What’s in a name? Affinity Vs. Employee Resource Group Vs. Business Resource Group

One of the questions leaders beginning to launch internal communities within their organizations often have to answer is, “What should we name them?”. While a lot of times, the naming is inherited in the form of the most common two affinity groups or employee resource groups (ERG), the decision to rebrand or launch can be the very first opportunity to kick off your intent to impact diversity and inclusion efforts in a strong way. The acronym ERG has become a catch-all phrase for internal groups, but there is an opportunity to add more context to what your organization calls these internal communities. ERGs, BRGs, and affinity groups are all terms commonly used to describe internal communities or groups within the workplace. But the name you choose as an organization is more than just a label.

WHY is a Workplace Community “Naming” Significant?

1. Community/group names can have significant cultural and social importance for those identifying with them.
2. Community/group names can reflect a shared history, tradition, or stage of life that binds employees together as community members—for example, employee groups for cancer awareness resources and education, caregivers, etc.
3. Community/Group names can also be a source of pride and…