# IRL Learning

The latest updates, stories, ideas and guides from the Epoch team on all things employee experience.

## Articles

### [New York Fireside Chat 2026 with Mira Shane and Liz Llewelyn-Jones](/content/blog/new-york-happy-hour-with-mira-shane-and-liz-llewelyn-jones/index.html)  
A recap of our NYC Fireside chat: great conversations, new connections, and insights on building stronger workplace communities. .png)  
*5 min read*

### [🌆 Los Angeles Happy Hour with Daniel Bird 🌟](/content/blog/los-angeles-happy-hour-with-daniel-bird/index.html)  
Highlights from the LA Roadshow featuring Daniel Bird of GumGum on AI, evolving work, and building meaningful employee connections.   
*10 min read*

### [Workplace connection and belonging – building culture for everyone](/content/blog/workplace-connection-and-belonging/index.html)  
This panel shared their insights on building meaningful connection, fostering belonging, and creating inclusive workplace cultures. .png)  
*6 min read*

### [Workshop: ERGs and Creating Communities That Thrive](/content/blog/workshop-ergs-and-creating-communities-that-thrive/index.html)  
This workshop led attendees through a high-impact session focused on building sustainable & high-performing employee resource groups (ERGs). .png)  
*6 min read*

### [Workshop: Designing Metrics That Matter](/content/blog/workshop-designing-metrics-that-matter/index.html)  
This hands-on workshop equipped attendees with practical tools to identify, define, and apply meaningful metrics across employee programs. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Beyond Perks: Why Leadership Is the Ultimate Employee Experience Lever](/content/blog/beyond-perks-keynotes/index.html)  
Allyson delivered a compelling keynote on how leadership behavior is one of the most powerful levers for improving the employee experience. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Quick-Fire Insights on Company-Wide Events](/content/blog/quick-fire-panel/index.html)  
This panel was a discussion on planning, scaling, and evolving company-wide events. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Future-Proofing the Workplace: Strategies for Sustainable, Efficient, and Employee-Centric Spaces](/content/blog/future-proofing-the-workplace-panel/index.html)  
This insightful panel explored what it means to build workspaces that are both adaptive and enduring. .png)  
*5 min read*

### [Beyond RTO: Leveraging a Small Team to Create High-Impact Events](/content/blog/beyond-rto-panel/index.html)  
This panel discussed how small but strategic teams are creating meaningful employee engagement through targeted programming and innovati partnerships.   
*4 min read*

### [Creativity in the Balance: Why It’s Imperative to Design for Connection at Work](/content/blog/mirit-cohen-keynote/index.html)  
Mirit opened Epoch Connect 2025 with a compelling look at how connection drives creativity.   
*7 min read*

### [Fostering Connection in a Hybrid World: Highlights from Epoch’s Lunch & Learn in San Francisco](/content/blog/sf-ll-blog-04-25/index.html)  
Olya Dvoryashina joined Epoch’s SF Lunch & Learn to share how Checkr builds inclusive culture through local leaders, manager tools, and intentional co. .png)  
*7 min read*

### [Driving Belonging and Creating Impact: A Fireside Chat in NYC](/content/blog/nyc-hh-and-fireside-chat-blog-0425/index.html)  
An inspiring night in NYC with people-first pros, authentic conversations, and fresh insights on designing inclusive, high-impact employee experiences. .jpg)  
*6 min read*

### [Building Connections and Elevating Employee Experience at Epoch's Atlanta Happy Hour](/content/blog/atl-hh-and-fireside-chat-blog/index.html)  
Atlanta professionals gathered for insights, connection, and bold conversations on shaping the future of employee experience and workplace culture. .png)  
*5 min read*

### [Purpose, Place, and People - Navigating the Future of Workplace Experience](/content/blog/la-hh-and-fireside-chat-blog/index.html)  
Workplace leaders from Riot and Metropolis share fresh insights on hybrid work, intentional design, and the future of employee experience. .png)  
*5 min read*

### [Building Community and Elevating Employee Experience: A Recap of Epoch’s Lunch & Learn in Santa Clara](/content/blog/santa-clara-ll-blog/index.html)  
Epoch's Santa Clara Lunch & Learn united employee experience leaders. Sonia Rose shared insights on fostering meaningful, inclusive workplace culture. .jpg)  
*6 min read*

### [Unlocking the Potential of GenAI in Employee Experience: Insights from Epoch’s Austin Workshop](/content/blog/atx-workshop-and-hh-blog/index.html)  
Discover how GenAI is revolutionizing employee experience with fresh insights, innovative ideas, and real-world solutions from Epoch’s Austin workshop. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Shaping Workplace Culture: Strategies for Engaging and Connecting Employees](/content/blog/epoch-eras-tour-lunch-learn-in-san-francisco/index.html)  
Jeffrey Huang of Salesforce shared insights on fostering workplace culture, RTO transitions, and boosting engagement at Epoch’s Lunch & Learn. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Building Inclusive Communities: Aligning DEI, Internal Comms, and Engagement for Impact](/content/blog/building-inclusive-communities-aligning-dei-internal-comms-and-engagement-for-impact/index.html)  
Gain top leader insights on authentic programs, leadership buy-in, and strategy to align DEI, internal comms, and employee engagement.   
*4 min read*

### [Strategies & Metrics for Culture Creators](/content/blog/strategies-metrics-for-culture-creators/index.html)  
Gain actionable insights on how to navigate remote workplaces; leveraging remote connections and budget-friendly internal event initiatives.   
*2 min read*

### [Learning Across the Employee Journey: AI, DEI, and Engagement](/content/blog/learning-across-the-employee-journey-ai-dei-and-engagement/index.html)  
Discover how adaptive, AI-enhanced, and DEI-integrated learning can boost engagement and inclusivity in today’s hybrid workplace. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Employee Engagement in the New Way of Work](/content/blog/employee-engagement-in-the-new-way-of-work/index.html)  
Strategies to fostering employee engagement in today’s remote-first environment: trust, clear communication, and authentic connection.   
*7 min read*

### [Cultivating Innovation and Inclusivity: Insights from the Seattle Happy Hour Panel](/content/blog/seattle-hh-oct-2024/index.html)  
Explore how leaders from Amazon and Covetrus foster innovation, engagement, and inclusivity in a dynamic, remote-first work environment. .png)  
*6 min read*

### [Shaping the Future of Work: Leadership and Employee Experience in the Hybrid Era](/content/blog/shaping-the-future-of-work-leadership-and-employee-experience-in-the-hybrid-era/index.html)  
Expert insights on shaping the future of work, gaining leadership buy-in, and employee experience programs in the hybrid era.   
*6 min read*

### [Building Connections & Employee Experience: Insights from the LA Happy Hour Panel](/content/blog/la-hh-sep-2024/index.html)  
Discover insights on hybrid engagement, managing change, top-down support, and measuring employee experience success.   
*6 min read*

### [How Top Leaders Are Transforming Workplace Culture](/content/blog/atl-hh-sep-2024/index.html)  
Leaders in Employee Experience gathered in Atlanta to discuss cultural localization, DEIB, and workplace engagement strategies.   
*6 min read*

### [Fostering Connection in a Hybrid World: Strategies for Engaging Remote Teams](/content/blog/nyc-hh-sep-2024/index.html)  
Epoch, Raise, and Parkday hosted a Happy Hour in NYC, featuring insights on building connections in hybrid work and enhancing employee experience.   
*4 min read*

### [Crafting Delightful Workplaces: Strategies for Connection](/content/blog/crafting-delightful-workplaces-strategies-for-connection/index.html)  
Get the highlights and takeaways from Epoch Connect 2024: Panel with Emily from HashiCorp, Jamie from Lattice, and Jamil from BILL.   
*8 min read*

### [AI-Powered Employee Experience](/content/blog/ai-powered-employee-experience/index.html)  
Get the highlights and takeaways from Epoch Connect 2024: Workshop with Brendan, Keith, and Meg from Epoch.   
*7 min read*

### [Fostering Connection in a Distributed World: Atlassian's Approach to High-Performing Teams](/content/blog/fostering-connection-in-a-distributed-world-atlassians-approach-to-high-performing-teams/index.html)  
Get the highlights and takeaways from Epoch Connect 2024: Molly Sands, PhD, Head of Team Anywhere Lab at Atlassian.   
*4 min read*

### [DEIB & L&D in the Workplace](/content/blog/deib-l-d-in-the-workplace/index.html)  
Get the highlights and takeaways from Epoch Connect 2024: Panel with Shai from NerdWallet and Bethany from Genentech.   
*4 min read*

### [Scaling Culture from 0 to IPO with Instacart's Co-Founder](/content/blog/scaling-culture-from-0-to-ipo-with-instacarts-co-founder/index.html)  
Get the highlights and takeaways from Epoch Connect 2024: Keynote with Max Mullen, Co-Founder of Instacart.   
*6 min read*

### [Employee Experience Lifecycle](/content/blog/employee-experience-lifecycle/index.html)  
Get the highlights and takeaways from Epoch Connect 2024: Panel with Eric from Chime, Dawson from DocuSign, and Mohit from Okta.   
*8 min read*

### [The Alchemy of Talent: Unlocking Team Performance in Times of Change](/content/blog/the-alchemy-of-talent-unlocking-team-performance-in-times-of-change/index.html)  
Get the highlights and takeaways from Epoch Connect 2024: Keynote with Dr. Vijay Pendakur, Principal at Vijay Pendakur Consulting. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Workplace Dynamics and Prioritizing Self-Care](/content/blog/workplace-dynamics-and-prioritizing-self-care/index.html)  
Key learnings from Epoch's Employee Experience happy hour in NYC. .png)  
*5 min read*

### [Epoch Webinar: The Role of Virtual Team Building on Employee Engagement](/content/blog/webinar-virtual-team-building-on-employee-engagement/index.html)  
Jade Choy, Epoch's CEO, has a conversation with Emily from GoDaddy and Lee from Confetti on Employee Experience.   
*4 min read*

### [Epoch Lunch & Learn in San Jose](/content/blog/epoch-lunch-learn-in-san-jose/index.html)  
Epoch held a Workplace Lunch & Learn in San Jose, bringing leaders and innovators in the EX space to learn and network with one another.   
*5 min read*

### [Epoch Lunch & Learn in San Francisco](/content/blog/epoch-lunch-learn-in-san-francisco-2/index.html)  
Epoch held a Workplace Lunch & Learn in San Francisco, bringing leaders and innovators in the Workplace Experience space to share best practices.   
*6 min read*

### [Must-Attend Conferences in 2024: Elevating Employee Experience](/content/blog/must-attend-conferences-in-2024/index.html)  
Discover the way to make enhance your workplace! In the world of employee experience, going to events can really make a big difference.   
*6 min read*

### [Epoch&Talk Conference Recap: Cultivating Employee Experience in a Hybrid Environment](/content/blog/epoch-talk-cultivating-employee-experience-in-a-hybrid-environment/index.html)  
Key learnings from our Epoch & Talk half day conference in New York.   
*4 min read*

### [Epoch Lunch & Learn in San Francisco](/content/blog/epoch-lunch-learn-in-san-francisco/index.html)  
Key learnings from our Lunch & Learn in San Francisco. .png)  
*3 min read*

### [Evolution of DEIB and DEI Initiatives](/content/blog/epoch-ex-happy-hour-in-austin/index.html)  
Key learnings from Epoch's Employee Experience happy hour in Austin.   
*4 min read*

### [Epoch Workplace Panel and Happy Hour in San Francisco](/content/blog/epoch-workplace-panel-and-happy-hour-in-san-francisco/index.html)  
Key takeaways from our workplace panel and happy hour in San Francisco.   
*6 min read*

### [Epoch EX Happy Hour in Boston](/content/blog/epoch-ex-happy-hour-in-boston/index.html)  
Key learnings from Epoch's Employee Experience happy hour in Boston.   
*4 min read*

### [Epoch EX Happy Hour in Los Angeles](/content/blog/epoch-ex-happy-hour-in-los-angeles/index.html)  
Key learnings from Epoch's Employee Experience happy hour in Los Angeles.   
*4 min read*

### [Employee Experience & Workplace Priorities Panel and Happy Hour in San Francisco](/content/blog/employee-experience-workplace-priorities-and-happy-hour-in-san-francisco/index.html)  
Key takeaways from our Fireside Chat with Bryan Porcher, Denys Altman, and Elisa Tsang.   
*5 min read*

### [Employee Experience Happy Hour in San Francisco August 2023](/content/blog/employee-experience-happy-hour-in-san-francisco-august-2023/index.html)  
Key learnings from Epoch’s Employee Experience Happy Hour in San Francisco with Collective Inc. featuring a fireside chat with Omar, Zoe, and Sahar. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Workshop: Build your Dream Data Dashboard](/content/blog/workshop-build-your-dream-data-dashboard/index.html)  
Epoch Experts Keith Choy and Meg Dietrich hosted a workshop on brainstorming and sharing industry insights on metrics, reporting, and storytelling. .png)  
*5 min read*

### [Keynote: Evolution of Workplace and Experience](/content/blog/keynote-evolution-of-workplace-and-experience/index.html)  
Michelle Lozzi, Senior Director of Experience at Reddit shared valuable insights during her keynote at Epochs Employee Experience Symposium. .png)  
*3 min read*

### [Workshop: Empowering & Enabling Employee Resource Groups](/content/blog/workshop-employee-experience-symposium-empowering-enabling-employee-resource-groups/index.html)  
Hosted by Joey Randazzo at Stack Overflow and Mira Shane at Justworks. Learn about how to organize, enable and empower ERGs. .png)  
*2 min read*

### [Workshop: Building Buy-in for Experience Efforts](/content/blog/building-buy-in-for-experience-efforts/index.html)  
Hosted by Omar Ramirez. Themes include fostering cross-functional communication and collaboration, and how to build leadership buy-in for employees. .png)  
*3 min read*

### [Keynote: Beyond the Office Walls: Building a Connected and Motivated Workforce in a Changing World](/content/blog/keynote-beyond-the-office-walls-building-a-connected-and-motivated-workforce-in-a-changing-world/index.html)  
Luiz Whitney, Senior Principal, Business Communications at Workday shared valuable insights during his keynote at Epochs Employee Experience Symposium. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Panel: Scaling and Navigating the New Workplace](/content/blog/panel-employee-experience-symposium-scaling-and-navigating-the-new-workplace/index.html)  
Moderated by Jade Choy, Co-founder & CEO of Epoch. Topics include remote-first, RTO, hybrid work and how workplaces have changed to adapt. .png)  
*4 min read*

### [Panel: Evolution of Employee Programs](/content/blog/panel-employee-experience-symposium-evolution-of-employee-programs/index.html)  
Moderated by Keith Choy, Co-founder & COO of Epoch. Topics include employee programs, DEI initiatives, and internal event strategy. .jpg)  
*5 min read*

### [Employee Experience Happy Hour in Denver Recap](/content/blog/denver-fireside-chat/index.html)  
Key learnings from our Denver Fireside Chat featuring Edin Golomb from StockX. Trends in employee programming, scaling globally, and more! .jpg)  
*7 min read*

### [Employee Experience Happy Hour in New York City Recap](/content/blog/new-york-city-fireside-chat/index.html)  
Key learnings and takeaways from our New York City Fireside Chat featuring Sam Eisner from Braze and Sofia Montgomery from Figma.   
*7 min read*

### [Employee Experience Happy Hour in San Francisco Recap](/content/blog/san-francisco-fireside-chat/index.html)  
Key learnings and takeaways from our San Francisco Fireside Chat featuring Allison Vendt from Dropbox.   
*7 min read*