Why does Applied need a reserve duty community?
Oren Cohen and Yuval Shelef, a colleague at the company, realized there was a significant gap between the experience of reserve duty and the work routine, and saw an opportunity to create a supportive framework that would bridge it. The community is meant to offer a safe space for sharing experiences, dealing with challenges, and building a support network inside the company.
How was the community built?
Quickly and efficiently. Within 2 weeks of the initial idea, Oren and Yuval had already organized the first meetup. They invited every employee at the company serving in the reserves to an in-person gathering. About 100 people came, and another 30 joined over Zoom. That turnout proved there was a real need for a community like this, and gave them the momentum to keep going.
How does the community work, and what activities happen in it?
The community works on several levels:
- In-person meetups: held on average once every six weeks, for open conversation and shared experiences.
- WhatsApp group: used for day-to-day communication, sharing information, and asking for help.
- Talks and workshops: experts from different areas, like representatives of the payroll department, come in to share relevant information.
- Personal support: members help each other with all kinds of challenges, from filing forms to emotional support.
What does success look like for the community?
The community's success is measured in several ways:
- Active participation in the meetups and the WhatsApp group.
- Positive feedback from members on the value they get from it.
- New connections forming between employees from different parts of the company.
- Members' real problems getting solved thanks to the support they receive.
Cracking the win-win: how do you make sure both the community and the organization get value?
The win for members: emotional and practical support in dealing with the challenges of service, a chance to share and feel understood within the workplace, and new social and professional connections.
The win for the organization: higher employee morale and commitment, and a supportive, inclusive organizational culture.
What challenges did you face?
- Balancing the demands of work with reserve duty commitments.
- Bridging the knowledge gaps that open up during long absences.
- Organizing meetups that fit participants' complicated schedules.
Tips for community success
- Start small and let the community grow naturally. Don't try to plan everything in advance. Start with simple meetups and let the needs come up from the field.
- Listen to the members. Give their needs and wishes a stage. They're the ones who'll set the direction of the activities.
- Get management support. Backing and resources from management matter. That's what lets the community operate and grow over time.