Staff networks in organisations across the UK have Diversity network groups continue to provide reassurance, solace and encouragement on Staff Networks Day 2020.
Also known as Networks Day, the National Day for Staff Networks is all about celebration, inspiration and transformation. Staff networks (employee/business resource groups, Diversity Groups etc.) provide employees from under-represented groups with valuable guidance and timely advice as they navigate their organisation’s culture and endeavour to offer their authentic best in the workplace.
The Value Continuum
This year’s theme is #addingvalue, supported by The Value Continuum, which has been designed to help networks assess how they add value to their organisation. Understanding the Network Value Proposition will not only empower members but will position the network in a place of influence and effectiveness.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the celebrations to mark National Day for Staff Networks 2020 took place online. Kicking starting the day was a Breakfast Show, where Founder of the Day Cherron Inko-Tariah and guests opened events with good news stories, shout outs and snippets of good practice.
This was followed by the biggest networks lunch and learn live podcast talking about #adding value and how the Value Continuum can help staff networks understand how they add value in their organisation.
The day ended with afternoon tea with special guests exploring some of the challenges leaders face and how to move the staff networks forward.
Leadership support
There has been tremendous support from senior leaders showing their support for employee networks and the value they bring to the organisation.
Rob Neil OBE, Speaker, Trainer, Coach, said: “Every staff network has the potential to add value; some organisations are now learning how to invest in that advantage.”
Vanessa Vallely OBE, Founder, WeAreTheCity & Gender Networks, said: “The value of employee resource groups should not be underestimated. The impact in terms of creating a supportive space for employees, to hone skills and network with each other, adds great value to any organisation.”
Kate Nash OBE, CEO PurpleSpace, said: “As CEO of PurpleSpace – the world’s only professional networking hub for disabled employees, leaders and allies – I get to see the power of networks every day as we help people and organisations to become disability confident. It is important to celebrate networks and recognise and praise the ways in which people are making massive differences to their workplaces, to the lives of others, to themselves.”
Justin Onuekwusi, Head of Retail Multi-Asset Funds, and Honor Solomon, Head of Retail, EMEA, both at Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), said LGIM is supporting the National Day: “…because we have seen first-hand the impact employee resource groups can have on driving inclusivity, generating greater awareness and creating safe spaces for those in our business.
“We believe networks can be a key input in helping businesses understand their workforce and crate truly inclusive cultures.”
Rupert McNeil, Chief People Officer Carers Champion, UK Civil Service, said: “I am hugely impressed with the time and effort put in by the volunteers who run our networks to work with us on building an inclusive civil service.
“In the past 12 months, the Civil Service Carers Network has made a significant contribution towards the development and launch of the Civil Service Carers Strategy, as well as leading the delivery of an inspirational event last November to mark Carers Rights day.
“What is impressive is that these contributions are often delivered alongside a busy day job and a caring role.”
#addingvalue
Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, who is also Chair, Networks Day Campaign CIC, is encouraging staff networks to:
Ally – be one
Decide on your top priorities
Drive your agenda with evidence
Value proposition – know it
Align your goals with the business
Listen and respond to stakeholders
Understand your impact
Engage and celebrate
Said Cherron: “Now in its fourth year, the National Day for Staff Networks is a fantastic opportunity for staff networks (employee resource groups) and their organisations across different sectors in the UK workplace to participate in the nation’s (and indeed the world’s) only day recognising the added value of staff networks.
“More now than ever, networks need to be seen as business-critical entities. That is why it is essential for networks to be organised, clear about their purpose and employ tools to measure their impact.
“We’re proud of all our network groups who are #addingvalue and helping our organisation be more inclusive. Happy @day4networks and thank you for #makingworkbetter.”
