Thoroughly training your bakery’s employees may be a time consuming endeavor, but in the long-run it proves to be an economical and professional solution to continually improving the professionalism of your bakery.
The training process for your business’ employees can begin as soon as the interview for hire. One of the most crucial stages of employment is outlining and communicating the expectations of the open position. Lay out the basic requirements of the job – this can also be supplemented with an employee handbook that can be used as a reference.
The early stage of training includes and is not limited to explaining the number of hours that will be worked per week, holiday schedules, and describing the general mood or corporate culture of the bakery – the fundamentals.
It’s important the employee knows what he or she is investing in from the start and the type of attitude and sincerity that your company prefers to project to customers. This stage can potentially expedite much of the training process by familiarizing the employee with their future work environment.
Training will be different in each corner of the bakery. While production will be much more focused on developing the craft and practicing detail and precision, the retail and customer service segment of training may be more subtle and difficult to direct. In many cases, it’s as simple as having the new employee observe or shadow an all-star employee. You won’t want to overwhelm a new employee on their first couple days or make them feel as if they are on their own. Give them as many resources as possible to succeed. A helpful employee handbook as well as established employees who are more than willing to assist is a step in the right direction.
Paul Guderyahn, operations director at Round Rock Donuts in Round Rock, TX says that his bakery requires all new employees to thoroughly read the handbook and confirm completing the handbook with a signature. Right out of the gate, the expectations, rules, and conduct are made clear to both the employee and employer.
Keep it positive
No matter where you are in the bakery, positive and constructive criticism is by far the most effective and motivating strategy during the training process. It will make employees feel like they are learning more so than failing or disappointing. Keep in mind, this is may be his or her first couple days on the job. They may be nervous or adapting to the new environment.
According to Guderyahn, teaching is one of the most valuable aspects of training at Round Rock Donuts. It’s not so much about correcting or saying what’s wrong as much as it is coherently explaining and demonstrating the correct way to complete a task. In the long run, as long as an employee is dedicated to the position and enthusiastic about excelling, there is great potential for improvement.
