Jason Buechel’s Post

Is Career Development Underdeveloped in Retail? Whole Foods is taking a different approach. CEO Jason Buechel said a primary employee retention tool for the organic grocer is creating opportunities for advancement. At the store level, apprentice programs for butchers, certified cheese professionals, and bakery decorators help associates develop skills and trades they can not only employ at Whole Foods but elsewhere in life. Also helping with retention is Whole Foods’ Cultivate mentoring program, which Buechel believes extends further than similar retail efforts. Buechel explained, “Most other retailers might offer this type of program for their store team leader or store leadership. We open up all this for our team members so they have opportunities to connect with other folks to get supporting, coaching, mentoring experiences.” Here's what others are saying on the matter - Kevin Graff "We’ve seen it, and proven it, so many times with our clients that solid career development results in higher engagement levels, lower staff turnover, and better results." Dave Wendland "Upskilling, reskilling, and career path planning are essential to the success of any operation (especially retail)." Jeff Sward "AI will have a huge role in the future of retail. But so will store associates, and they’ll need explicit training in how to perform best in an evolving retail environment." #retail #career #careerdevelopment #industrynews #trending #yallo #goyallo #yalloretail

🏫 Hamburger University: A Remarkable Case of L&D 🍟 Did you know that Hamburger University isn't just a catchy name? 🍔🎓 It's an exemplary testament to the power of Learning and Development in the world of fast-food giants. 🌍🚀 👨🎓👩🎓 From grill to global leadership, Hamburger University has been sizzling with innovative approaches to training, equipping employees with not only culinary skills but also essential leadership and customer service abilities. 🌟💼 🌐 With its campus-style learning environment, interactive modules, and hands-on experiences, Hamburger University molds a diverse workforce into skilled professionals ready to take on the challenges of the dynamic industry. 🌭🍟 💡 The Hamburger University model illustrates that investing in employee development isn't just a feel-good initiative; it's a strategic move that ensures consistent quality, innovation, and growth. 📈🌱 #LearningAndDevelopment #EmployeeTraining #HamburgerUniversity #SuccessStory Feel free to like and share to spread inspiration! 👍🔄

Very interesting thought concept by Whole Foods Market - to expand on this article with my thoughts: do you think it would help make a career in the retail segment more appealing if we treated the skills necessary to be successful in the trade the same way we do with the traditional trades (HVAC, Plumbers, Electricians, etc?). I think it has the potential to aid in not only retention, especially if the retail workers would see significant pay bumps- but also would help with the mentoring aspect that is so pivotal in building retention. There are some obstacles that would have to be thought through- but it is a very intriguing possibility…would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Happy Friday! Here’s some food for thought to put on your plate today. We all know retention is a constant challenge, but did you know that 23% of restaurant employees haven't finished their high school education? This statistic highlights a crucial area where we can make a significant impact. Training isn't just about skills; it's about building a brighter future. Certification programs like ServSuccess are game-changers. They don’t just enhance skillsets and leadership capabilities, but also instill self-confidence and pride in our team members. When employees feel equipped and empowered, they're more likely to stay and grow with the company. When they are invested in they become mentors who repeat the cycle thus creating an incredible company culture. Investing in these training programs means investing in people. It’s about creating a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their educational background. Collaborate with your L&D partners and see how you can enhance your current programs. Let’s build a workforce that’s skilled, confident, and add that confidence to the internal résumé. Check out our certification programs here and reach out to me today: via https://lnkd.in/g28mWf4G #RestaurantSuccess #EmployeeRetention #ServSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #PrideInWork

Promotions and career progression In the pursuit of advancement and operating at a higher level, the principle of emulating next-level behaviors becomes crucial. This philosophy came to life when I observed a runner, responsible for clearing tables at a restaurant, stumble when asked about the soup of the day. This seemingly simple incident holds a powerful lesson about transitioning to the next level. Imagine if that runner had confidently known the soup of the day, displaying a mindfulness and attention to detail beyond their current duties. This kind of proactive awareness reflects an ability to operate at an elevated level. Just as individuals aspiring for growth must familiarise themselves with the responsibilities and knowledge associated with the next level, the journey towards advancement involves more than just climbing the corporate ladder; it entails adopting the mindset and skills that define success at each stage. Whether it's confidently addressing inquiries about the restaurant's offerings or navigating complex challenges, every action should mirror the maturity and proficiency required at the next level. Through continuous observation, learning, and adaptation, individuals can chart a course towards their goals, ensuring their progression is marked by competence, development, and the fulfillment of their aspirations. #careeradvancement #careers #bebettereveryday

We've got a BIG surprise for you at this year's BRC Summer School, and this is one you won't want to miss... Mary Portas (Portas) will be our opening keynote speaker at this year's BRC Summer School. We've added something a bit different from last year 😏 Mary will be joined onstage by Helen Dickinson for a fireside chat. We can't wait for what's bound to be an illuminating conversation about people, planet, profit, and purpose in retail today. Mary said: “I honestly think this is the most exciting time I've seen for retail in years. There are definitely challenges, but we're also seeing the best of innovation as new players come to market and old ones reinvent themselves. Independent retail is as creative as ever. A lot of retailers now realise it's not just about selling stuff, but also connecting with the conscious values of people and the planet." This will really put things in perspective for this year's delegates and set the tone for their six weeks ahead. Welcome back Mary, we're to excited to have you with us again! --------- Hello! 👋 We are BRC Learning and our mission is to 'develop exceptional leaders for the retail industry'. If you to experience a slither of what the Summer School has in store then take a look at our FREE masterclass: https://lnkd.in/eENWT5UV #RetailRevolution #InnovateAndAdapt #ConsciousRetail

Whilst researching the reshaping perceptions about careers in hospitality, I met an amazing chap, an inspiring example of how this could work and I wanted to share. Meet Gary Monger, the Head of Catering at Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. Gary like many of us experiences firsthand the recruitment challenges in the catering/hospitality industry and wants to encourage students to choose hospitality-related subjects (such as Food Tech) when option time comes around. The leadership team asked Gary to come up with an idea to change this that could have a positive effect on children. He orchestrated an event that not only engaged and excited students but also generated a buzz around the world of food. Partnering with his local suppliers, Gary organised a Young Chef of the Year Competition bringing together year 8 students from all over the partnership. Students were given a budget and a brief to cook a main meal for two within 90 minutes and to compete for the coveted title of Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Young Chef of the Year. The event featured masterclasses from the Josh Eggleton- Pony and Trap (Great British Menu Fame), Martin Blake Head Chef of Royal Crescent, and Development Chef Stephen Shore of Arthur David Food who along with the CEO of the partnership judged the competition, adding a touch of real-world experience and dishes of Michelin Star quality. Winners were offered the opportunity for a masterclass in London with a top chef, goody bags and interviews with the local paper. What's awesome about this is how this initiative started a ripple effect. Other year groups expressed interest, igniting a spark of curiosity and enthusiasm to be involved among students who may not have considered it otherwise. I wanted to tell you this story as it’s not about one event; it's about the power of collaboration between education and industry to shape futures break stereotype bias and show how much fun can be had. It's about planting seeds of passion early on and nurturing careers. Gary's idea and vision have had an impact by taking a problem and thinking outside of the box to start to build the roots that make change. Pretty cool huh? #HospitalityInspiration #EducationCollaboration #FutureLeaders #HR #Peoplefirst #hospitalitycareers #education #hospitalityandcatering #learninganddevelopment #HRInfluencer #earlycareers #Hospitality #chef #hotels #bars #restaurant #generalmanagers #housekeeping

Today student leaders of the Hospitality Management Program welcomed Stephanie Fischer President & CEO, and Katherine A. of the Georgia Restaurant Association to campus. Collaborating with industry partners like the Georgia Restaurant Association offers students in the Hospitality Management Program an array of invaluable opportunities. These collaborations help bridge the gap between academia and the real-world demands of the hospitality and restaurant industry. Here are some key benefits that students can gain from such partnerships: · Real-World Experience: Engaging with industry leaders allows students to gain practical insights into the operations, challenges, and dynamics of the hospitality sector. This experience is crucial for understanding the practical aspects of what they learn in the classroom. · Career Guidance and Advice: Gaining first-hand advice from successful individuals in the industry can guide students in making informed career choices. It can help them understand various career paths and what they entail. · Understanding of Industry Standards and Expectations: Interacting directly with industry leaders helps students understand the professional standards and expectations of the hospitality sector, enabling them to better prepare for their future careers. Such partnerships are a testament to the commitment of educational institutions to provide students with a holistic and relevant education that not only includes academic knowledge but also practical skills and real-world exposure necessary for success in the hospitality industry. Leonard Jackson #grafprostart #hospitalityindustry

Had the pleasure of attending one of Hydes Brewery Ltd Deputy development courses, led by Neil Lawrence and Luke Tanker. Today was a great insight into P+L reports, understanding them and how you can understand what's actually happening at site level by just analysing the data. Very intriguing and something I look forward to actioning go forward. Understanding your P+L ✅️ Delivering great training ✅️ Next up: Building your business. #profitandloss #learninganddevelopment

The Federation of Bakers welcomes the opportunity to work with the new Government on areas of vital importance to the baking industry and its supply chain.   Areas of continued focus for the baking sector include: food security and resilience; the impact of climate change; investment for a sustainable greener economy; increased productivity, and an urgent review of the Apprenticeship Levy towards a more flexible growth & skills training framework leading to the creation of sustainable jobs and careers. #leadership #industry #economics #training #sustainability