bake - November/December 2024 - 6

management
INSPIRE
(and hire) your staff
Employee recruitment and retention are key to the success of
any business. That's especially true in the baking industry, where
it's not always easy to find skilled workers. Dawn Sweezey, technical
counselor, culinary, for Rich Products, shares how to bring
aboard the right people and keep them motivated.
How can you start on the right foot when it
comes to hiring for your team?
When hiring for your team, it is important that you choose candidates
that best fit the job description and have the necessary
experience needed for the position. Choose candidates that are
willing to be cross trained in other areas when applicable to gain
an understanding of how the company works and to be able to
step in when needed. It is also important to find individuals that
are future leaders/mentors and team players. You want a team
that can work together and build each other up.
What steps can you take in the training process
to properly motivate individuals?
Setting up individuals for success is very important. Check in on
individuals frequently to see how they are doing and ask if they
need any help or have questions. Make sure the individual training
them is the right person for the job. You can only expect the
new hire to be as good as the one training them, which is why
it is important to appoint mentors who exceed the expectations
of the trainee's position. Providing them with the proper training
and tools needed to do their job well will set them up for continued
success.
06 < NOV-DEC 2024 | bakemag.com
What are some key tips to effectively inspire bakery staff to
achieve success?
Keep your team informed of success stories and a job well done
- no matter how big or small the success may be - even if there
are shortcomings or projects that didn't go as well as expected.
There may be a lesson to be learned, but there also can be an
opportunity for constructive feedback as well as telling them
what did go well. I find that most people do not want to fail or
make mistakes, so doubling down is not helpful to inspire your
team.
One effective way to inspire your team is to hold contests
where staff must work as a team to meet sales goals or come up
with creative concepts for products and experiences.
These contests can be between teams of bakery staff, against
other store departments, or even against other shops. Effective
motivators to ensure that teams bring their best efforts include
a cash bonus, a paid meal for the team, or an extra day off, to
name a few.
One major challenge facing bakeries is retention, so recognition
and fostering a positive, supportive culture is more critical
than ever.
For example, if your bakery is experiencing an opening, a busy
holiday time or a hectic sales season, make sure you are showing
consistent appreciation and treating staff with respect.
It's also important to remind them that, while foot traffic may
ebb and flow, they shouldn't get overwhelmed by the periods of
chaos, because periods of normal, manageable levels of business
are on the horizon.
©ROBERT KNESCHKE-STOCK.ADOBE.COM
http://www.bakemag.com
bake - November/December 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of bake - November/December 2024
