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

2. Before starting any ENG, you MUST plan ahead!1. What is your business need for introducing Employee NetworkGroups?2. Do you allow ENGs 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, moregroups 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 fromhttp://www.mdbgroup.com/article-employee-network-groups.html#pdf-copy 3. Organizations currently using ENGsSodexo, Inc.Microsoft New York Life Insurance AT&T 3M Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 4. Benefits of ENGsENGs can add significant value for the employees whoparticipate, the external communities in which youinteract, and your organizations bottom-line results.Employees who participate in ENG meetings get uniquenetworking and learning opportunities.Employees acquire practical project management skillsby organizing professional development workshops andcommunity involvement work.Bye, P. (2003). Developing and implementing employee network groups. MDB Group. Retrieved fromhttp://www.mdbgroup.com/article-employee-network-groups.html#pdf-copy 5. Benefits ContinuedBringing talent in: Getting and keeping new employeesBuilding current talent: Broadening awareness amongemployeesShowcasing talent: Being good neighbors andcommunity membersConnecting people: Communicating, networking, andbuilding relationshipsAir Products and Chemicals, Inc. (2008). Employee network groups. Retrieved fromhttp://www.airproducts.com/~/media/Files/PDF/company/employee-networks-brochure.ashx 6. Potential Risks of ENGsENGs 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 fromhttp://www.mdbgroup.com/article-employee-network-groups.html#pdf-copyDigh, P. (2001). Well-managed employee networks add business value. The Center of AssociationLeadership (ASAE). Retrieved fromhttp://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/whitepaperdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=12174 7. My RecommendationI recommend that the company incorporates EmployeeNetwork Groups!Why Incorporate ENGs?Having things in common with colleagues helps peopleconnect and feel comfortable exchanging ideas anddiscussing challenges.Interacting within the structure of a Network, with itsclear vision and goals, increases personal productivityand satisfaction while strengthening our diversity andinclusion goals.