Talent Management 2009 Event - Press Release




Foodservice operators need to adopt new talent management strategies to engage “Generation i”

London, 4 November 2010 – Jane Sunley, Managing Director and Founder of talent management consultancy, learn purple, urged HR leaders at the Allegra Food Strategy Forum Talent Management Event in London on 10 November to invest in the future by engaging with each Generation i.

In this prestigious event attended by senior HR executives from operators including Prêt a Manger, BP, Malmaison, Ping Pong and M&S, Sunley argued that employers should avoid classifying their staff as a homogeneous demographic group but consider generational disparities.

She outlined the priorities, aspirations and values of the Baby Boomers born between 1945 and 1961, or Generation X born from 1961 and 1981, or even Generation Y who were born between 1981 and 2000 but said employers should now plan how best to connect with Generation i. This demographic group refers to the generation who’ve grown up with Google, You-Tube, Bebo, Twitter and i-pods - for them the Internet is a way of life.

Employers who want to be prepared need to devote more resources to e-learning. This doesn’t mean just transferring training modules onto USB sticks it means engaging with this age group using electronic channels effectively to empower staff and embed a positive culture.

If employers can do this they will find their staff are more motivated, productive and loyal, they are also prepared to go the extra mile, innovate and of course provide customers with a better customer experience.

Hilary Culkin, HR Director at Ping Pong and Tracy Smith Head of People and Development at Gaucho Restaurants both emphasised the importance of meaningful engagement with staff. Culkin said HR is no longer just an added-on function it needs to be placed at the heart of the business.

Smith shared the story of how Gaucho invigorated its brand and launched a successful expansion strategy by investing in talent management. Smith set up The Gaucho Academy which makes staff earn their rank. Employees aren’t allowed to set foot in Gaucho restaurants until they’ve passed their exams and graduated from the academy. If they fail, they’re out! It sounds harsh but it has paid off and Gaucho is now confident it can deliver a superior customer experience.

People are operators’ most important asset and staff who are proud of what they do contribute to better bottom line results. Operators who want stay at the forefront of the sector need to act now to develop HR strategies to engage with future generations in mind.

For further information on this event or to find out more about The Allegra Food Strategy Forum please call Yvette Mackenzie on 020 7691 8842 or email yvmackenzie@allegra.co.uk