The FDIC’s Division of Administration (DOA) partnered with FDIC Corporate University and solicited volunteers from across the agency on a ground-breaking effort: to host a half-day conference and learning event via a virtual platform rather than a traditional, all-hands, in-person event. The event, “All Aboard to Organizational Success,” focused on customer service and demonstrated how innovative thinking, inter-divisional collaboration, and hard work could help the FDIC engage with employees in new ways.
Program Details
Through an organizational partnership, the executive sponsor approved a blended design for the program. The training was developed by members of several FDIC organizations, and learners from the Division of Administration (DOA) stationed in every FDIC Regional Office attended.
The approach involved limited use of video teleconferencing (45-minute guest speaker opener and 30-minute closing), which brought together all staff simultaneously, coupled with 17 regionally based, 2.5-hour on-site customer service activities delivered in small groups. The 17 small groups simultaneously worked on varied customer service activities and shared key learnings during the 30-minute closing.
A virtual platform was used to train facilitators and alternates in carrying out customer service learning events. Each local facilitator received 1 of 10 customer service activities, including presentation slides with facilitator notes and materials.
This program received a Creativity and Innovation Award from the FDIC chairman at the annual FDIC awards ceremony, as well as an Innovation Award from the Training Officers Consortium, a nonprofit organization of federal trainers and other professionals from industry and academia who are interested in contributing to the knowledge and practice of human resources and training.
Results
Ratings for the conference were consistently 4.5 and higher out of 5.0. Other FDIC divisions are now piloting similar virtual events.
The conference saved $45,000 in travel-related costs and generated valuable ideas and engagement among employees. More cost savings were realized because employees were not taken away from daily tasks to travel for a half-day event.