In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jenny Esposito about successful people and culture operations in the homebuilding industry. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Jenny discussed the intersection of successful people and culture operations in the home building industry, with a focus on the unique experiences of women in the industry and the challenges of maintaining a positive and inclusive culture during rapid growth. They also explored the importance of employee wellness, the implementation of unique employee benefits, and the creation of inspiring work environments that foster higher retention rates. Lastly, they shared their personal perspectives on balancing work and life, and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in their work.
Discussing People Operations in Home Building
Jonathan and Jenny discussed the intersection of successful people and culture operations in the home building industry, with a focus on the unique experiences of women in the industry. Jenny, the director of people and culture at True Mark Homes, shared her background and her role in leading the company's human resources and culture efforts. She also highlighted the company's growth and its focus on creating home environments that foster gathering and a sense of belonging. The conversation aimed to shed light on the home building industry from a people operations perspective.
Company Growth and Culture Challenges
Jenny and Jonathan discussed the growth and challenges of their respective companies. Jenny shared that her company has grown significantly, from around 115 employees to 330, and they are planning to expand further. However, she also mentioned the challenges of maintaining a positive and inclusive culture, especially during periods of rapid growth. Jonathan, acknowledging the difficulties of scaling any company, emphasized the importance of creating a healthy and welcoming culture, particularly in male-dominated industries like home building. Jenny responded by highlighting the importance of establishing clear values and core competencies, as well as prioritizing employee wellness and ensuring a work-life balance.
Introducing True Mark 150 Employee Benefit
Jenny introduced a unique benefit offered by their company called the True Mark 150, which provides employees with $150 per month to use towards their personal wellness. She explained that this benefit is appreciated by all staff and is flexible, allowing employees to use it for various activities, such as gym memberships, exercise equipment, or even massages. Jonathan expressed his appreciation for the benefit's flexibility and potential to improve employee well-being. Jenny also highlighted the company's practice of listening to employee feedback and making adjustments to their benefits program accordingly.
Employee Benefits and Work Environment Success
Jenny discussed the implementation of an employee benefit for adult orthodontics at True Mark, which came at no extra charge to the company. She emphasized the importance of actively listening to employees and creating an authentic work environment that attracts and retains talent. Jenny also shared the success of their milestone recognition program, where employees receive a birthday email from the company, which has had a positive impact on team morale. Jonathan agreed with Jenny on the importance of creating a desirable work environment.
Creating Positive Work Environment for Retention
Jenny and Jonathan discussed the importance of creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains great people. They emphasized the need for a supportive atmosphere where team members can help each other through less enjoyable tasks, much like a family or community. They suggested that while not everyone may love every aspect of their job, finding fulfillment in the majority of tasks and approaching the less enjoyable ones as a team can make a significant difference.
Emphasizing Conversational Interviews and Wellness
Jenny discussed her philosophy on the interview process, emphasizing the importance of creating a conversational environment rather than a formal interview setting. She shared her interest in getting to know candidates on a personal level, beyond their professional qualifications, to determine if they would be a good fit for the company's culture. Jonathan agreed with her approach, explaining that his family is the center of his life, and his work supports and complements his personal life. Jenny appreciated this perspective, linking it to the wellness factor in her company's philosophy.
Creating Inspiring Work Environments for Retention
Jenny discussed the importance of creating inspiring work environments that make employees feel valued and connected, which in turn leads to higher retention rates. She highlighted the significance of maintaining a strong connection with employees, even after they leave the company. She also shared her pride in the growth of her employees over the years. In response to Jonathan's question, Jenny advised that the best way to connect with her is through LinkedIn, where she maintains a strong social presence for their company.
Balancing Work and Life: A Personal Discussion
Jenny and Jonathan had a profound and personal discussion about balancing work and life. They both agreed on the importance of finding meaning and purpose in their work while also making time for family and personal hobbies. Jonathan shared his own struggles with work-life balance and commended Jenny's efforts to publish a children's book. They both agreed on the value of teaching children practical life skills, with Jonathan sharing his own experiences.
Listen to the webinar here: