What are employee resource groups (ERGs)?
Employee resource groups (ERGs) are employee-led groups designed to create a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging workplace. They provide a safe space for employees to connect with those who share similar backgrounds, experiences, or interests. ERGs are essential to fostering diversity and inclusion within organizations.
There are many different types of employee resource groups to represent the diverse makeup of a workforce. Companies may have ERGs focused on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, veterans, parents, mental health, and more. These groups help build a sense of belonging and allow employees to bring their whole selves to work.
Why employee resource group names are so important
A well-chosen employee resource group name is more than just a label; it reflects the group’s mission, vision, and values, while highlighting the unique qualities of the employees it represents. This is similar to how ingraining social impact into an ERG’s mission leads to greater success. When employees see their ERG actively making a difference, they feel more connected to the group’s purpose.
At Percent Pledge, we support ERG leaders by helping them embed social impact into the core of their ERG’s mission. Whether it’s facilitating strategic partnerships with nonprofits or guiding leaders in planning impactful volunteer events, we help employee resource groups maximize their influence within the organization and community.
How to create impactful employee resource group names
To craft a memorable and meaningful employee resource group name, follow these simple steps:
- Reflect on your mission & vision: What is the core purpose of the group? Are you focused on empowering a specific community, providing mentorship, or advocating for inclusion?
- Highlight the group’s unique qualities: Think about what makes your group distinct. For example, does your ERG focus on diverse talent, shared cultural backgrounds, or lived experiences?
- Keep it simple, yet impactful: A great employee resource group name should be easy to remember, pronounce, and spell. It should also evoke a sense of purpose and meaning.
- Check for alignment with company values: Make sure the name aligns with your company’s broader mission and brand, while also representing the specific identity of your ERG.
- Collaborate with group members: Engage your ERG members in brainstorming. Getting feedback from those who will be part of the group ensures that the name resonates with the community.
If social impact is ingrained into the mission of your ERG—which it should be—this can also inspire the naming process. For instance, an employee resource group focused on supporting veterans could choose a name like Valor Veterans Network, reflecting both the group’s identity and its commitment to giving back to the community.
Throughout these important decisions, Percent Pledge has always had our customers’ backs, guiding employee resource groups in engaging their members in meaningful social impact initiatives. While naming is only part of the process, we help leaders bring their ERG’s mission to life through philanthropy and volunteerism, boosting engagement and results.
Creative employee resource group name ideas
Here are some examples of creative employee resource group name ideas to help inspire your own:
Black employee resource groups:
- Black Excellence Network
- Unity in Black
- African American Innovators
- Empower Black Voices
Latinx employee resource groups:
- Latinx Powerhouse
- Hispanic Heritage Collective
- Somos Unidos (We Are United)
- Orgullo Latino (Latino Pride)
Women’s employee resource groups:
- EmpowHER Network
- SheLeads Circle
- Women of Impact
- Women Rising
- HERoes
Veterans employee resource group:
- Valor Veterans Network
- Pride in Service
- Honored & Empowered
- Service & Leadership Network
LGBT business resource group:
- Pride in Action
- Rainbow Alliance
- LGBTQ+ Visionaries
- Out & Proud
Disability employee resource groups:
- Abilities Unlimited
- EmpowerED: Enabling Diversity
- Disability Advocates Network
- Accessible Excellence
- Limitless Network
Asian employee resource group:
- Asian Achievers Network
- Pan-Asian Leaders
- Bridge to Asia
- Empower Asia
Mental health employee resource group:
- Mind Matters Collective
- Wellness Warriors
- Resilient Minds Network
- Mental Health Advocates
- Balance & Well-being Group
Parent employee resource group:
- Parenting Together Collective
- Caregivers Connect
- Parent Power Network
- Family First Group
- Care & Thrive Collective
These employee resource group name ideas reflect the values and mission of each group, helping to build a strong identity within the organization.
Designing logos for employee resource groups
Just like the name, the logo for your employee resource group plays an important role in building its identity. A great employee resource group logo should be:
- Symbolic of the group’s purpose: Use icons or symbols that resonate with the group’s mission (e.g., a rainbow for LGBT business resource groups or hands for unity and empowerment).
- Inclusive & recognizable: The logo should feel inviting and be easily recognizable across different platforms, whether it’s in emails, presentations, or events.
- Aligned with company branding: While the logo should reflect the unique identity of the employee resource group, it’s important to ensure it works alongside your company’s overall brand.
Take Sprout Social's ERG logos for example.
And take Splunk's ERGs logos.
Consider using a platform like Canva for your design needs, allowing you to create a unique and visually appealing employee resource group logo.
Why thoughtful employee resource group names and logos matter
Creating the right employee resource group name and logo is about more than just branding—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and building community within your organization. These elements help communicate the purpose of the group, attract members, and strengthen the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion employee resource groups.
By putting thought into your ERG’s name and logo, you show your employees that their identities, cultures, and communities are valued. And with the help of Percent Pledge, you can take your ERG to the next level, building impactful partnerships and engaging your members in meaningful social impact initiatives.