How to Use Your LMS to Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Jul 18, 2025

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are more than just feel-good workplace clubs. They’re culture-shapers, leadership incubators, and powerful drivers of inclusion. But here’s the thing: many organizations struggle to give their ERGs the support they need to truly thrive. 

Good news: your Learning Management System (LMS) could be the game-changing administrative support your ERGs are waiting for. 

Let’s break down what ERGs are, why they matter, and how your LMS can help them shine. 

What Exactly Is an ERG? 

An Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a voluntary, employee-led group built around shared interests, identities, or experiences. Think: Women in Tech, Pride Network, Veterans Group, Working Parents Collective—you get the idea.  

These groups aren’t just social circles. They’re safe spaces, sounding boards, and strategic assets. With the right ERG structure and support, they contribute directly to business goals and organizational culture. And the best part is – the best ERGs are totally organic and employee-led – which gives your leaders a crystal-clear view on what issues and topics are most important to your workforce. 

What Are ERGs Used For? 

Here’s what great ERGs typically do: 

  • Promote new perspectives and inclusion by raising awareness and driving change. 
  • Host ERG events like panels, workshops, and volunteer days that spark learning and connection. 
  • Advise leadership on policy, culture, and belonging. 
  • Develop future leaders by giving members a platform to practice and grow. 

And when they’re running smoothly? They’re a massive win-win—for employees and for the business. When ERGs are nurtured and empowered, the ripple effects go far beyond individual members—they can drive real, measurable impact across your entire organization. 

What are the benefits of ERGs for an organization? 

If you’re not investing in ERGs yet, here’s why you should start: 

  • Boost engagement and retention by giving employees a sense of purpose and belonging. 
  • Support recruitment from candidate pools that may have different insights. 
  • Fuel leadership development, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds. 
  • Advance inclusion goals with authentic, organic insights. 
  • Drive innovation by surfacing fresh perspectives. 

Employees stay at companies where they feel seen, heard, and supported. ERGs are one of the best culture tools to improve employee engagement and retention. McKinsey found that 66% of employees engaged in ERGs reported that they were the most effective at building community within the organization. 

Common ERG Challenges 

Of course, ERGs aren’t all sunshine and slack channels. In fact, McKinsey also found that “that ERG leaders were overburdened by the work of keeping the ERGs running.” Many run into hurdles like: 

  • Lack of visibility and reach. 
  • Unclear goals or structure. 
  • Burnout from overextended volunteers. 
  • Trouble measuring impact and progress. 

This is where your LMS comes in with the critical backup your leaders need to create organic culture at your organization. 

How Your LMS Can Help ERGs Soar 

1. One Central Hub for All Things ERG 

Your LMS is already the go-to for learning—why not make it the go-to for ERG support? 

  • Host welcome modules for new members. 
  • Promote ERG events and initiatives with LMS announcements. 
  • Centralize content like toolkits and onboarding guides for starting an ERG. 

2. Develop ERG Leaders Like Pros 

Being an ERG leader is no small gig. Help them thrive by offering: 

  • Just-in-time microlearning for conflict resolution or team-building. 
  • Recorded fireside chats with execs or seasoned ERG chairs. 

3. Fuel Engagement Through Personalized Learning 

Want to boost participation? Make it easy—and relevant. 

  • Recommend learning paths tied to ERG diversity and inclusion topics. 
  • Embed interactive learning in ERG-hosted campaigns. 

4. Track and Showcase Impact 

Your LMS has data gold—use it! 

  • Measure engagement in ERG-linked learning. 
  • Track how participation in ERG content impacts employee development. 
  • Create reports that justify ERG funding and prove ROI. 

5. Empower New ERGs to Launch Strong 

Starting an ERG from scratch? Give your people a roadmap. 

  • Build a learning journey with steps for starting an ERG, defining mission, recruiting, and aligning with company goals. 
  • Share ERG best practices from within your org or industry. 
  • Add templates, checklists, and real-life success stories. 

What LMS Features Can ERGs Use to Promote Function? 

Not all LMS platforms are created equal—but the best ones offer powerful tools that can directly support and scale learning success – including ERGs! Here are a few key features to look out for: 

Custom Learning Paths 

Build tailored learning experiences for different ERGs—like a “New to the Pride Network?” path or “ERG Leadership 101.” It’s a great way to onboard, engage, and grow members. 

Hybrid Event Management 

Use LMS tools like our Virtual Classroom to promote upcoming ERG events like lunch-and-learns, cultural celebrations, or leadership panels. You can even track RSVPs and attendance in one place – no matter where the event is located (irl or online!) 

Resource Libraries 

Create dedicated ERG resource hubs where members can access DEI guides, conversation starters, recordings from past events, or templates for starting an ERG. Keep everything organized and searchable. When your LMS empowers you to create and host custom content – this is simple. 

Automated Notifications & Announcements 

Need to boost turnout or spotlight new content? Set up announcements tied to specific ERGs or company-wide inclusion efforts. Great for surfacing ERG content during onboarding, awareness months, or leadership campaigns. 

Analytics & Reporting 

Track who’s engaging with ERG learning, where interest is highest, and what topics are driving action. These insights help ERG leaders secure funding, adjust strategy, and show impact to execs. BizLibrary’s Admin Dashboard is built to help learning administrators and leaders keep track of all their learning programs – all in one place. 

LMS Integrations 

The best LMS platforms plug into your existing systems—Slack, Teams, email —so ERG content can reach people wherever they are. 

Surveys & Feedback Tools 

Gauge how employees feel about ERG programming and what they want to see next. Use LMS-native survey tools or integrate with platforms like Culture Amp or Qualtrics to collect actionable feedback. 

The Bottom Line 

Your ERGs are bursting with potential. Your LMS can help unlock it. 

By using the tools you already have, you can give ERGs the visibility, structure, and training they need—not just to exist, but to thrive. From building ERG leadership pipelines to advancing your diversity and inclusion goals, your LMS is more than just a course catalog. It’s a culture-building machine. 

So go ahead—put your learning platform to work for your people. 

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about how your LMS can become a launchpad for inclusive, empowered employee communities. 

Erin Weirrick | Training & Development Industry Researcher | Erin researches, analyzes, and writes about the impacts of employee learning on organizations and individuals. She looks at the industry shifts and trends that matter to L&D and HR professionals, and helps them understand how to create better training programs that grow their employees and their business.