Staff retention is key for Wendy’s growth

MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 10 March 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Staff retention is key for Wendy’s growth

Sixteen young Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers employees have recently been awarded the hospitality industry’s National Certificate in Hospitality (Food and Beverage Service) Level 2, signalling the company's goal to increase retention of their staff and build competitive advantage.

The employees have studied towards the qualification as part of Wendy’s staff retention and development programme, and in partnership with HSI, the hospitality industry’s training organisation (ITO).

Debbie Reyland, Wendy’s Human Resources Manager, says staff retention is the primary driver for offering the training. “We have plans to grow rapidly across the country this year and key to this is having well trained and satisfied staff to help us get there,” she says.

“The qualification is hugely beneficial to our staff and to us. It teaches them good work ethics and relevant skills that we believe provide us with a strong competitive advantage,” she says.

According to HSI, training in the quick service restaurant sector has been at the forefront of industry training for many years. “HSI operates in all areas of hospitality - the quick service restaurants sector has very strong processes and systems in place, combined with a real commitment to staff development that places them amongst the leaders of industry training,” says HSI’s Chief Executive, Steve Hanrahan.

“The Level 2 National Certificate provides the employees with a nationally recognised industry qualification and we really support Wendys’ commitment to upskilling and retaining their staff through national qualifications,” Mr Hanrahan says.

To qualify, the employees each passed a series of core and elective unit standards which tested a wide range of skills from food safety, cleaning and working in a team to takeaway food service.

Speaking from Wendy’s Papakura, staff member Kalolaine Lokotui says, “The training I’ve received from Wendy’s has given me great opportunities to develop. I can even use my new skills and knowledge to train other crew members.”

ENDS

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