How to Scale an ERG Program: Low Lift, High Engagement

How can ERG programs increase engagement without burning out volunteer leaders?In this episode, Maceo Owens, Founder and CEO of The ERG Movement and creator of ERGs.io, shares her session from the 2026 Great Place to Work For All Summit: “Low-Lift, High Engagement: How to Keep ERG Momentum Without Burning Out Your Leaders.”This episode breaks down why sustainable Employee Resource Group programs need more than good intentions, passionate leaders, and a calendar full of events. Maceo explains how ERG Program Managers and ERG leaders can use the 3Ps of ERGs — Purpose, Process, and Programming — to create clearer expectations, stronger engagement, better executive alignment, and less burnout.You’ll hear practical insights on defining the purpose of ERGs, measuring ERG impact, supporting volunteer leaders, improving ERG governance, creating a minimum viable quarter, using asynchronous programming, building healthier communication channels, and designing ERG programming that reaches more than the same few people.This episode is especially helpful for ERG Program Managers, DEI leaders, HR teams, Employee Experience professionals, Culture and Engagement leaders, and ERG leaders who want to build scalable, sustainable, high-impact ERG programs.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to increase ERG engagement without adding more workWhy ERG burnout is often a structure problem, not a motivation problemWhat the 3Ps of ERGs are: Purpose, Process, and ProgrammingHow to define ERG purpose in a way executives understandWhy ERGs should be treated as employee engagement initiativesWhat metrics ERG programs should trackHow to create a minimum viable quarter for ERG leadersWhy asynchronous programming matters for ERG engagementHow monthly themes can improve ERG programming varietyWhy member spotlights are one of the easiest ways to boost participationKeywords: Employee Resource Groups, ERGs, ERG leadership, ERG Program Manager, DEI, employee engagement, ERG strategy, ERG burnout, ERG programming, ERG governance, ERG metrics, executive sponsors, asynchronous engagement, workplace belonging, community building.