Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have long been a cornerstone of workplace inclusion, providing support, advocacy, and community for employees. But how effective are these networks in today’s evolving corporate landscape? Our Enabling Effective ERGs Report, in partnership with the ERG Leader Summit and Reboot Global, offers a data-driven look at the challenges and opportunities ERG leaders face, from balancing responsibilities to securing executive sponsorship.

At Harper Fox Partners, we’ve reviewed the findings through the lens of leadership and organisational impact. In the following analysis, we explore the key takeaways from the report and what they mean for businesses looking to strengthen and elevate their ERGs.

Our take:

One of the most striking findings of this report is the pivotal role of executive sponsors. A truly effective sponsor is not just a figurehead but a strategic enabler—advocating for ERGs at the highest levels, securing resources, and ensuring that ERG initiatives align with business objectives.

The data underscores the potential of ERGs as incubators for future senior leaders, yet organisations may be failing to capitalise on this. If 76% of ERG leaders say their work enhances their day job performance, more ERG leadership roles should be formally recognised as leadership development opportunities.

At Harper Fox Partners, we understand that leadership goes beyond the title, it’s about impact. ERG leaders and sponsors have a shared responsibility to ensure these networks aren’t just social communities but engines for sustainable change. The organisations that recognise ERG leadership as a strategic asset, rather than an extracurricular activity, will not only build stronger workplace cultures but also develop the next generation of diverse, high-performing executives.

View the full report here