The Power of Jewish ERGs: Findings From Clal’s Research Report, Jewish at Work 2024 

This past fall, Clal embarked on a research initiative to explore the realities of Jewish employees in corporate settings and the value of Jewish ERGs. With the support of the Charles H. Revson Foundation, One8 Foundation, UJA Federation of New York, and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, we surveyed nearly 1,500 Jews across various industries. We conducted 10 focus groups with 58 Jewish ERG leaders, ERG members, and Jewish employees who desired such communities. Our findings emphasize the potential of Jewish ERGs and the urgency of supporting Jews in the workplace.

Many Jewish professionals today feel silenced or invisible—burdened by misunderstanding, exclusion, and, at times, overt hostility. Jewish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are emerging as a modern response to the challenges of identity and belonging, offering a sense of connection and safety in the workplace.

Why This Research Matters

In the wake of escalating antisemitism, particularly after the tragic events of October 7, 2023, Jewish ERGs have become lifelines for many professionals. Our data (see full report) revealed a striking statistic: nearly one-third of Jewish employees feel unsafe being openly Jewish at work. Misconceptions, stereotypes, and hesitations about discussing Israel compound this discomfort. Despite these barriers, Jewish ERGs are showing immense promise as havens of belonging—but they are still in their infancy, with much work to be done to reach their full potential.

The demand for Jewish ERGs is growing. Over the past year, participation in the grassroots ERG leader network (JewishERGs) skyrocketed by 709%, reflecting a profound need for community and support in the workplace (JewishERGs had 44 members in 2023 and by 2024 grew to 312).

Our research explored what motivates employees to join Jewish ERGs. For many, these ERGs offer a unique space to celebrate their Jewish identity, network with peers, and find solace amidst adversity. Interestingly, 24% of participants reported that their company’s ERG is their “primary place to connect with Jewish life,” with no differences by tenure, industry, or company size. This highlights that Jewish ERGs fill an unmet need within the Jewish landscape, potentially a brand new space where Jewish life is happening and could use support.

Key Findings

Our research identified four central findings:

  1. Safety Concerns Persist: Over 30% feel unsafe expressing their Jewish identity, and nearly 40% report encountering stereotypes or misconceptions in the workplace. Discussions around Israel are especially fraught, with only 30% feeling comfortable discussing current events related to Israel at work.
  2. Demand for Jewish ERGs is Growing: The movement for Jewish ERGs is gaining momentum, with 46% of new members joining since October 7, 2023. For 24% of participants, their company’s ERG is their primary connection to Jewish life—a powerful testament to the role these groups play in fostering identity and belonging.
  3. Companies Need to Do More: 39% of Jewish ERG members feel their companies do not adequately support their efforts, with significant gaps, especially in industries like healthcare and tech. This lack of institutional backing underscores the need for stronger partnerships between Jewish ERGs and corporate leadership.
  4. Jewish ERGs Aren’t Yet Meeting All Needs:
    Many Jewish ERG leaders are new to their roles, with 50% having less than 13 months of experience. Leaders themselves need training and resources to support their members’ diverse needs and navigate the complexities effectively.

A Call to Action

The story of Jewish ERGs is still unfolding. To support this movement, we’ve developed a framework based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, as applied to growing the Jewish ERGs workplace movement. This framework encourages Jewish ERGs to develop along three priorities:

  1. Fostering Safety: Establishing robust policies and visible allyship to ensure Jewish employees feel secure.
  2. Deepening Community: Supporting meaningful gatherings, opportunities for connection, and celebration of Jewish culture.
  3. Building Bridges: Encouraging cross-cultural understanding and collaboration to integrate Jewish ERGs into the broader workplace community.

To bring these priorities to life, Clal is exploring launching leadership training programs for ERG leaders, establishing a central resource hub, and hosting regional gatherings to share best practices. We are also co-hosting with UJA an exclusive convening in February of funders, Jewish partner organizations, and ERG leaders to bring the research to life. These efforts will empower Jewish ERGs to meet the moment—to be places of safety, belonging, and pride.

By investing in Jewish ERGs, we’re not just improving workplace experiences for Jewish employees; we’re building a foundation for a more inclusive, understanding, and vibrant Jewish future broadly.  

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