The shift to remote work during the pandemic presented unique challenges for organizations worldwide. Companies had to find innovative ways to maintain employee engagement and foster a sense of connection in the absence of physical offices. The transition from in-person to virtual interactions required a reimagining of company culture and communication strategies.
In this episode of the Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence at Work podcast, Lou Tedrick, Vice President of Global Learning and Development at Verizon, shares how Verizon successfully navigated this shift, transforming from a San Francisco-based office culture to a remote-first organization spanning 27 U.S. states and seven countries.
Key takeaways from the podcast:
- The decision to manage staffing and learning internally: Lou discusses the factors that led Verizon to handle staffing and learning internally rather than outsourcing these functions. The company’s focus on maintaining its unique culture and ensuring cost-effectiveness played a crucial role in this decision.
- Balancing global consistency with local needs: Lou highlights the importance of striking a balance between maintaining global consistency in learning programs and catering to the unique cultural requirements of different regions. She emphasizes the role of local leadership in understanding and addressing these nuances.
- Building a global “Verizon family” culture: Lou shares insights into the challenges and benefits of fostering a global “Verizon family” culture while expanding overseas. She underscores the significance of cross-cultural collaboration and understanding in achieving this goal.
- Addressing employee concerns about overseas expansion: Lou addresses how Verizon is proactively tackling employee concerns regarding its overseas expansion through targeted learning and development initiatives. The company is committed to ensuring that employees feel supported and valued throughout this process.
- Strategies for fostering cross-cultural collaboration: Lou outlines effective strategies for promoting cross-cultural collaboration and understanding within Verizon’s global learning programs. She emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for employees from different backgrounds to connect and learn from each other.
- Cultural insights from India and the Philippines: Lou shares valuable cultural lessons learned during her travels to India and the Philippines. She highlights the importance of understanding and respecting local customs and traditions when operating in a global context.
Speaker Bio:
Lou Tedrick, Vice President of Global Learning and Development at Verizon
Lou Tedrick is the Vice President of Global Learning and Development at Verizon. She is a Learning & Organizational Development Award Winner and has been instrumental in Verizon’s recognition as a leader in training and development. Lou is a specialist in needs analysis, instructional design, delivery execution, learning effectiveness and BI/ROI analysis, learning systems/applications/tools, culture assessment, team development, change management, and organization design and development.
Host:
Rachel Cooke, COO and Principal HCM Analyst, Brandon Hall Group™
Rachel Cooke is Brandon Hall Group’s Chief Operating Officer and Principal HCM Analyst. She is responsible for business operations, including client and member advisory services, marketing design, annual awards programs, conferences, and the company’s project management functions. She also leads Advancing Women in the Workplace and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, research and events. Rachel worked in the HCM research industry for 20+ years and held several key management and executive positions within the Talent and Learning Research and Performance Improvement industries.
Company Bio:
Verizon Communications Inc., commonly known as Verizon, is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate headquartered in New York City. It is one of the largest communication technology companies in the world offering voice, data and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, meeting customers’ demands for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
Social Media Handles:
- X/Twitter: @Verizon
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verizon/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verizon/