When The DEI Mask Comes Off...ERGs Remain
As companies like John Deere and Tractor Supply dismantle their DEI programs, ERGs are being quietly repositioned. In this newsletter, The ERG Homegirl explores what this shift means, why ERGs often survive even when DEI doesn’t, and how ERG leaders can support employees navigating companies with an
I had a post all set and ready to go (early for once!), but fueled by passion — when am I not? — I think it's time we have a different conversation.
Content warning, especially for those from the LGBTQ community.
I'm not bringing this up for the reasons you might think. Yes, there's a post making the rounds that mentions ERGs in a context that was unnecessary and misinformed, but that's not today's topic.
The TL;DR
John Deere, facing backlash from their anti-DEI customer base (a significant portion of their customers), decided to eliminate their DEI program, along with celebrations and parades related to the LGBTQ community. ERGs, however, remained — with a stated focus on "professional development, networking, mentoring, and supporting talent recruitment efforts."
Earlier this year, something similar happened at Tractor Supply, a company with a similar customer demographic. They also eliminated their DEI efforts and repositioned their ERGs to focus on "mentoring, networking, and supporting the business."
Two major takeaways stand out.
1. ERGs will likely outlast many DEI programs
Even when DEI initiatives are scrapped, ERGs often remain — especially those that focus on supporting their members rather than consulting for the business.
- These companies are positioning their ERGs to provide internal support, not external optics.
- This is exactly why I've been advocating for moving away from BRGs and setting ERGs up for success by centering them on their members.
- Some DEI professionals aren't willing to make the separation between DEI work and ERG community building, because "the ERG program makes them look good." Please don't be that person.
2. The reality of the anti-DEI crowd
The anti-DEI crowd represents paying customers. Many companies are built on this primary demographic, and realistically, they won't turn their backs on them. It wouldn't be a sound business move. There are more of these customers out there than people want to admit, and companies are getting more comfortable shedding their DEI "masks."
So what do you do if you realize you're working for one of these companies?
Where ERGs come in
This is a personal decision. I'm not judging anyone for choosing job security, especially in this market. Many people make this choice every weekday when they go to work.
This is where ERGs shine.
As an ERG leader, it's your responsibility to make sure these employees feel supported — even if, and especially when, they don't agree with the company's stance, the company's leadership, or the company's customer base.
A strong ERG community is exactly what's needed when a group feels out of place in the workplace — especially when decisions like John Deere's get announced.