Why ERGs Matter

In all your time spent researching and applying for jobs, odds are you’ve come across the term ‘ERG.’ You may or may not know that it stands for ‘Employee Resource Group,’ but what does that mean? More importantly, why should you care? Let’s unpack it.

Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led groups within an organization that work towards representing and supporting various communities that their members identify with. You will find ERGs based in all kinds of identities, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and even shared interests. For example, the ERGs you can join here at KinderCare currently include the ACCESSibility ERG, the Black Heritage ERG, the H.O.L.A ERG, the PrideSpace ERG, and Women’s ERG, with the opportunity for more to come together down the road.

ERGs play a major role in fostering and promoting a diverse, inclusive workplace that helps everyone feel like they belong. They’re organic safe spaces created by employees for employees, so more employees can have real resources for meaningful personal and professional support.

They also provide the communities they represent with a strong voice in the organization. ERGs champion for the needs of their members at all levels, and frequently lead and take part in company-wide initiatives and events.

ERGs are a good sign that an employer takes their commitment to diversity and inclusion seriously. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong at work, and these groups can provide the resources, advocacy, and support that people need to thrive – tailored specifically to their own shared identities and lived experiences. It is one of the reasons we say, everyone is welcome in our circle!

At KinderCare Learning Companies, our ERGs are an essential piece of how we create belonging in the workplace and ensure that everyone’s unique needs are being fulfilled. They help make the KCLC circle a place where you’re recognized and celebrated for who you are, and everything you bring to the table. If you’re ready to experience that in your career, there’s plenty of room for you to join us.

COMING UP: Hear from our ERG leaders! Stay tuned to our Careers blog for exclusive interviews and insights on all things ERG at KinderCare, launching soon.

Interested to hear more about DEI at KinderCare? Check out the interview with our very own Tamara here!