Impact, Lead, Engage — Elevating your Employee Ambassador Group’s Strategic Goals

Description

In recent years, increased visibility around the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and recognition of its benefits have prompted many companies to reflect on their own initiatives: What programs truly contribute to a culture of community and connection? How do we create an environment where all employees thrive?

A robust Employee Ambassador Group (EAG) program is one way to do just that. EAGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that serve traditionally marginalized or underrepresented employees. This differs from affinity groups, which are non-funded and more loosely structured around interests. EAGs act as culture-builders that can provide members with a voice and visibility, create a sense of community, and drive change toward a more equitable workplace.

Under the direction of the McCormick & Company vice president of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a strategic planning guide was created to assist EAG leaders and their group members to design initiatives, events, and activities in support of the EAG mission and objectives.

This tool allowed EAGs the ability to:
• Increase EAG’s value to the organization and its members
• Create a plan of action
• Identify supporters and resources
• Align with the company’s three core focus areas for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion

Learning Outcomes:

• Measure impact with the business: This tool will allow the EAGs to track metrics by looking at business collaboration and program effectiveness
• Obtain leadership buy-in: The tool will allow the EAGs to illustrate how programs can positively impact your company’s bottom line
• Collaborate with other EAGs: Encourage EAGs to work together to amplify mutual interests — a tool to pool resources and embrace intersectionality