What is a supermarket without a personable, competent workforce?
According to the latest information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food and beverage retailers nationwide are adding jobs as stores diversify their services to reach a wider audience. But to hire and maintain a team of motivated individuals working highly technical positions in in-store bakeries or prepared foods departments, supermarkets and grocery stores not only need the right set of principles to cater to an evolving job market but effective tools to allow workers to perform admirably.
Without the best resources, supermarkets run the risk of spending too much on turnover. It all starts with the kinds of commercial equipment contracts these businesses sign onto. When investing in new commercial equipment, what features can help drive employee retention?
“Malfunctioning hardware prevents workers from excelling and creates an unsafe work environment.”
1. Preventive maintenance
Nothing makes an employee’s job more difficult than equipment not operating as designed. In foodservice, malfunctioning hardware prevents workers from excelling and may create an unsafe work environment. When grocers partner with equipment distributors that offer preventive maintenance plans, they reduce risks from the equation.
Routine maintenance programs allow supermarkets to address necessary repairs conflicting with their efficiency, so no employee is stuck without the proper tools to provide customers with the very best service, support and products.
2. Automation
As we stated earlier, supermarkets have begun onboarding new services to reach a larger customer base. National Public Radio recently discussed this trend, saying some stores have begun hiring sommeliers and even on-site dieticians. With so many ancillary duties being added, employees need equipment that helps them manage tasks and eliminates low-value functions in favor of those requiring their unique skill sets.
3. Training
No fledgling foodservice employee innately knows everything about how their new employer operates. Over time, even seasoned workers need refresher courses to ensure they’re utilizing best practices to save resources and deliver quality goods. That’s why businesses invest in training sessions.
But when supermarkets integrate new technology into legacy processes, how can they effectively turn their staff into equipment experts overnight when management may be just as unfamiliar with its newest investment? By purchasing commercial technology from distributors capable of scheduling and conducting in-depth training for any product in its catalog. When you let the equipment providers themselves relate their knowledge to employees directly, nothing gets left out. Everybody can now utilize new technology with consistency and confidence.
Don’t just purchase commercial equipment – invest in the people who interact with this machinery everyday by collaborating with equipment distributors that want to make the lives of your most vital workers easier.