During the recent Epoch&talk conference keynote, Jessica Davila, Taskrabbit’s VP of People, shared her perspective on fostering employee engagement in today’s remote-first environment. Her insights emphasized the importance of trust, clear communication, and authentic connection in building a culture that attracts, empowers, and retains diverse talent. Jessica’s approach highlights how data, inclusivity, and a mission-driven mindset can drive engagement and support employees through every stage of their work journey.
Jessica joined Taskrabbit as VP of People in 2021, where she oversees a people strategy tailored for a remote-first, mission-driven company. Jessica’s approach centers on ensuring every employee feels empowered and heard, using data and clear communication to support an environment where engagement can thrive.
Jessica underscored that at Taskrabbit, engagement is a leading indicator of retention and employee satisfaction. Taskrabbit's approach has been data-driven: since implementing regular engagement surveys, they’ve tracked a year-over-year increase in engagement and a decrease in regrettable attrition. This data has been key in showing leaders that engagement isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for retention and satisfaction.
A big part of this equation is trust. Jessica described trust as a foundation for all work relationships, rooted in psychological safety. This means employees need to feel secure enough to make smart mistakes and innovate without fearing negative consequences. At Taskrabbit, setting clear, measurable goals and defining roles and responsibilities helps foster this sense of security. Employees are empowered to own their work and collaborate with confidence, knowing their contributions are valued.
Communication at Taskrabbit is designed with intentionality. Jessica stressed the importance of sharing the “why” behind every decision, which allows employees to connect their roles to the company’s larger mission. Taskrabbit’s approach ensures that employees are equipped with the right information at the right time - no buzzwords, just straightforward language.
This principle extends to change management, where Jessica reminded leaders to keep in mind the “change rollercoaster.” When leaders communicate, they’re often near the end of a change process, while employees are just beginning their journey. By recognizing this gap, Taskrabbit's leaders aim to share information clearly, helping employees feel more at ease during transitions.
Connection is at the heart of Taskrabbit’s remote culture. Jessica highlighted how Taskrabbit promotes connection through intentional activities that bring employees closer to the company’s mission, values, and strategies. Taskrabbit has seen engagement spike after in-person events, with recognition rising by 40-60% in the weeks following an onsite. Jessica’s team sees these gatherings as vital moments to foster a sense of belonging that reinforces remote relationships.
The company’s “test and try” approach to connection reflects an openness to diverse needs. By continuously gathering feedback, Taskrabbit adapts to foster genuine relationships across the company. Taskrabbit recognizes that connection isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about meeting employees where they are and creating experiences that resonate with everyone.
Jessica also shared Taskrabbit’s strides in diversity and inclusion, particularly through their ERG mentorship program. In the last promotion cycle, 40% of Taskrabbit’s promotions went to employees in ERGs, a number that is a direct correlation to representation at Taskrabbit, a clear indicator of the company’s commitment to fostering diverse talent. Jessica emphasized that Taskrabbit’s diversity strategy isn’t just about hiring, it’s about creating growth and development opportunities that retain and elevate underrepresented groups.
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