Through all of the interactions with Operators and their Teams across the nationwide membership of GIOA we see themes that resonate everywhere. One of the strongest themes we have heard lately is being competitive in the retention and recruitment of Team Members. At the heart of that issue is not how to pay more or a more flexible schedule, which both have historically been important, but rather showing care for the Team Member.
Care is a funny word as it can mean so many things. However, the care these GIOA members are speaking of is stewardship. More specifically stewardship of the time, talents, and gifts that their Team Members have entrusted to them as their employer. After all, as we well know our charge is to be good stewards and to have a lasting positive influence on those who are entrusted to us. Yes, I know that isn’t exactly how it goes but the spirit is the same.
In trying to help reach these lofty goals most things we could offer fall short. Alas, how can you make a lasting or lifelong positive impact on an employee who may only be with you 1-2 years? How can you create a generational change in their lives that will benefit them and their family well beyond the years they work in your restaurant? I want to delve into that idea of generational change – the profound impact of offering benefits, specifically education benefits, to your Team Members. While it’s natural to focus on enrollment numbers or costs to you as the Operator, let’s remember that this initiative is not just about counting participants or return on investment alone. It’s about nurturing a legacy of transformation, empowerment, and community upliftment that resonates far beyond the present moment. It is about sparking a generational change in the lives of Team Members not through money but through stewardship and care. There is that word stewardship again, often associated with managing for efficiency or penny-pinching, but in its greatest form, it is so much more than that. Stewardship is the act of one giving their best to others as a blessing and allowing that blessing to create generational change. We are encouraged to see how so many Operators across the nation (nearly 400 and growing) are stepping up to pour into their team members and bless them in a way that can’t be measured by metrics as small as ROI or efficiency. Instead, it is an investment that will cascade across generations. Its value will be shown and felt in our businesses, our communities, our homes, and our families.
A Long-Term Commitment:
Yes, we’re embarking on a journey that reaches beyond immediate results.
It’s easy to measure success in terms of how many Team Members initially
engage with the program, but the true success story unfolds over time. It’s
about investing in the aspirations of our Team Members, fostering growth,
and facilitating pathways that lead to lifelong achievements. Think about
the day you are able to celebrate with the first graduate at your store.
Even better they did it in a way that was “debt-free” for them and YOU were
the person that made it possible.
Elevating Our Community Standing:
By offering education benefits, we elevate the standing of our Chick-fil-A
establishments within our communities. We grow our personal brand in a way
that will help attract the type of employee that can contribute to the growth
and success of our stores. We become beacons of support and empowerment,
showcasing our commitment to fostering growth and personal development. This
resonates not just with our Team Members, but with our patrons and the wider
community, creating a lasting positive impact.
A Ripple of Transformation:
Imagine the ripple effect when we provide a debt-free pathway to a college degree for our Team Members. Many of them are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and by doing so, they become agents of change, inspiring their siblings, parents, and future generations. Our commitment resonates through families, creating a legacy of achievement and possibility.
Fostering Pride and Unity:
Our establishments are more than just places of work; they’re centers of
camaraderie and shared dreams. By offering education benefits, we provide a
reason for our Team Members to unite and celebrate each other’s pursuit of
knowledge. It’s a source of pride when we see our colleagues aiming for
higher education, building a culture of support and unity.
Blessing and Transformation:
We have been blessed with means and opportunities, and offering education
benefits allows us to share those blessings with others. Helping our team
members develop a debt-free pathway to a college degree is a gift that goes beyond financial assistance – it’s a gesture that touches hearts, inspires
determination, and creates a legacy of transformation. Let’s remember that
offering education benefits is not just a program; it’s a statement of our
values and our commitment to the growth and betterment of our Team Members.
By investing in their dreams, we invest in the future of our communities.
As the President of GIOA, I am honored to lead a community of Operators who
understand the profound impact of this initiative. Together, we’re creating
a brighter future, one empowered Team Member at a time.
Warm regards,
Jonathan Hollis
President, GIOA
