With Success Through Employee Networks, General Mills Inc. has established seven employee networks that engage hundreds of employees in the Minneapolis area and field locations. The networks have been in place for up to 12 years, and their goals have evolved from informally creating a sense of connection and community to providing developmental opportunities for members and contributing to strategic organizational goals. All of the networks are supported by the General Mills Diversity Department, which works with network leaders and members to provide coaching and advice, financial support, connections to senior management, advocacy and support of goals and priorities, and support for corporate diversity priorities.
An excerpt of this practice was first made available to participating members through the 2008 Catalyst Member Benchmarking Tool.