Employee Resource Groups: The Next Frontier for Workplace Innovation in MENA

Employee Resource Groups: A New Era for Workplace Innovation

In a landmark event held at SAP’s Dubai headquarters, the first-ever Employee Resource Group (ERG) Summit in the Middle East and North Africa brought together diverse leaders from various industries. Organised by the ERG Leader Summit in collaboration with the SAP UAE Business Women’s Network, this summit aimed to empower ERGs as strategic partners in fostering innovation and inclusion within workplaces.

Transforming Culture Through Community

Employee Resource Groups, which began during the civil rights movement in the United States, have evolved into vital components driving business success worldwide. These groups unite employees with shared identities and experiences, creating stronger connections that help innovate workplace practices. They focus not just on social causes but integrate their missions with overarching business strategies, making inclusivity a core element of organisational performance.

Moving Beyond Symbolism to Meaningful Action

The summit's theme, “Think Big. Act Small. Beyond the Cupcakes,” signified an important shift away from symbolic gestures towards tangible actions and measurable outcomes. As Sheryl Miller, CEO of the ERG Leader Summit, articulated, “Employee Resource Groups are strategic partners collaborating to drive cultural and commercial impact.” The emphasis is on providing ERG leaders with the tools to yield visible progress and foster sustainability in their initiatives.

The Importance of Inclusivity in Business Strategy

Key discussions underscored the transition to evidence-based inclusion strategies. Meena Confait, Global Co-Chair of SAP’s Business Women’s Network, highlighted how integrating inclusion into everyday decision-making is imperative for raising organisational standards. As businesses strive for improved performance, reliable metrics and accountability through ERGs are paramount.

Catalyzing Innovation Through Diversity

Considerable attention was given to the representation of people of determination during the discussions. Shuruk Elwarrak, founder and CEO of Enabled, emphasized that creating accessible workplaces is critical for the economy's sustainability and competitiveness. Notably, Sheriza Bazari from Etihad Airways pointed out that their employee networks—like Women of Etihad and the forthcoming People of Determination network—are progressing from passion projects to impactful cultural initiatives, echoing sentiments from the summit.

Future Collaboration for Sustainable Impact

The summit reflected a growing appetite for structured collaboration among organisations dedicated to fostering inclusive environments. Collaboration between private sector entities and public institutions can enhance ERG models, aiming for measurable business impact. As organisations across the Gulf build these connections, they can effectively correlate belonging with innovation, paving the way for long-term performance.