
Inclusion Hackathons: Organize hackathons focusing on developing solutions for workplace inclusivity challenges. This helps to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving within a collaborative framework. Working in teams will allow employees to get to know each other on a more intimate level. Why not step up the challenge by adding an award to the winning team? This can help push employees to really think outside the box to develop solutions for workplace inclusivity!
Diversity Film Series with Panel Discussions: Host a series of film screenings that highlight diversity and inclusion themes. You can follow this up with a panel discussion or Q&A session with filmmakers, activists, or scholars. You can also ask employees what their favorite scenes were and why for a more engaging conversation!
Mentorship Speed Dating: Ever tried speed dating? Was it a fun activity to do? How about mentorship speed dating? Try to facilitate rapid-fire mentorship sessions where ERG members can meet multiple potential mentors in short, timed intervals, helping them to expand their professional networks. Who knows? They just might find the one!
ERG Collaboration Projects: Encourage different ERGs to collaborate on projects or events that include their mission. This can help to foster unity and create a broader understanding across diverse groups.
Accessibility Audits: Conduct workshops or events focused on assessing and improving workplace accessibility. These workshops/events can be led by disability ERGs to further educate, engage, and enlighten the broader employee staff on this sensitive topic.
Social Impact Projects: Engage ERGs in planning and executing projects that contribute to social causes relevant to their mission, such as environmental conservation, education for underserved communities, and social justice advocacy.
Virtual Innovation Labs: Hosting online workshops where ERG members can collaborate to brainstorm and help develop innovative ideas that support the organization's diversity and inclusion goals can be a great way to make the first steps to cultivating a more understanding, caring, and inclusive workplace.
ERG Leadership Retreats: By offering retreats focused on leadership development for ERG leaders, the company is providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead their groups and advocate for change.
Let’s Make Successful ERG Events!
woman holding her sunglasses at an outdoor event
To maximize the impact of these events, ERGs should focus on inclusivity and well-being. Ensuring that all events are accessible to both remote and onsite employees. Regularly requesting feedback from employees can help tailor events to the company’s needs and interests, making employees feel more engaged and having a more effective outcome. Additionally, clear communication about the event's goals and outcomes can help demonstrate the value of these initiatives to the wider organization.
These virtual and hybrid ERG event ideas open new paths for fostering a more inclusive and connected workplace. By embracing innovation and focusing on community building, ERGs can continue to play a vital role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations.
Final Words and How The Rise Journey Can Help!
As we embrace the importance of ERGs in fostering connection and empowerment in today's workplace, The Rise Journey stands ready to support organizations on this journey. Our array of Lunch & Learns serve as valuable resources, offering continuous learning opportunities to enhance ERG initiatives and create a more inclusive and fulfilling work environment. Explore our Employee Resource Group (ERG) services to discover how we can help your organization thrive.
Key Insights
ERG groups and events foster a sense of belonging and inclusion, enhancing engagement and contributing to a positive company culture.
Virtual ERG event ideas include Virtual Coffee Break Roulette, Global Virtual Cook-Offs, and Inclusion Hackathons, promoting spontaneous connections, celebrating diversity, and encouraging creative problem-solving.
To maximize impact, ERGs should focus on inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for all employees, soliciting feedback, and communicating event goals effectively.