Elevating the EVP: How Children’s Minnesota Connects Purpose to People Strategy - 2026 Next Practices Weekly

In this powerful Next Practices Weekly session, Greg Johnson, Vice President of HR, Talent & Strategy at Children’s Minnesota shared how the pediatric health system is redefining its Employee Value Proposition (EVP) to better serve both caregivers and communities. With a strategic focus on purpose, inclusion, and well-being, Greg offered an in-depth look at how Children’s Minnesota is building a truly people-first culture across its healthcare workforce.

Cohosted by i4cp’s Lorrie Lykins and Tom Stone, the session illuminated how EVP is evolving from a static promise to a dynamic, experience-led strategy that reflects real employee needs and organizational values. Grounded in empathy, Greg’s approach emphasized flexibility, DEI, and mental health as central pillars in supporting both talent attraction and retention.

Key Topics Discussed

• Making EVP Tangible Through Purpose and Experience
  Greg underscored the importance of not just stating an EVP but living it. At Children’s Minnesota, every aspect of the people strategy is tied to the mission of putting "kids first," with purpose serving as the emotional anchor for talent initiatives.
• Embedding DEI and Community Impact into the Talent Strategy
  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not side initiatives, they’re foundational. Greg outlined how community engagement, cultural humility, and equity reviews shape inclusive hiring, promotions, and employee development.
• Prioritizing Mental Health and Psychological Safety
  Children’s Minnesota has leaned into well-being with resources for frontline caregivers and a culture that supports speaking up. Mental health isn't a side benefit, it's central to the employee experience.
• Flexibility with Intention
  The organization is rethinking work norms by balancing operational demands with flexible scheduling, remote work for applicable roles, and compassionate leadership.
• Professional Growth as a Core EVP Driver
  Greg highlighted the need for clearer internal mobility pathways and accessible learning opportunities to reinforce that the organization is investing in its people at every level.

In an era where talent strategy must be both agile and authentic, Greg’s insights offer a compelling blueprint for HR leaders looking to bridge purpose with practice. From redefining flexibility to embedding inclusion into the everyday, this session is rich with actionable takeaways and strategic inspiration. If you missed it live, be sure to watch the full recording to hear how one healthcare organization is elevating its EVP from promise to lived experience.

Resources Shared

• Register for the 2026 Conference
  Don’t miss i4cp's premier annual event—Next Practices Now Conference—where forward-thinking leaders gather to explore the future of work. Secure your seat

• 2026 Priorities & Predictions Report: Explore i4cp’s latest insights to guide your talent, leadership, and culture strategies in the year ahead — read the full report

To ensure open discussion, this event was exclusively for HR practitioners. Vendors and consultants were not permitted to attend.