ERGs, AUDITS and BENCHMARKING 

ERG audit and benchmarking - to re-set and create clear strategy for the future

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So you have ERGs and they are active. But how are they performing compared to internal goals and external best practices? Our benachmarking offerings help assess impact, compare with best practices, align with business strategy, and highlight areas for improvement.

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1. Define the Purpose and Scope

   • Clarify objectives: Determine what you want to achieve—e.g., improving engagement, ensuring alignment with DEI strategy, optimizing resources, or demonstrating impact.

   • Set boundaries: Decide which groups to include (all ERGs, specific affinity groups, or global vs. regional).

   • Identify stakeholders: HR, DEI leads, ERG leaders, executive sponsors, and employees.

2. Gather Baseline Information

   • Document existing groups: Collect information on each group’s mission, structure, membership, and leadership.

   • Review governance and support: Note funding, executive sponsorship, reporting lines, and operating frameworks.

   • Assess participation: Measure membership size, demographics, activity levels, and engagement rates.

   • Review policies: Examine existing policies or charters guiding ERGs.

3. Assess Performance and Impact

   • Qualitative insights: Conduct interviews or focus groups with ERG leaders, members, and sponsors to understand challenges and successes.

   • Quantitative data: Gather metrics such as event attendance, budget utilization, retention rates, and employee survey results linked to belonging or engagement.

   • Cultural influence: Evaluate visibility, inclusion in company initiatives, and influence on business outcomes (e.g., recruitment, innovation, customer insights).

4. Benchmark Against Best Practices

   • External comparison:

     • Identify comparable organizations (same industry, size, or geography).

     • Review public data (annual reports, DEI indices, external benchmarking studies).

     • Use networks or consultants specializing in ERG benchmarking.

   • Key benchmarking dimensions:

     • Governance: Charter, leadership rotation, executive sponsorship.

     • Funding: Budget allocation and access.

     • Measurement: KPIs and accountability.

     • Integration: How ERGs link to business strategy.

     • Impact: Engagement, recruitment, and retention outcomes.

5. Analyze Gaps and Opportunities

   • Compare internal findings with benchmark data.

   • Identify where groups are under- or over-performing (e.g., structure, visibility, resources).

   • Prioritize gaps that align with strategic goals or cultural impact.

6. Develop Recommendations

   • Suggest actions for improvement, such as:

     • Standardizing governance and reporting.

     • Enhancing leadership development for ERG leads.

     • Aligning ERG objectives with company goals.

     • Increasing cross-group collaboration.

     • Improving measurement of impact and ROI.

7. Create an Implementation Roadmap

   • Define timelines, owners, and success measures for each recommendation.

   • Plan communication and engagement activities to ensure transparency.

   • Secure leadership buy-in and budget as needed.​

8. Monitor and Review Progress

   • Set up regular review cycles (e.g., annual or biannual).

   • Track KPIs such as membership growth, engagement impact, and alignment with DEI or business outcomes.

   • Celebrate and share success stories to sustain momentum

 

Optional Deliverables:

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• Audit report summarizing current state and gaps.

• Benchmark comparison dashboard (e.g., visual comparison by category).

• Action plan / roadmap for strengthening ERGs.

• Executive summary highlighting strategic impact.