Mark your calendars! Wednesday, 8th May is a special day for workplaces worldwide—it’s Staff Networks Day. This unique occasion celebrates the invaluable contributions of networks and resource groups within organisations. At People Lab, we recognise the transformative power of networks – in fostering progressive change, supporting employee journeys, enabling employee voice and cultivating a sense of belonging.
Why staff networks matter
Staff networks are the backbone of inclusive workplaces. By providing platforms for shared experiences and fostering connections, networks enhance employee engagement and organisational culture. From LGBTQ+ alliances to disability awareness groups, staff networks embody the rich tapestry of human experiences within the workforce. Networks also play a pivotal role in talent retention and recruitment, signalling commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Setting up a staff network: key considerations
Launching a staff network requires careful planning and strategic considerations. From defining objectives and securing leadership buy-in to fostering grassroots engagement, there are several factors to keep in mind.
It’s essential to ensure your networks are set up to deliver on the following:
Transparency – is it clear from the outset what the purpose of your network is? What is expected of those involved, and what can they expect in return?
Accessibility – is the network accessible for employees to get involved, either as core members, or as contributors? A great example here is with an employee engagement ‘champions’ network – it might not be feasible for all employees to be in the network, but is there a process in place so that employees who aren’t champions can still share their thoughts, ideas and feedback to those who are?
Accountability – it’s imperative that your networks serve a purpose, and a key part of that is making it clear what you’re trying to achieve, and assigning owners. Networks work best when actions are driven and owned by the network members over the network leads. The last thing you want is for your network to come up with a list of actions, which then lands on your desk to complete!
Creating an employee experience and engagement network
Organisations are increasingly using employee experience or engagement networks (which are sometimes referred to as champions or advocates) to help shape organisational culture and improve employee engagement.
By focusing on enhancing the employee experience — from recruitment to retirement — these networks can provide ongoing feedback and improvement as well as enhance employee buy-in and employee-led change.
Case Study: Starbucks’ Employee Experience Advocate Network
Explore how Starbucks used their employee experience advocate network to empower its workforce and drive organisational success. Discover first hand how these networks facilitated knowledge sharing, mentorship, and innovation, ultimately enriching the Starbucks employee experience.
Read the Starbucks case study here
How People Lab can help you
At People Lab, we’re passionate about empowering organisations to create great experiences which enable engagement, and employee networks might be the solution to help you do this. Whether you need help setting up a staff network from scratch, or upskilling to help existing networks thrive, we can offer tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. Let us partner with you on your journey towards fostering a culture of community, collaboration, and inclusivity in the workplace.
Together, we can create environments where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.
So this Staff Networks day, join us in championing the transformative potential of staff networks—and let’s build a brighter future, one connection at a time.
Want to talk about Staff Networks, Employee Advocates or Champions? Get in touch today…
