Hackathons are often seen as a tool for creating new software products, but did you realize that they could be used to create a more engaged workforce as well? 

In today’s show, Ben interviews Toni Eberhart, Executive Director for Urban Engine. In the show, they talk about how things like coworking nights, hackathons, and other social activities can help to crosspollinate ideas and create more satisfaction for technical talent. 

In a time where it’s harder than ever to attract and retain highly qualified technical workers and engineers, is a hackathon the secret ingredient to employee engagement? 

Toni recommends that employers look for places, platforms, and programs that allow employees to practice creative autonomy. It’s not just about creativity for its own sake, it’s about learning, connecting, and collaborating. 

 

Links: 

Connect with Urban Engine: http://urbanengine.com 

Check out the Artificial Intelligence for HR book

Case study of ADTRAN for using hackathons for employee engagement

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out episode 8 (enterprise HR innovation) and episode 10 (your employees aren’t innovative enough).