HR Green’s Foundations Workshop is a two-day, in-person onboarding experience designed to introduce new employees to the company’s culture, services, and core values. It provides an opportunity for participants to connect, learn, and reflect on how each person fits into HR Green’s larger mission: Building Communities. Improving Lives.

Launched in 2017 with a meaningful purpose—“Preparing for your career at HR Green”—the Foundations Workshop is an immersive experience that brings together employees from across the country. The agenda focuses on four key areas: understanding, culture, connection, and career. It offers a hands-on introduction to how HR Green lives its values of leadership, performance, operational excellence, collaboration, and community.

A Warm Welcome From Leaders, With Real Conversation

At the most recent Foundations Workshop, the experience began with a “Meet the Leaders” session and dinner reception, where participants heard from the company’s leadership team—not just about operations and services, but also about their families, interests, and personal journeys. This mix of professional and personal storytelling made the conversations both informative and relatable. The informal dinner setting allowed attendees to connect with leaders and gain genuine insight into the company’s culture.

Leaders also shared their best career insight and advice. A few standouts include:

• “Ask questions early and often.”
• “Stay curious—learn something new every day.”
• “Pick up the phone. Real conversations matter.”
• “Opportunities are everywhere. Say yes when you can.”

Foundations Workshop Icebreakers and Insights

Day two opened with a warm welcome from CEO Jason Poppen, who shared his career path from project-level roles to company leadership. He emphasized that HR Green’s future success will always be driven by its people.

CFO Chris Blevin presented an overview of how HR Green measures performance, explained the meaning of an “owner’s perspective,” and walked through key performance indicators (KPIs) and the company’s monthly report card.

Attendees also explored what makes HR Green’s workplace culture unique. Discussions included the connection between engagement and a positive work environment, as well as the company’s mission, vision, and values. In a team exercise called “Visualizing Our Values,” employees brainstormed real-world actions that reflect HR Green’s five core values, offering insight into how these values are embodied in everyday work.

As part of the workshop, each participant completed the Tracom Social Style assessment. This activity helped employees understand their communication preferences and provided tools for more effective interaction with peers and managers.

Adam Lemel, who helped launch the workshop nearly ten years ago, noted, “I love the opportunity for new employees to meet and form relationships with their peers. And I’m especially passionate about Tracom Social Styles—it can make such a difference in how we work with each other and even in our personal lives.”

Looking Ahead: Growing with HR Green

The workshop concluded with a session titled “Grow with Green,” focused on career development. Participants explored career roadmaps and ways to get more involved in the company—whether by joining the Young Professionals group or stepping into a mentorship role.

The Foundations Workshop gave new employees more than just an overview of the company—it provided clarity on how they can contribute to HR Green’s vision: Solutions that inspire our employees, exceed our clients’ expectations, and create a lasting legacy in our communities.