Employee Resource Group leaders play a pivotal role in fostering safe & inclusive workspaces. So how can organisations recognise and reward their achievements? Here are some of the things employee network leaders are looking for, when it comes to recognition and reward.
- Development: Courses like our Employee Network Leadership Programme are a sound investment. Giving leaders skills and tools to amplify ERG impact, they’re also a good way to recognise achievement and potential. Many of the network leaders we work with say that investment in their development is the best reward.
- Protected time and days off : Organisations that recognise the value of ERG leadership provide protected time and days to do this work, during working time. They also support ERG leaders with recognition for achievements against employee network goals and targets.
- Visibility : For many Employee Resource Group leaders, recognition is about more than personal profile. Many want to be seen, heard, valued and trusted. Senior leaders, perhaps as part of reverse mentoring programmes, can have a huge impact on rewarding and recognising employee network leaders. They can do this by actively listening to and being curious about their lived experiences as well as their ERG.
What about cash incentives? While it’s good to empower ERG leaders to decide their own rewards, the promise of money can encourage the wrong people to seek leadership. If this is something you’re considering, it should be weighed up carefully and positioned alongside other recognition activities, to ensure it has the intended outcome.
There is always more you can and should do, when it comes to recognising and rewarding the effort of your employee network leaders. Some of the most impactful recognitions take little effort and come at no cost. Recognising ERG leaders with a heartfelt thank you, will greatly enhance their commitment, motivation and effort.
If you would like to discuss recognition options or are looking to understand which of our programmes is right as a reward for your organisation, we’d love to have a chat with you.
