🛫 We're in Europe this month! It's been incredible learning, listening and building alongside ERG Leaders across the pond. Here are the top challenges and opportunities we're noticing for ERGs in Europe:
ERGs are creating spaces for our full identities & communities at work, which has never been more important as our workplaces shift and evolve to be more remote, ever-global. With this comes some big challenges. While we don't have all the answers (nobody does!) - we know the way forward is through meaningful connection, good questions, and consistent listening.
Here's what we're hearing:
1. Organizations in Europe are still aligning on *how and where* ERGs can and should have impact. Is it through CSR initiatives? Is it via belonging and inclusion? Is it through product & business influence? Is it all of the above? Is it none of the above?
2. Different places have different considerations. Of course, this goes for anywhere around the world. But in Europe, different countries have different regulations to consider. There are different appetites for certain conversations. There are different languages (figuratively and literally). There are different histories, nuances and approaches. There are different time zones. While this can be an amazing opportunity for intersectionality and collaboration, it can make ERG work challenging in a variety of ways. A simple thing like planning cross-country meetings becomes a complex feat of understanding.
3. It's lonely. This is something we hear again and again. In the states, it's starting to feel like ERGs have some common ground to stand on, and ways to find each other (like Verbate's ERG Leadership Community!). But in other regions of the world, including Europe, it's not as obvious that ERGs are everywhere, and its even less obvious how to find ERG champions.
Mind you, these are certainly not Europe-only challenges or opportunities. We see these challenges around the world, and everyday in the U.S. as well. But, it's worth sharing that these challenges seem to be especially top of mind in the communities we've chatted with across the pond.
Are you in Europe? Tell us where in the comments! And always feel free to drop me a note if there's something I can weigh in on, help with, or learn :)
#employeeresourcegroups #international #remotework #globalworkplace
Dad² • Sr. Director, Channel Strategy & Operations @ Appfire • Growing an award winning partner business
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