Employee Resource Groups Birds of a feather can learn a lot from each other

Let’s say you’re a nuclear engineer. You’re also a woman. Your perspective may be a little different from the norm in a traditionally male-dominated field. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a group you could be a part of to sound out some ideas? Good news. We have one. In fact, we have a few. They are called Employee Resource Groups.

Duke Energy’s Employee Resource Groups are formed around a common dimension of diversity, interests or experiences. From sharing work and life experiences, to getting professional advice from senior leaders, to good ol’ mentoring, these grassroots forums are excellent resources for employee growth.

Benefits of Employee Resource Groups

Effective ERGs create business value through partnership and alignment with the company’s business goals and strategies. Employee Resource Groups provide many benefits to both the employees who participate and to the company by providing:

  • Greater opportunities for employee coaching, mentoring and project management experience which facilitates development of leadership skills.
  • Increased peer-to-peer contact and employee exposure to management which results in greater cross functional integration and collaboration.
  • Improved employee engagement with the company which impacts the company’s bottom line results and revenue.
  • Strategic partnerships with the company that help increase understanding of diverse employee needs and diverse market segment opportunities.

Employee Resource Groups increase employee engagement—the degree to which employees are emotionally and psychologically committed to their jobs and company objectives—by providing forums for employee growth and development. Employees who join ERGs feel a strong connection to the company as a result of their needs being met, which translates into increased morale, reduced turnover and helps in recruiting and retention efforts.

Employee Resource Groups

Business Women’s Network
The Business Women’s Network provides employees an opportunity to engage in conversation with senior leaders concerning leadership skills specific to women’s shared experiences and professional development needs, and enables employees to acquire and develop those skills.

African American Network
In existence for more than 10 years, African American Network provides an open environment for development and networking opportunities to facilitate individual and collective growth of African-Americans at Duke Energy and in the community.

Leadership Development Network
The Leadership Development Network is the place where employees can interact and build their skills and abilities through networking with peers and company leaders. With chapters in Charlotte, North Carolina, Houston, Texas, Denver, Colorado and Chatham, Ontario.

Women In Nuclear
Women in Nuclear provides a network through which employees in the nuclear field can exchange knowledge about nuclear technologies and issues, while furthering their professional development. The organization is open to any employee, with a specialized interest in women.