How Employee Resource Groups are Reinventing Campus Belonging for Faculty and Staff

Revitalizing Community and Belonging in Higher Education

In recent times, colleges and universities have faced numerous challenges, including budget constraints and the need to maintain staff morale. In wake of these issues, innovative strategies have emerged, particularly through the development of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These employee-led communities not only foster connection among faculty and staff but also reinforce a sense of belonging that is crucial in today’s academic environments.

Case Study: Duke University’s Pioneering ERG Approach

Duke University has taken significant steps to formalize its employee-led community-building initiatives. This month, they are hosting a virtual ERG information fair designed to help staff engage with various groups, learn how to start new ones, and share resources. By providing structured guidance and support from Human Resources—including templates, funding, and leadership training—Duke illustrates how institutional backing is vital for the success of ERGs. Paul Grantham, Assistant Vice President for Work Culture, praises the development of emergent leaders within these groups, emphasizing the tangible benefits of connecting employees.

Penn State’s Community-Centric ERGs

Penn State’s approach exemplifies a commitment to inclusivity and engagement across diverse employee groups. Since the launch of their university-wide ERGs in 2023, areas such as caregiving, veterans, LGBTQIA+, and sustainability have witnessed considerable participation. For example, the caregiver support group, Penn State Cares, grew from grassroots interest, allowing employees to share personal experiences and resources. Co-founder Teresa McCloskey articulates the profound motivation behind this initiative—creating a safety net for others who find themselves facing similar challenges. Such initiatives showcase how ERGs can cultivate supportive environments that reflect individual experiences and foster mutual understanding.

Campus-Wide Influence: The Power of ERGs

As noted in various academic institutions, ERGs are instrumental in influencing organizational culture and practices. At Penn State, the creation of Vet-aLIONce, a veterans’ ERG, has not only expanded community connections but also aided in the implementation of impactful programs, such as the U.S. Department of Defense's SkillBridge program. Feedback from members like Col. Eugene McFeely highlights the necessity of a structured platform to share invaluable resources among the military community.

Cultural Impact and Leadership Development

ERGs contribute significantly to fostering diversity and inclusion within academic institutions, as seen in other universities like UC Davis Health. Here, the formation of affinity groups based on racial and ethnic backgrounds aims to create environments where employees feel valued and supported. As Elizabeth Dennis-Bell of the AAFSA notes, these groups are vital for discussing workplace challenges and receiving guidance that might not be readily available in other settings. The ripple effect of such groups extends far beyond personal well-being, influencing the institutional policies that shape workplace culture.

Actionable Insights for Fostering Belonging

Higher education institutions can leverage the insights gained from ERGs to cultivate environments that promote engagement, support, and belonging. Encouraging peer-led groups allows employees to take charge of their community-building efforts while fostering a culture of inclusion that highlights shared experiences. Institutions should actively invest in these groups, not just financially, but by providing platforms for visibility and discussion at the highest levels of leadership.

Conclusion: A Call for Active Participation

As universities increasingly recognize the importance of belonging in the workplace, the development and support of ERGs become even more critical. For employees, joining these groups means engaging in a collective effort that enhances their work experience while contributing to a more equitable and unified campus culture. With dedicated involvement from both employees and administration, ERGs can truly reinvent the concept of belonging in the academic world.