This week, Epoch hosted an inspiring Lunch & Learn at Checkr’s San Francisco office, where internal events powerhouse Olya Dvoryashina, Global Internal Events Manager at Checkr, shared her insight on driving engagement in today’s evolving workplace. Joined by Epoch co-founder Jade and a room full of employee experience professionals, the event was a thoughtful deep dive into what it really takes to build culture that connects, across offices, time zones, and work styles.
Olya kicked off the fireside chat by sharing her journey, from external events to hospitality, then into the tech world, and now at Checkr, where she manages everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale programs like Sales Kickoff and Presidents Club. As a team of one running weekly events across global locations, she emphasized the importance of being resourceful and people-first.
With nearly 850 employees spread across San Francisco, Denver, Santiago, and various remote hubs, Olya’s role is all about ensuring no one feels left out, regardless of where they work.
To bridge the gap between remote and in-person teams, Olya developed a “Connection Keepers” group, local culture ambassadors across hubs who join casual brainstorms to surface ideas that resonate in their regions. Whether it’s Topgolf in Orlando or a classy gathering in SF, the key is tailoring experiences to each audience.
The lesson? Build with, not just for, your employees.
One of Checkr’s strongest strategies is decentralizing culture-building. Olya ensures team managers have access to a monthly connection budget, whether it’s for DoorDash credits or in-person meals. Layered on top are tools like Kahoot for trivia fun and Bonusly for peer-to-peer recognition, making connection both scalable and personal.
Remote employees are never forgotten. From frequent swag drops and customizable e-store codes to thoughtful virtual event experiences, every program aims to say: You matter, too.
When it comes to boosting attendance at events like volunteering days, Olya shared that the most effective tactic is top-down participation. When leaders announce their attendance at a town hall and make a public commitment, employees are far more likely to follow.
It’s not just an RSVP, it’s a ripple effect.
Success at Checkr is measured both quantitatively and qualitatively. Events are followed by surveys (via Epoch, of course!), with NPS scores aiming for a 4.5+ benchmark. But the real magic? Those ear-to-ear smiles in the room.
Olya explained how employee feedback leads to visible changes, whether it’s a new water machine or shifting event times. Publicly acknowledging feedback not only builds trust but encourages future participation.
Looking ahead, Olya is knee-deep in planning Checkr’s 11th anniversary celebration, cheekily themed Chekr Royale, a James Bond-inspired casino event spanning multiple locations. Beyond that, she’s working on elevating hybrid broadcasts for next year’s company-wide kickoffs, expanding from SF-based livestreams to multi-location productions reminiscent of a New Year’s Eve TV special.
And after all that? Olya is heading into a well-earned one-month sabbatical, a Checkr perk that celebrates long-term commitment with meaningful rest.
A huge thank you to Olya and the Checkr team for the warm welcome and inspiring ideas. As we look ahead to more conversations like these, online, in person, and everywhere in between, we’re reminded that connection isn’t about location. It’s about intention.
Stay tuned for more events and updates from the Epoch community as we continue building workplaces where everyone belongs.
Looking to level up your employee engagement strategy? Epoch makes it easy to plan, promote, and analyze the impact of your internal events. Ready to create meaningful experiences? Let’s talk.
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