How LDI and Pohlad Leverage Online Employee Engagement

How can you keep employees engaged and promote your social impact efforts during remote work while meeting increased community needs?

Camille Pearson Walz from Liberty Diversified International (LDI) and Carrie Anderson from Pohlad Companies recently shared their insights for employee engagement through virtual and online tools.

After 102 years as a family-owned business based in Minneapolis — with 17 locations across the country — LDI knows how to invest in communities. Virtual campaign planning has been critical this year, as the company has taken time to think about where employees live and how communities have been impacted. This year, according to Camille, it’s not just the goal in giving but the goal in getting. LDI strives for 100% participation through giving but also getting involved in volunteering. The company offers paid volunteer time off, for both virtual and in-person volunteering. Virtual platforms (Skype, Zoom, Teams, etc.) also have helped LDI increase employee engagement and be more inclusive, by inviting more employees to participate, plus bringing in CHC speakers virtually or in small groups. Mobile devices and platforms have also made it possible for employees to connect anytime.

Carrie shared how Pohlad Companies has diverse businesses so has always done used at least some virtual engagement, focused on employees participating together. This year, the pandemic made them even more creative. Online employee silent auctions and competitions still bring employees together, while online giving qualifies for the company match and makes it easy for employees to participate wherever they are. Pohlad also has used Zoom happy hours, online tours of nonprofits, distance volunteering and virtual 5Ks. Although softball tournaments aren’t feasible, Pohlad is doing trivia and online games to compete as teams, where employees pay to play plus can bid for game topics. Virtual cooking demos will replace chili cook offs, plus the company is discussing selling $5 stickers – not for jeans days but to keep your camera off all day. In a biweekly newsletter, Pohlad also features employees talking about the nonprofit that’s important to them, helping all employees learn more about new causes and community needs. “We’re not looking at this like ‘Oh, no it’s going to be terrible this year,’” said Carrie. “We’re looking at it as an opportunity to expand our giving and community.”

For more, watch Camille and Carrie and other speakers in CHC’s recent webinar “Workplace Engagement Virtually: We got you’ve covered” or check out our online tools to help engage employees:

 

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