
Serving the People: How Demand for Convenience Means Demand for Top Talent
05/02/22 • 19 min
Wholesale retailers, such as BJ’s, proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did the pandemic attract customers, but it also necessitated the hiring of new employees and the need to retain current ones. Mark Griffin, Chief Human Resources Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, discusses the ways in which the company retains and grows its employee base and maintains customer loyalty. Griffin also discusses how the company prioritizes the safety, health, and well-being of its workers and customers.
Some Questions Asked:
- How was BJ’s able to support employees and serve the public at the beginning of the pandemic? (4:31)
- BJ’s recently acquired the assets and operations of four distribution centers. From an HR standpoint, how do you prepare for merging operations? (10:20)
- Why is BJ's relocating its headquarters? (13:22)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How BJ’s retains its employees through cultivating an environment of belonging.
- About actively listening and initiating change around employees’ needs.
- How BJ’s plans to transition their employees from remote to a hybrid work environment with new, progressive offices.
Links:
- Mark Griffin - BJ’s company profile
- Mark Griffin - LinkedIn
- BJ’s Wholesale Club - LinkedIn
- Michelle Labbe - LinkedIn
- The Talent Economy podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wholesale retailers, such as BJ’s, proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did the pandemic attract customers, but it also necessitated the hiring of new employees and the need to retain current ones. Mark Griffin, Chief Human Resources Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, discusses the ways in which the company retains and grows its employee base and maintains customer loyalty. Griffin also discusses how the company prioritizes the safety, health, and well-being of its workers and customers.
Some Questions Asked:
- How was BJ’s able to support employees and serve the public at the beginning of the pandemic? (4:31)
- BJ’s recently acquired the assets and operations of four distribution centers. From an HR standpoint, how do you prepare for merging operations? (10:20)
- Why is BJ's relocating its headquarters? (13:22)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How BJ’s retains its employees through cultivating an environment of belonging.
- About actively listening and initiating change around employees’ needs.
- How BJ’s plans to transition their employees from remote to a hybrid work environment with new, progressive offices.
Links:
- Mark Griffin - BJ’s company profile
- Mark Griffin - LinkedIn
- BJ’s Wholesale Club - LinkedIn
- Michelle Labbe - LinkedIn
- The Talent Economy podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

Diverse Opportunities and People: How GE Gas Power Retains Talent
How can large organizations retain their talent and offer upward mobility to their diverse employee pool? Tanya E. Spencer, Chief Diversity Officer for GE Gas Power, describes how GE creates opportunity and fosters inclusivity to meet the changing, and sometimes unpredictable, future of work.
Read more: (Toptal link shortener to Staffing show notes)
Some Questions Asked:
- What is the value of a diverse workforce? (7:58)
- What programs and opportunities does GE Gas Power provide to early-career professionals? (13:09)
- What advice do you have for future HR leaders? (16:24)
Links:
- The Talent Economy podcast
- Tanya E. Spencer - LinkedIn
- GE Gas Power - LinkedIn
- Michelle Labbe - LinkedIn
- Toptal - LinkedIn
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

Supporting Employees at Home, So They Can Grow at Work
Chief People Officer of theSkimm, Lisa Dallenbach, reverses the old-time narrative of the high-pressure newsroom. In this episode, Dallenbach shares how theSkimm supports its employees by addressing obstacles, both personal and professional. By offering programs such as the respected “Sacred Hour” and providing tutoring services for employees’ children, theSkimm works to cultivate and champion a healthy work environment.
Prior to joining theSkimm, Dallenbach worked as Chief People Officer of Silverline, was CHRO of Mindshare, and led Human Resources at Digitas.
Some Questions Asked:
- In a predominantly female organization, what is theSkimm doing to address burnout and support wellness? (14:44)
- Over the past few years, the role of CHRO has gained strategic importance. What changes have you experienced? (21:33)
- What’s the one thing every HR executive should focus on over the next year? (25:01)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The benefits of theSkimm closing its hybrid office on Mondays and Fridays, keeping those days as virtual-only.
- About the changing position of HR, evolving toward a holistic, employee-forward approach.
- How to retain your top talent by focusing on transparency.
Links:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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