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Yesterday was National Intern Day and our passionate interns at the H&R Block customer support center set out to lend a hand in the community. They spent part of the day at Harvesters--The Community Food Network where they helped prepare food for distribution to those in need. Happy National Intern Day – thank you for all that you do!
The secret to networking is…authenticity. At least that’s what networking professional and founder of Connection Coach KC, Nicole Jacobs Silvey, told H&R Block associates at a recent Women’s Network workshop. Nicole covered topics like engaging with people you might not know, effectively following up with a new contact and how to create a plan for networking. Block associates learned about creating authentic networking connections, determining your networking goals, clearly stating your intention when meeting new people, and ditching the small talk. As Nicole told us: “True connection with others is rooted in empathy and compassion. Be authentic!”
The Best of Block program was established to recognize top talent whose outstanding results have had a positive impact on their function, Block clients, or business results. Our second annual Best of Block recognition ceremony was held at the Kauffman Center for the Performance Arts last week, as 25 associates were acknowledged for the outstanding work over the last year. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you for everything you do at Block! "Great companies have one thing in common - great people." - Henry W. Bloch
Barbara Richardson, EA, franchise owner of five H&R Block locations in Pennsylvania, was honored this month by Central Penn College with their 2019 Business Partner of the Year award. Richardson developed a partnership with the local school by providing internships to accounting students at one of her five H&R Block locations. Six students have completed the 180-hour internship since 2016. “Not only does Barbara welcome our students into her business, but she also has been instrumental in connecting our students with H&R Block offices in Hanover and Altoona,” said Steve Hassinger, Career Services Director at the college.
As we look to the future of Block, we’re focused on approaching and solving problems in new ways. Our curiosity has us always looking for fresh thinking and new ideas. This month we invited 25 interns to join us for the summer and bring their fresh perspective to various departments like Human Resources, IT, Finance and many more. Join us in welcoming them to the team!
Shari Soper, H&R Block's Director of Talent Acquisition, believes that relationships are just as critical to success as results. “Take the time to invest in getting to know the people you work with, especially those you wouldn’t normally envision being friends with outside of work. Diversity in every form is essential for team and business success.” Read more from Soper in IBM's Talent Pioneer series:
As a member of the Woman Who Mean Business program, H&R Block Senior Vice President Karen Orosco knows the best move for your career can mean taking a big risk. “Sometimes, you just need to take a bold move and not overthink it because you can always find a million reasons why you shouldn’t do something.” Read Orosco's interview with the Kansas City Business Journal:
Breanna Walter, Senior User Experience Designer at H&R Block, was recently featured as “Designer of the Month” by UXPin. Her work includes contributions to H&R Block’s retail experience, which assists both clients and tax professionals in our offices. Outside of her amazing work at Block, Walter also was a board member of UXPA in Kansas City and gives back to the community by being a mentor. She also provides volunteer UX services for non-profit causes. Read more about Breanna’s role at Block below:
We’re incredibly proud of our very own Lindsey Candy for being named to Ingram’s 40 under Forty list. As Director of Financial Products, Candy has worked for Block for more than 12 years, launching several of our key products. A mentor within our company, Candy also co-chairs the communications committee of the H&R Block Women’s Network, which provides professional coaching and guidance to Block associates Read more about Candy’s accomplishments here and see who else made Ingram’s 40 under Forty list: http://glassdoor.com/slink.htm?key=vMP4o
H&R Block co-founder Henry Wollman Bloch, 96, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2019, in Kansas City. To say that we will miss Henry is an understatement. We will miss the man deeply, but in his memory, we commit to keeping his vision for this brand and his values that drove its success alive in everything we do. We owe him that much as he gave us so much. While Henry’s journey has ended, his legacy is a roadmap that will allow our journey and his dream for this great brand to continue. http://glassdoor.com/slink.htm?key=vMv8t
