When it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE+I), there’s always room for progress and growth. There are lessons to be learned, mindsets to be challenged, and goals to work toward. For many organizations, establishing an Employee Resource Group (ERG) is an internal initiative that can contribute to DE+I progress and growth while also creating a safe space for employees to be their true, authentic selves. 

An ERG can provide a formalized setting to take intentional action toward providing an inclusive space for employees of a particular identity. At Clarkston, for example, our DE+I Council has three Support Networks: the Pride Network, the Black Stewards Network, and the Women’s Empowerment Network. Our networks focus on first and foremost providing a safe space for stewards, as well as embracing allyship, creating a culture of belonging, understanding privilege, having an awareness of unconscious bias, and recognizing the role of empathy in a corporate setting. 

Establishing an ERG, however, can come with its own set of challenges and obstacles. The process can be exhausting and emotionally taxing, and you might even upset people when you challenge their previous ways of thinking. But taking the time to build a strong internal team, being strategic in your priorities, and continuing to promote education and awareness can lead to true progress for any organization. 

You can download and listen to Creating Safe Spaces for Employees with ERGs: Taking Stock with PK S. here.  

In this episode of Taking Stock, I’m joined by PK Sundar, consultant and DEI analyst, as we chat about why they started the Pride Network at Clarkston, the challenges they faced along the way, and lessons learned for establishing an ERG in a corporate setting. 

Taking Stock   

In this podcast series, Clarkston Consulting Partner Steve Rosenstock sits down with experts and thought leaders from both within Clarkston and throughout its consumer product, retail, and life sciences client-base, covering a range of topics from industry trends and consumer dynamics to organizational governance and business strategy. Steve provides you access into the passions of its guests and allows you to benefit from their stories, knowledge, and deep expertise.