ERG 50

Honoring the Top 50 Employee Resource Groups and Leaders Advancing Inclusion and Business Impact

The ERG 50 recognizes the most influential Employee Resource Groups, executive sponsors, and diversity leaders driving inclusion and belonging across the corporate sector. This prestigious list celebrates excellence in community building, professional development, and the transformative impact ERGs have on organizational culture and business success.

From fostering intersectional advocacy and mentorship to driving recruitment and product innovation, the ERG 50 highlights those shaping the future of the modern, equitable workforce.

Purpose of the ERG 50

Employee Resource Groups are the heartbeat of inclusive corporate culture and a vital driver of retention and innovation. The ERG 50 was established to:

• Recognize outstanding ERG leadership and grassroots innovation.
• Elevate practices that bridge the gap between workplace advocacy and measurable business impact.
• Highlight the role of ERGs in professional development and leadership pipelining.
• Support collaboration between ERG leaders, HR professionals, and C-Suite executives.

This recognition serves as both an honor and a benchmark for advancing the maturity and influence of ERGs globally.
 

Who Is Recognized

The ERG 50 honors excellence across the entire ecosystem of workplace affinity groups, including:

Individual Leaders

• Executive Sponsors: C-Suite and VP-level champions who provide resources and strategic air cover.
• ERG Chairs & Leads: The grassroots “movers and shakers” managing day-to-day operations.
• Diversity & Inclusion Officers: Professionals guiding the integration of ERGs into corporate strategy.

Groups & Organizations

• Identity-Based ERGs: (e.g., Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Women, Veterans, and Disability networks).
• Interest-Based Groups: (e.g., Working Parents, Sustainability, and Young Professionals).
• Inter-ERG Alliances: Collaborative initiatives that drive intersectional impact.

Key Focus Areas

• Business Impact: ERGs that influence product design, marketing, or market expansion.
• Talent & Workforce: Excellence in recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
• Culture & Community: Success in volunteerism, social justice, and workplace belonging.

Selection Criteria

ERG 50 honorees are selected through a rigorous evaluation process based on:

• Measurable Results: Evidence of impact on employee engagement, retention, or business goals.
• Strategic Alignment: How well the group’s mission supports the broader corporate strategy.
• Innovation: Creative programming or digital engagement strategies that set new standards.
• Executive Support: The depth of engagement and advocacy from the group’s leadership sponsors.
• Intersectionality: Commitment to inclusive practices that cross different identity boundaries.

Why the ERG 50 Matters

Being named to the ERG 50 signifies leadership at the highest level of workplace inclusion. Honorees gain:

• Industry Credibility: Validation of the ERG’s maturity and organizational value
• Benchmarking Visibility: A chance to showcase best practices to the wider DEI community.
• Talent Attraction: Signaling to prospective hires that the organization values and empowers its people.
• Professional Networking: Access to a distinguished network of fellow ERG leaders and change-makers.

Nomination Process

ERG 50 honorees receive:

• Official ERG 50 Designation: A prestigious title recognizing excellence in workplace culture and leadership.
• Digital and Print Recognition Assets: Exclusive badges and certificates to showcase on LinkedIn, corporate websites, and in annual DEI reports.
• Featured Listing on the ERG 50 Website: A permanent placement in our digital gallery of top-tier resource groups and leaders.
• Promotion Across Global DEI Networks: High-impact visibility through professional networks and industry-leading diversity platforms.
• Opportunities to Lead & Connect: Exclusive invitations to participate in executive panels, cultural summits, and media features highlighting the impact of employee-led initiatives.

Nomination Process

Nominations are open to ERGs and individual leaders within organizations of all sizes.

• Submission Types: Self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted.
• Review Board: Applications are reviewed by a panel of DEI experts, HR executives, and past honorees.

Nominate a Group. Recognize Impact. Shape the Future of the Workforce.

Championing the Power of Community and Culture

The ERG 50 is more than an award—it is a premier platform recognizing those who are building, sustaining, and advancing inclusive workplaces with purpose, vision, and impact.

Celebrate community. Elevate leadership. Shape the future of the global workforce.