Discover the
Benefits of Affinity Groups at Work
Find out how affinity groups and employee resource groups can contribute to the company's success!
Sales Hotlines
US ✆ +1 (302) 672 3007
UK ✆ +44 (207) 871 5021
Introduction to Affinity Groups
Affinity groups or employee resource groups (ERGs) are made of employees with similar interests, backgrounds, or goals. Affinity groups have a powerful impact in the workplace and help promote the company’s diversity. In general, these groups are often about gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, national region, and veteran status. The most common examples of affinity groups are working parents, LGBT, and any other groups that are based on common goals or interests.
Although private employers are not required to have affinity groups, many employers support and recognize these groups because of the benefits they provide such as professional development, recruitment, and employee retention.
Benefits of Having Affinity Groups
1. New Employees Feel Welcome
Affinity groups help improve the training or onboarding processes for new employees. Promoting diversity within the company also helps new hires "fit in" and feel comfortable.
Studies show that the first 90 days of employment are crucial for new employees and recognizing these groups will make it less challenging for them to adjust.
2. Employee Retention
Recent studies have shown that affinity groups play a huge role in retention efforts by reducing turnover costs. The average cost of replacing a worker is about $15,000. A larger company can spend approximately $600,000 to $2.6 million per year on turnover and replacement costs.
Having affinity groups makes employees more engaged, happy, and productive. Thus, improving the employee retention rate.
3. Prevents Discrimination Within the Workplace
Even today, discrimination is rampant in our society. And the workplace is no exception. As much as possible, employers are constantly seeking ways to prevent discrimination. One effective way is to build affinity groups.
Affinity groups help employers identify and fill gaps to prevent discrimination against color, race, ethnicity, age, gender preference, national origin, or medical history.
4. Promotes Socialization and Friendship
Having affinity groups in the workplace is just one way to help employees interact with their co-workers. A good relationship within the workplace improves productivity.
5. Creates Synergy
When employees build connections based on common interests, backgrounds, or characteristics, this bolsters collaboration and communication which makes your employees more effective and productive.
Sample List of Affinity Groups
New Employees
Asian and Pacific Islander Employees
Black Employees
Buddhist Employees
Christian Employees
International Employees
Jewish Employees
Latinx/Hispanic Employees
LGBTQIA+ Employees
Middle Eastern Employees
Native American Employees
Older Employees(60+)
Employees with Disabilities
Veterans
Women in Leadership
Women in Technology
Working Parents
Young Employees (<30)
Indian Origin Employees
Muslim Employees
Affinity Groups in Steegle.One Intranet
The Steegle.One intranet from Steegle allows affinity groups to be created automatically, allowing end-users to add and subscribe themselves.
Article by Maria Gabrielle
Looking for a customized intranet solution for your organization?
Since 2008, we here at Steegle.com have been delivering intranet development solutions and ongoing support and maintenance for organizations including hospitals and medical institutions. As a certified Google Cloud Partner, we specialize in Google Workspace based solutions. Give us a call at US ✆ +1 (302) 672 3007 UK ✆ +44 (207) 871 502 or contact us today to view a demo of our intranet solutions, and see how it can help increase employee productivity and save time and money. Click below to learn more about the Steegle.One Intranet solution.
Sales Hotlines
US ✆ +1 (302) 672 3007
UK ✆ +44 (207) 871 5021
UK ✆ +44 (207) 871 5021
