In this transformative episode of Blu Thread Conversations, we delve into the heart of organizational culture with Leslie Kobayashi, Vice President of Human Resources at Arbor Memorial.

Leslie discusses the pivotal role of listening to employees, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the integration of the EVP into every facet of the employee lifecycle. From engaging long-tenured employees to attracting the next generation of talent, Leslie's insights reveal the transformative impact of a well-articulated EVP on engagement, retention, and recruitment.

Key Takeaways:

- Authenticity and employee listening are key to developing an EVP that truly reflects organizational culture.

- Strategic partnerships between HR and marketing can elevate employer branding and internal culture initiatives.

- Recognition and rewards, rooted in the EVP, can significantly boost employee engagement and advocacy.

- An EVP is not just a recruitment tool but a foundational element that should permeate all aspects of the employee experience.

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📋 Episode Chapters

(04:20) Arbor Memorial is a Canadian leader in the bereavement industry

(07:01) Arbor started the process of building an employee value proposition

(08:53) Arbor listened to employees about what their why is

(10:17) The number one reason for Gen Zs to join an organization is social impact

(14:23) You've made employee testimonials a core part of Arbor's culture

(25:01) Having a strategic partnership between HR and marketing can boost your brand

(28:51) Getting executives aligned on employer brand

(31:18) Getting your EVP activated is easy once you've gone through the work

(34:19) Employee listening for an EVP is far more than recognition

(35:33) Employer brand and EVP measurement success

About Arbor Memorial:

Arbor Memorial Inc. is a Canadian company engaged in providing interment rights, cremations, funerals and associated merchandise and services to thousands of families each year across Canada.

Named as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2023, taking care of people is at the heart of what we do. It’s truly fulfilling, inspiring and a responsibility we never take lightly. The care we show our customers begins with the support and teamwork we show each other.

✍️ Episode References

Arbor Memorial

http://arbormemorial.com

Arbor Memorial Careers

https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/careers/life-at-arbor.html

Blu Ivy Group

https://www.bluivygroup.com

More about Blu Ivy Group

Blu Ivy Group is a global leader in employer branding, organizational culture, and recruitment marketing. We help organizations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors build extraordinary employee experiences, magnetic employer brands and high-performance cultures.

Connect with us today and let us help you transform your organization into a workplace that inspires your employees, leaders, customers, and shareholders.

Contact: sparker@bluivygroup.com

Visit: bluivygroup.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blu-ivy-group