Employee Network Groups (ENGs) are formed by employees who share common backgrounds or experiences to support each other and promote diversity and inclusion goals. Companies must plan how ENGs will be structured and supported, including funding, use of company branding, and limits on the number of groups. ENGs can benefit employees through networking opportunities and skills development as well as benefit companies by bringing in new talent, developing current employees, strengthening community engagement, and building relationships.

2. What is an Employee Network Group?
“Employee Networks are formed by colleagues that share common
race, gender, background, or experience, but membership is open to
everyone.”
“Each has an executive sponsor as well as the support of the Diversity
and Inclusion Department.”
“Network members come together to support each other, the
company, its diversity, inclusion goals, and the community.”
“An Employee Network Group’s mission has a business purpose.”
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (2008). Employee network groups. Retrieved from
http://www.airproducts.com/~/media/Files/PDF/company/employee-networks-brochure.ashx

3. Before starting any ENG, you MUST plan ahead!
1. What is your business need for introducing Employee Network
Groups?
2. Do you allow ENG’s to use the company logo and brand?
3. How much funding, if any, is provided to the groups?
4. Once some groups are recognized and granted support, more
groups will seek similar status. When do you stop?
5. What issues will be discussed?
Bye, P. (2003). Developing and implementing employee network groups. MDB Group. Retrieved from
http://www.mdbgroup.com/article-employee-network-groups.html#pdf-copy

4. Organizations currently using
ENG’s
Sodexo, Inc. Microsoft
New York Life Insurance
AT&T 3M
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

5. Benefits of ENG’s
“ENG’s can add significant value for the employees who
participate, the external communities in which you
interact, and your organization’s bottom-line results.”
“Employee’s who participate in ENG meetings get unique
networking and learning opportunities.”
“Employees acquire practical project management skills
by organizing professional development workshops and
community involvement work.”
Bye, P. (2003). Developing and implementing employee network groups. MDB Group. Retrieved from
http://www.mdbgroup.com/article-employee-network-groups.html#pdf-copy

6. …Benefits Continued
“Bringing talent in: Getting and keeping new employees”
“Building current talent: Broadening awareness among
employees”
“Showcasing talent: Being good neighbors and
community members”
“Connecting people: Communicating, networking, and
building relationships”
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (2008). Employee network groups. Retrieved from
http://www.airproducts.com/~/media/Files/PDF/company/employee-networks-brochure.ashx

7. Potential Risks of ENG’s
“ENG’s can foster divisiveness and generate conflict” (Digh,
2001).
The types of interests that will be recognized by the ENG
(Bye, 2003).
“The ENG might get too independent” (Bye, 2003).
Bye, P. (2003). Developing and implementing employee network groups. MDB Group. Retrieved from
http://www.mdbgroup.com/article-employee-network-groups.html#pdf-copy
Digh, P. (2001). Well-managed employee networks add business value. The Center of Association
Leadership (ASAE). Retrieved from
http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/whitepaperdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=12174

8. My Recommendation
I recommend that the company incorporates Employee
Network Groups!
Why Incorporate ENG’s?
“Having things in common with colleagues helps people
connect and feel comfortable exchanging ideas and
discussing challenges.”
“Interacting within the structure of a Network, with its
clear vision and goals, increases personal productivity
and satisfaction while strengthening our diversity and
inclusion goals.”