office of inclusion and diversity
TRANSCRIPT
Office of Inclusion and Diversity
MetroHealth Employee Resource Groups
“Fulfilling Your Interests While Being Impactful”
What are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)?
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are volunteer, employee-managed groups that promote an area of
interest with the overarching goal to add value to organizational initiatives and MetroHealth's mission
and vision. An Employee Resource Group can be further defined as a group of employees who come
together around common interests, issues, and backgrounds that exist to provide organizational
support, networking, and professional development opportunities for its members. ERGs typically
address a dimension of diversity but they are open to all MetroHealth employees.
What Employee Resource Groups are not.
Employee Resource Groups are not social clubs or groups; there is a clear benefit for the employee, the
organization, and the community served to have groups that are invested in contributing to the overall
mission and work of the organization. ERGs can help “lead the way” to a healthier, more engaged
system that then promotes a healthier community. There is a return on investment for the individual,
the group, the organization, the patient population we serve, and the overall community.
What is the purpose of an Employee Resource Group?
ERGs are a great platform for both engaging and growing employees, as well as improving outcomes for
the organization and most importantly, for the patient populations that we serve. The purpose of each
individual ERG typically has a dimension of diversity that can support the overall work of The
MetroHealth System. Employees who participate in ERGs get unique networking and learning
opportunities, and are positioned as key contributors to the organization.
Why does MetroHealth allow Employee Resource Groups?
MetroHealth is interested in leveraging the experiences, skills, and backgrounds that employees bring to
work every day in order to create an engaged and motivated workforce that contributes to the success
of the organization and connects us to the communities we serve. Furthermore, we recognize that ERGs
engage and develop participants, and are a source of for recruitment, retention, and talent
development. ERG members are also a great source for community insights and outreach.
What are the benefits of having Employee Resource Groups at MetroHealth?
The benefits of ERGs to the organization include increased employee engagement, increased
volunteerism, source for recruitment, retention, and talent development; innovation, and community
engagement and outreach. The benefits of ERGs to the employee include developing new leadership
skills, networking across the organization, sharing of information, promoting awareness around issues
and solutions, volunteer opportunities, stretch assignments, and overall engagement, participation, and
professional growth and development.
What is the leadership and program structure for an ERG?
An ERG typically starts with 8-10 interested employees with the goal of communicating their focus to all
MetroHealth employees in order to increase membership. The ERG has a chair and co-chair (selected by
the group as per the charter), an executive sponsor (from the VP ranks), and a liaison from the office of
Inclusion and Diversity. The executive sponsor provides a small annual stipend (managed by the office of
I&D), and the I&D liaison provides program support and oversight. Participating in an ERG is voluntary
and there is no additional compensation tied to being a member.
What are some examples of program activities for an ERG?
Some examples include- participation in professional development opportunities, lunch & learn series,
invited speakers, sponsoring of cultural events or community receptions, mentoring opportunities,
advocating or raising awareness on issues and potential solutions, raising money for social causes,
partnering with HR on benefit policy development, mentoring students at school, external community
outreach and engagement, and so on.
Who is responsible for ERGs at MetroHealth?
The Office of Inclusion and Diversity oversees the ERG program at MetroHealth; including the eligibility,
charter, and budget process. The office provides ongoing guidance and support to each ERG on the
types of programming, areas of focus, and reporting process. The office reports regularly on the ERG
programs and activities to the MetroHealth Inclusion & Diversity Council and to senior leadership.
Where do I go for more information?
If you are interested in joining an existing ERG or creating one, please call the office at 778-5647 or you
can e-mail us at [email protected]. For more information, you can visit our website on
the MIV, click on "departments" and then click on Office of Inclusion and Diversity.
ERG Mission and work of the group Emerging Leaders Sarah Brown [email protected]
Creating a community of emerging leaders that promotes active participation in the professional, civic, and social aspects. Our Vision: To be the most admired and impactful resource group, renowned for success and mentorship, innovation, and leadership development. Our Purpose: To develop a leadership and professional pipeline for the MetroHealth System. We will accomplish this by having resources available, such as workshops, networking events, speaker series, mentoring opportunities, and leadership engagement.
Hispanic Forum Lucy Guilfu [email protected]
It is the mission of the MetroHealth Hispanic Forum to promote the cultural diversity and professional development of its members, thereby creating a supportive and inclusive environment for the entire MetroHealth community, thus contributing to its’ mission and vision.
Gay-Straight Alliance Teodoro Rosati [email protected]
To support our LGBT employees so that they can be open and honest in their work environment and so that straight employees can grow in their understanding and tolerance of both their co-workers and patients; to serve our patients, so that our LGBT patients can have an open and honest relationship with their health care providers and benefit from individualized medical management; to educate our community, so that the lay public will increase their understanding of LGBT health issues.
Christian Fellowship Lisa Ramage [email protected]
To provide opportunities for those (employees or visitors) of any belief to find support & encouragement in the MH workplace through Judeo-Christian prayer, bible study, service and socialization.
Veteran’s Group Robin Murphy [email protected]
The Mission of the MetroHealth Veterans ERG is to be a strategic partner with MetroHealth to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion through engagement, continual learning, and service. The MetroHealth Veterans ERG will advance the understanding and inclusion of employees with a common background, set of interests and/or goals. The vision, mission, goals, policies and activities of the MetroHealth Veterans ERG are fully aligned with those of MetroHealth’s mission, goals, and policies.
Women at Metro Sonja Rajki [email protected]
The purpose of “Women@Metro” is to provide a women’s initiative for the health system that supports the STAR-IQ values. Women@Metro seeks to further MetroHealth’s commitment to attracting, retaining and advancing women at MetroHealth and acknowledges that strong female leadership is critical to being a high-performance business and supports the commitment to an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Green Team Ann Ortega [email protected]
The MetroHealth Green Team is committed to promoting life-long care to the environment, patients, employees and the community by fostering a culture of conservation and environmental stewardship. ”The Green Team takes the leadership role on new initiatives that positively impact both the environment within the health system and contribute to the well-being of the planet. Currently, the main focus of the team is to increase the amount and type of recycling practiced by hospital personnel, and to increase awareness of the ways in which employees, patients, and the community can positively impact the environment.