affinity group

Beginner 👥 Human Resources

Definition

An employee-led group formed around a shared characteristic or life experience, such as ethnicity, gender, or interests. Think of it as corporate sanctioned cliques that actually promote inclusion.

Example Usage

The Women in Tech affinity group organized a mentorship program that paired junior developers with senior engineers.

Origin

Evolved from Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the 1960s civil rights era, popularized by Xerox in 1970

Fun Fact

Companies with active affinity groups report 20% higher employee engagement scores than those without them.

Source: Diversity and inclusion best practices

Related Terms

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