What to Do Instead of a Decompression Session

As I shared in my recent LinkedIn post, decompression sessions probably shouldn’t be the go to programming idea for your ERG.

So what could you do instead?

Start with this:

Acknowledge the situation with a politically neutral message.

Don’t ignore the elephant in the room. Your members need to feel seen and supported, even if you’re taking a neutral stance. This acknowledgment doesn’t have to be limited to text. You can share this message in whatever format feels most authentic and likely to resonate with your members. Consider:

• A text-only message shared in your ERG’s Slack, Teams, or email.

• A quick video message from you as the ERG leader, or even an executive sponsor, to give it a more personal touch.

• A short audio note, which might be the most impactful format. The human voice can carry empathy and connection in ways text often can’t.

If possible, try the audio note—it’s an underrated but powerful way to communicate and connect authentically with your members.

From there, shift your focus to uplifting, intentional programming that actually helps your members feel better. Here are 15 alternatives you can try:

1. Promote Wellness and Self-Care

1️⃣ Wellness Challenge: Share daily or weekly self-care prompts in your ERG channel. Small actions like “Take 5 minutes to breathe” or “Share your favorite uplifting quote.”

2️⃣ Guided Meditation: Host a virtual mindfulness session to help members relax and recenter.

3️⃣ Journaling Prompts: Provide reflection prompts, like “Write one thing you’re grateful for today,” that members can do on their own time.

4️⃣ Movement Breaks: Encourage members to get active with a step challenge or a short stretch session.

2. Build Connection Among Members

5️⃣ Speed Networking: Pair members for quick, one-on-one chats to build relationships and camaraderie.

6️⃣ Themed Virtual Coffee Chats: Set up small group chats on a specific topic (ex. What’s one thing that brings you joy).

7️⃣ Buddy System: Match members for peer-to-peer support over the next few weeks.

8️⃣ DJ Co-Working Session: Curate an uplifting playlist and invite members to co-work while listening to music like Kendrick Lamar’s Alright or other positive anthems.

3. Create a Resource Hub

9️⃣ Community Resource Library: Ask members to share helpful articles, apps, podcasts, or tools for managing stress and coping. Compile them in a shared document.

🔟 Wellness Kit: Put together a digital or physical “toolkit” with links to EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits, mental health resources, or even playlists for relaxation.

4. Celebrate and Inspire

1️⃣1️⃣ Cultural Showcases: Highlight the diversity within your ERG by inviting members to share traditions, recipes, or art from their culture.

1️⃣2️⃣ Community Wins: Celebrate historical wins or achievements from your community to remind members of their strength and resilience.

1️⃣3️⃣ Recognition Wall: Create a virtual space where members can leave shoutouts and notes of encouragement for each other.

5. Host Creative and Healing Spaces

1️⃣4️⃣ Art Therapy: Hold a painting or doodling session where the focus is simply on creating and calming the mind.

1️⃣5️⃣ Group Journaling: Lead members through a guided journaling exercise to reflect on their emotions in a structured way.

Your ERG doesn’t have to solve every problem, but it should be a place where people feel supported. That means focusing on things that actually help—whether it’s lifting someone’s mood, helping them make connections, or providing practical resources like guides or tools they can use. If you’re thinking about what to do next month, ask yourself: What do our members need right now?

For most communities, the answer is simple: support. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it helps your members in a real way. I lean toward light, positive activities not just because they’re easier to manage, but because they protect the ERG and you as a leader from overstepping boundaries.

Your members likely have other spaces to vent frustrations or advocate for change. Where your ERG can truly make an impact is by being a place where people find encouragement, practical resources, and meaningful connections. That’s how your ERG can genuinely support the people it’s meant to serve.

• The ERG Homegirl ✌🏿