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?

Sweezey: 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 success. Better yet, when individuals succeed, they tend to be motivated to continue their success.

What are some key tips to effectively inspire bakery staff?

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.