The “Global ERG Impact Report” by Radius Networks highlights the crucial role Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play in organizations, based on a 2023 survey of global companies and HR or Network Leads across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Often regarded as internal support systems, Employee Networks have the potential to create lasting societal impact when fully utilized, according to the report. At HSBC, these networks have shaped the employee experience for nearly 50 years and continue to play a crucial role in how the bank serves its global customer base.
Jack Guest, HSBC’s Senior Group Inclusion Advisor, emphasizes in the report that employee networks are not just about fostering belonging within the workplace—they are key drivers of meaningful change both inside and outside the organization.
Employee Faith Network Drive Change Within and Beyond the Workplace
The report discusses how HSBC’s Global Faith Network is reshaping the bank’s approach to understanding and adapting to a variety of religious perspectives on finance. From the report:
A powerful example of this can be found in HSBC’s Global Faith Network, which shapes how the bank understands and adapts to different religious perspectives in relation to money. “For many of our markets, faith is a really important factor when it comes to how people think about money”, says Jack. “Our employee networks have helped us to understand and respond to these nuanced perspectives, which has in turn strengthened our reputation as a bank that understands its customers.” The employee networks have created a shift in how both the commercial and personal bank connects with its community. Linked to festivals including Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah, the employee networks arrange events attended by HSBC’s Country CEOs to improve multi-faith understanding. “Clients and customers say that our faith events help them to feel valued”, says Jack. “They allow us to build deeper relationships which we couldn’t achieve without our networks.”