respond and contribute to the discussion post In my company there is an informal group of younger associates that has formed. We bond over the fact that many of us are studying for our master's degrees. Many of us are in different departments, but we will get lunch together and socialize outside of work from time to time. I don't go all the time since I have a family, but I will go sometimes. This informal organization provides a safe space where we can talk amongst ourselves without judgement. My organization does have something called employee resource groups for employees. Each of these resource groups has events and meetings for all its members. The informal organizations provide a camaraderie that work cannot provide, and that the organization cannot force either. I would definitely say that the informal organization meets my needs sufficiently. My manager is well aware of our informal organization. She notices us all go out to lunch together and if she is looking for me she will ask someone in our informal organization if they've seen me