The labor shortage fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing business leaders in several industries to adjust their hiring strategies.
Smoothie King, one of the fastest-growing QSR brands, has seen much success when it comes to their recruiting, hiring and employee satisfaction strategies. We sat down with Laura Scavone, Vice President of Human Resources, to learn more about how they are persevering through the labor shortage.
Franchise Chatter (FC): What would you say are the best online resources for recruiting employees?
Laura Scavone (LS): Indeed.com is definitely an effective one, given their millions of users. Their resume database allows you to find employees who you feel would be a good fit, in addition to them finding your job posting and applying.
Facebook is also a great option. Facebook Marketplace, their job board, and Facebook Events can all be used to attract employees. Events, in particular, could be beneficial for hosting a job fair or open interviews.
FC: With so many employers looking to hire in the midst of the current labor shortage, what can employers do to stand out and grab an applicant’s attention?
LS: It’s all about being creative and personable with your job postings. Keep your job descriptions concise and set clear expectations. You should also keep in mind that there are millions of postings with very similar job titles. Try to make yours more unique. For instance, Disney calls their employees “Cast Members,” while Google calls theirs “Googlers.” These may seem simple, but they sure do stand out when job hunting.
FC: Besides going online, how else can employers find the right talent?
LS: These days, it’s all about networking. Even when you’re out and about at other quick-service restaurants, you never know where sparking up a conversation can take you. With so many people looking for work – or looking for their next best opportunity – following the pandemic, it’s a great time to put yourself out there as an employer. Many areas also have a local restaurant association and Chamber of Commerce you can reach out to.
FC: What about when it comes to marketing?
LS: As mentioned before, job fairs and open interviews are an excellent way to get prospective employees in the door. Another important factor to consider is that Gen Z workers are dominating the QSR sector, so printing out flyers and advertising at local high schools or colleges is another helpful way to recruit.
FC: What can employers do after hiring new talent to drive employee satisfaction and increase their employee retention rate?
LS: Make sure you have a solid onboarding process. Ask current employees for feedback on your training program and what you can do to improve it. Invest your time in creating a career road map for employees so that they have a clear vision of how they can work their way up over time. It’s also important to emphasize your company’s values.
When it comes to new programs you can implement, having a recognition program, such as “Employee of the Month,” is a great way to motivate and reward hard-working employees. Make sure you also have review processes in place and that you are always providing transparent feedback and encouraging employees to ask questions or bring up any concerns.
About Laura Scavone, Vice President of Human Resources at Smoothie King
Laura Scavone serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for Smoothie King Franchise, Inc., bringing over 20 years of HR experience to the team. Laura has spent her career partnering with brands to transform the employee experience, while focusing on improving the function, culture, and impact of HR across the organization. In her role with Smoothie King, Laura partners with leaders, team members, and franchisees to bring Smoothie King’s mission and values to life and build a people-centric culture.
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