Ep 42: EVENTful Culture: Employee Engagement is More than Party Planning

Guest Bio

Kourtney Hernandez thrives on creating events and experiences that leave lasting impressions. A skilled events and communications specialist, she’s made her mark at Purple by planning celebrations for over 2,100 attendees, launching the company’s largest corporate values event, and designing recognition platforms that elevate employee engagement. 

Her expertise spans event strategy, internal communications, and branding, all driven by her passion for building connections and boosting morale. She has spent the past four years at Purple, learning from inspiring leaders and honing her craft. Kourtney is also a proud mom of two kids, one angel baby, and a very old cat. Married to her best friend, Esteban, since 2016, she’s grateful for a partner who supports her personal and professional goals.

Follow Kourtney Hernandez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kourtney-hernandez-61012a95

Episode Highlights

Employee engagement is no longer just a buzzword; it's a strategic imperative for businesses seeking to thrive. Kourtney Hernandez, an Employee Experience Specialist from Purple, offers valuable insights into how to elevate employee experiences through well-planned events and initiatives.

A strong sense of community is key to getting team members involved in company events. By organizing events that resonate with employees and their families, companies can foster a positive work environment and boost morale.

After events conclude, collecting feedback is the name of the game. By actively seeking input from employees, companies can tailor their events to meet specific needs and preferences. This iterative approach ensures that events remain relevant and engaging.

• Did the event go well according to those it was meant for? 
• Which events have the best ROI based on the responses from the surveys? 
• What feedback do we have the ability to implement within the constraints of the business?

Since Purple is a bedding company, many employees are in the warehouse and have orders to fulfill. It isn’t always possible for them to join every company event. Many employees are also remote. Kourtney tries to be as equitable as possible in her event planning. She considers the diverse needs of employees, including remote workers, manufacturing staff, IT team members that are more introverted, as well as retail teams. For example, Kourtney often allocates part of the event budget to Purple Warehouses that aren’t at Headquarters so they can tailor and plan their own event to meet their needs and preferences. For remote employees, Kourtney hosted a virtual escape room. Using a little creativity goes a long way towards ensuring that all employees feel valued and connected.

Investing in employee engagement is an investment in the future of the company. By creating a positive and supportive work environment, companies can improve employee retention, boost productivity, and drive innovation.

Additional Resources:

Explore Purple’s comfortable mattresses and sleep products: purple.com