Inspire Staff, Step Back, Watch Magic Happen!
Watch a brief video about this case study.
I recently spoke with a client who has implemented food waste audits. After the training session we did a few months ago, there was such excitement among staff to participate that they almost had a "too many cooks in the kitchen" situation. This is actually a fantastic outcome! The confusion of having so many people involved led to a refinement in process, definitions of waste, vessels, etc. and clarification of roles so that everyone can add value. More eyes means more insight and the lessons learned are already generating returns.
But the best part? A culture where staff are given an opportunity to contribute. The leaders believed in them, provided the training, and let them experiment and learn. This is wonderful not only because food waste is a significant global problem this business is addressing, but also because this reflects a culture of inspiration and empowerment. That's what Astrapto is all about - triple bottom line radiating from hospitality venues and destinations!
We can contrast this with other places where we've been brought in for sessions and the leadership spoke negatively of staff, believing line level employees are interested in nothing but a paycheck. Those managers did not even attend the training so they sent a message to staff that the effort is not valued so even if they are inspired, they would not be supported.
Astrapto has worked with Centerplate in 7 of their convention center locations to train staff on food waste reduction strategies, set goals for food waste reduction and diversion, prepare food waste audit templates and protocols, set up new food recovery initiatives, and generate reports to show results. Results have included:
An 83% increase in food donations to people and 73% reduction in food to landfill in Baltimore.
Compost rates doubled immediately following training and assistance with process improvements.
Regular food waste audits that reveal data intelligence that can be used to improve menu design, production sheets, and service strategies.
New community service partners in each location.
Over 200 staff and managers trained on food waste awareness.
In our Ignite the Change Agent Within course, we present a Top 10 list of "excuses" or "copouts" when it comes to implementing sustainability initiatives or taking them to the next level. #5 on that list (in no particular order) is the staff blame game. "Our employees won't do the work" is a common and sad mantra. Don't let this "excuse" keep you from greater social and environmental impact, as well as the opportunity for a more engaged team. (There are more layers to #5 which we'll address in a future post.)
I have often found in food waste training that when staff see hunger statistics for their city, there is a visible reaction. Not because hunger statistics are generally shocking, but because many in the room have seen it face to face, and maybe even lived it. What a gift for them to be part of a solution.
If someone shows up to work somewhere for several hours per day (or many! as is often the case in hospitality), believe they want and deserve dignity and pride in their contribution. Find out where and why their heart beats and connect your initiatives with their personal emotions and experiences. Then stand back and be amazed at the ideas and energy they put forth.
Read and watch more from the IGNITE series here.
