Baking & Snack - June 2024 - 20

WORKFORCE
Left: Attracting and
retaining a quality
workforce is a top
challenge for many
bakers today.
Rubicon Bakers
Right: Bakeries may
need to adapt their
culture and operations
to fit the needs
of disadvantaged
employees.
New Horizons Baking Co.
takes, got involved in drugs, and then started getting a
criminal background, and then they can't get jobs, " she
said. " And then they're trapped. There's no way to provide.
There's no way to succeed. "
More Than A Bakery provides that opportunity to
succeed via employment at its facility, and additionally
works to hire from the town's Congolese population.
Aker said the former has done particularly well at integrating
into the bakery.
" That population has really been successful in either
fitting into our culture and getting promoted, " she said.
" And just the loyalty - they don't miss work. They're really
here. "
These marginalized groups deeply appreciate the opportunity
that others have denied them, Paterakis said,
which helps build a strong sense of loyalty to the bakery
that contributes to greater performance and retention.
H&S Bakery partners with second-chance groups that
help place refugees, and it's also working with autistic
groups to see where they can align their skill sets.
" We find their willingness to work and their grateful
attitude very desirable in our industry, " Paterakis said.
" Bottom line, we are looking for people who want the
opportunity to work and are willing to give them a place
to stay for long-term employment. "
Supporting their success
Hiring from these populations can be a much-needed
boost to a bakery's workforce. However, it can also require
a shift in culture and operations to ensure these
employees have the necessary support to succeed.
" They force you to accommodate and rethink inclusivity, "
Bediako said. " They open your eyes to cultural
differences, like wearing skirts or hijabs. They help us
think differently. Like considering holidays, Ramadan is
just as important as Christmas. "
Practices such as translating documents and policies
into employees' native languages; hiring bilingual management,
trainers or employees; offering extra check-ins,
and simply being more patient can go a long way in en20
Baking & Snack June 2024 / www.bakingbusiness.com
suring that immigrant populations succeed in the bakery,
Bediako said.
" If you treat them well and support them, you will
have an applicant pool that never ends, " she said.
Calderon echoed this, noting that an inclusive work
environment that respects the cultural backgrounds of
all employees is essential.
" Providing cultural sensitivity training and fostering a
sense of belonging can help create a positive workplace
culture where employees from vulnerable populations
feel valued and respected, " she said.
Leaning on community partners ensures they have
the support they may need to stay on track, Aker said.
" We have great community partners that have been
able to help us, " she said. " They provide transportation,
they provide clothing, they provide housing until these
people can get on their feet and do it on their own. "
Bakeries may need to adjust their policies to accommodate
the unique needs and schedules of these groups.
More Than A Bakery, for instance, tweaked its attendance
policy for its formerly incarcerated workforce.
" They might be able to go meet with a probation officer,
do a drug screening, any sort of follow-up appointment
they may need, " Aker explained. " Because coming
out of the justice system, there are so many things that
they have to do to stay on the straight and narrow. "
Training and skill development programs are also valuable
in equipping these employees with the necessary talent
for employment in the baking industry.
" These programs can include hands-on training and
mentorship, " Calderon said. " By investing in training
and skill development, bakeries can empower individuals
to pursue careers in the bakery industry and improve
their economic prospects. "
The baking industry's workforce challenges are significant
and not expected to improve in the near future.
But by opening their doors to those from these marginalized
communities, bakeries are alleviating their labor
struggles and changing the lives of their employees, and
their community, for the better.
*
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Baking & Snack - June 2024

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