instore - May 2017 - 54

feature

A meat manager at a nearby location had once worked for a Mongolian
BBQ chain and his expertise was utilized. He helped train a staff of
employees who were already comfortable interacting with customers.

Finding
employees in
10 seconds?

Investing in Your Employees
FMI's Supermarket Department Manager Survey highlighted ways
those on the front lines think are best for making the supermarket
industry a more attractive career choice.

McDonald's has turned to a new tool for seeking employment in
Australia - Snapchat.

Perhaps not surprisingly, money talks. Nearly 40 percent of respondents said the best way to boost the industry's career credentials was
to offer better salaries and better pay increases, by far the biggest
response. Also, 11 percent said both "show opportunities for growth
and advancement" and "publicize/promote the career" were important
steps. Meanwhile, 9 percent responded said it is important to have a
better bonus program and incentives.

The two companies teamed up to launch McDonald's-themed filters
in the photo messaging app, with job-seekers invited to try on the
uniform and send a 10-second video application. Once the application is reviewed, McDonald's will send users back to its digital careers
hub where they can download an application form.
While the short videos won't replace traditional hiring processes,
it will be part of the applications. "It certainly won't replace a
thorough face-to-face interview, but we'll obviously take it into
account," says Shaun Ruming, CEO of McDonald's Australia. "We
think this is actually a world first. Snaplications is basically a
Snapchat 'lens' that gives uses the ability to apply for a job - or at
least commence the process."

Of course, budgets don't always provide the flexibility with which to
funnel money into labor. However, companies can still find ways to
invest in their employees.
For one, Eggebrecht of Artisan Baking Resources praises groups like
the Bread Bakers Guild of America, which recently announced the
launch of the first phase of its new artisan baker certification program:
Certified Bread Baker. The goal of the program is to establish and
measure the core skills of an artisan baker.
"I'm very excited to see this bread baker certification program from the
Guild," he says. "It's important to invest in existing employees and help
people feel like they have a career."
Benefits of certification include demonstrating knowledge and skill to
staff, peers, managers and the public, as well as showing commitment
to the highest levels of professionalism and care.
Going even further, certification opens career options for professionals,
elevates self-esteem and pride in one's work, and improves credibility
with employers and the general public. For more information, visit
www.bbga.org.
The Retail Bakers of America (www.retailbakersofamerica.org) offers
a comprehensive certification program that raises professional
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RADU BERCAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

"You have to have a creative person on the front line talking to
customers," said Gregg Frost, Hen House's vice president of operations.
"You have to do more than just flip stuff on the grill. You don't necessarily want somebody who worked at McDonald's. Believe it or not,
you want someone who was in theater or music in school. They enjoy
engaging with people."

standards and verifies the knowledge, skills and abilities that professional bakers bring to the marketplace. Certification also increases job
opportunities and income for certified bakers and decorators.
According to the association, RBA certification greatly benefits four
types of retail bakers:
*

Students graduating from a baking or culinary programs, but have
limited work experience

Bakery staff with little or no technical training, but much on-thejob training

Bakery staff specializing in decorating or bread baking

Retail bakers with four or more years of experience.

http://www.bbga.org http://www.retailbakersofamerica.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of instore - May 2017