The Connection Collective | Attract, Engage, Retain: Why Community is the Ultimate Hiring Strategy

Hello Trailblazers & Changemakers,

Attracting and retaining top talent in 2025 will require more than just competitive salaries and flashy perks. The best candidates aren’t just looking for a paycheck, they’re looking for purpose, connection, and culture. They want to work where they feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger than a corporate to-do list.

That’s why companies that prioritize employee engagement will be the ones that thrive. Strong internal communities—like ERGs, mentorship programs, and cross-functional initiatives—lead to higher retention, greater productivity, and deeper employee loyalty. When employees feel connected, they stay.

Why Community is a Business Growth Strategy

This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a business strategy. Investing in ERGs and employee groups creates a significant competitive advantage, making it easier to attract top talent and build a workplace culture that people don’t want to leave.

Community isn’t just an HR initiative; it’s a business growth strategy. Research consistently shows that companies with engaged employees see lower turnover rates, higher innovation, and stronger financial performance. When employees feel they belong, they bring their best ideas to the table, collaborate more effectively, and contribute to a more dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

ERGs as a Competitive Advantage in Recruiting

ERGs are more than internal support networks—they are powerful recruiting tools. A company’s commitment to ERGs signals to prospective employees that diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued at every level. Organizations that showcase active ERGs through branding, recruitment events, and employee testimonials stand out to job seekers looking for workplaces that prioritize inclusion.

Beyond branding, ERGs contribute directly to hiring strategies by helping HR teams craft inclusive job descriptions, participate in interview panels, and expand outreach efforts to underrepresented talent pools. These groups also facilitate onboarding, ensuring new hires quickly find community and support within the organization.

Key ways ERGs support recruiting:

• Enhancing employer branding through authentic storytelling

• Improving hiring practices by advising on job descriptions and interviews

• Providing onboarding support to help new employees feel connected

• Building external partnerships to expand diverse talent pipelines

What the Workforce Wants in 2025

Moreover, younger generations in the workforce, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, prioritize workplace culture more than ever before. They expect companies to not only pay well but also foster a sense of inclusion, well-being, and purpose. Organizations that fail to prioritize these elements risk losing out on top-tier talent to competitors that do.

To build a thriving workplace community, companies need to go beyond surface-level perks and invest in meaningful programs. This includes structured mentorship opportunities, leadership support for ERGs, cross-functional collaboration, and initiatives that encourage open dialogue and knowledge sharing. The companies that get this right will create an environment where employees aren’t just working for a paycheck, but are invested in the success of the company itself.

The Future of Work is Community-Driven

Ignoring employee communities might seem like an easy choice, but it’s a costly one. The future of work belongs to organizations that get this right. Invest in ERGs. Support your people. Build a culture that makes employees excited to show up—not just because they have to, but because they want to.

Onward and upward,
Dumebi

The Rise Journey's 2025 Annual ERG Survey is Live!

We’re excited to highlight Rise Journey’s 5th annual State of Employee Resource Groups survey! This survey collects critical data to help organizations understand ERG impact, funding, and leadership support. Participants receive an exclusive benchmark report to compare their organization’s efforts against industry standards.

You can help drive meaningful change—please take a few minutes to complete the survey!

If you're interested in exploring how Chezie can enhance your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), I invite you to schedule a demo. We also offers a wealth of resources to support your ERG initiatives:

• ERG Toolkit: Comprehensive guides and templates to help you establish and manage effective ERGs.

• Blue Pages: A collection of articles and thought pieces on best practices for ERGs.

• ERG Leaders Community: Join discussions with ERG and DEI leaders to share experiences and strategies.

Lastly, connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.