Dr. Leland Harper

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have become an increasingly important part of organizational culture, recruitment, retention, and employee engagement strategies — but many organizations struggle to move beyond symbolic participation toward sustainable impact. In this engaging and practical session, Dr. Leland Harper explores ERG best practices, common organizational pitfalls, and the conditions necessary for ERGs to thrive.

Drawing on experience working with organizations across sectors, Dr. Harper examines how ERGs can support belonging, leadership development, psychological safety, and organizational accountability while avoiding burnout, tokenism, and performative inclusion. Participants will leave with practical tools for creating ERGs that are strategic, sustainable, and meaningful for both employees and organizations.

Attendee Results:

• Learn the foundational elements of effective ERGs -Understand common barriers to long-term ERG success -Explore strategies for leadership buy-in and organizational support -Identify ways ERGs can improve recruitment, retention, and workplace culture
• Develop approaches for measuring ERG impact and sustainability