Creating a Future-Proof Workforce with Symetra's Jennifer Sharp

We were honored to feature Jennifer Sharp, Vice President of Talent Acquisition & Talent Development at Symetra, in our latest Next Practices Weekly session. In this engaging conversation, attendees discovered how Symetra integrates i4cp's People-Productivity Chain model into their talent strategy, aligns it with their overall business objectives, and positions themselves as an employer of choice.

Jennifer Sharp provided an in-depth look at Symetra's strategic journey to future-proof their workforce, a mission that began in early 2019 with the development of a unified enterprise strategy. Inspired by the principles in "Work Without Jobs" by Ravin Jesuthasan and Dr. John Boudreau, Symetra transitioned to a skills-based organization that prioritizes flexibility and skill development over traditional job roles. Jennifer elaborated on the creation of a transparent career framework, the implementation of innovative upskilling programs, and the deployment of a Talent Intelligence Platform (TIP) powered by AI to support personalized upskilling and career navigation. These initiatives, coupled with their continuous feedback approach and the Excellence Award, have significantly contributed to Symetra’s positive organizational culture and low employee turnover.

In this session:

  • Seamless Integration of i4cp's People-Productivity Chain Model: How Symetra expertly aligns their talent strategy with overarching business goals, reinforcing their status as an employer of choice.
  • Innovative "Quiet Hiring" Approach: Symetra’s quiet hiring strategy has transformed their talent acquisition and development processes, earning them recognition as a finalist for i4cp's 2024 Next Practice Awards.
  • AI-Powered Talent Intelligence Platform (TIP): The implementation of an AI-driven TIP has revolutionized how Symetra matches job seekers to roles based on skills, enhancing personalized upskilling and career navigation.
  • Strong Employer Value Proposition (EVP): Symetra's robust employer branding efforts have resulted in exceptional candidate flow and positive employer reviews, solidifying their reputation as a premier employer.

Jennifer Sharp’s presentation on Symetra’s forward-thinking initiatives provided invaluable insights for talent leaders aiming to future-proof their workforce. The session highlighted the power of integrating innovative talent strategies, leveraging AI, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. 

We encourage you to join our upcoming Next Practices Weekly sessions to stay at the forefront of HR trends and join the conversations that are shaping the future of work. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain actionable insights that can elevate your organization’s talent strategy.