Please complete the Wegman's case study found under the weekly checklist. Each responses should be a minimum of 1 paragraph in length with each paragraph having 4 - 5 substantive sentences. Please be sure to properly cite any sources used. When completed, upload your assignment
CASE STUDY- EMPLOYEES LOVE WEGMANS
In 2008, Fortune magazine rated Wegmans Food Market as the third-best company to work for. This should not come as a surprise since it had been a mainstay of the top 3 since 2005, the top 10 since 2003, and the top 100 since 1998. The average turnover rate for supermarkets is 47.4% (13.3% for full-time employees and 58% for part-time employees). At Wegmans, turnover is much lower. Turnover is 6% to 7% for full-time employees and 38% for part-time employees. In an industry that has not historically been known as generating intense employee satisfaction and loyalty, Wegmans has broken new ground. But what is it about this supermarket that generates employee loyalty, productivity and commitment from its workforce?
As noted by Karen Shadders, vice president of people, "If we take care of our employees, they will take care of our customers. If employees can't take care of their families, they cannot do their jobs. The focus is on freeing up people so that they can be more productive." Shadders adds, "Our pay and benefits are at or above our competition's. It helps us attract a higher caliber of employee." Indeed, its outstanding reputation has allowed Wegmans to be very selective in its hiring processes. In 2007, the company had more than 145,000 applications but only a 6% turnover rate and hired 435 new positions.
Once employees are hired, Wegmans does a lot to enable employees to be successful both personally and professionally. On average, customer service representatives earn over $27,000 per year and receive 50 hours of training. Wegmans provides its employees with a generous work/life balance program that includes job sharing, compressed workweeks, and telecommuting. Both part-time and full-time employees can participate in medical insurance and prescription plans, 401(k) retirement savings plans, dependent care reimbursement plans, adoption assistance, and an employee assistance program. In addition, full-time employees enjoy access to dental coverage, life insurance, and personal days.
What is it about Wegmans that helps it continually retain its status as one of the best companies to work for?
- On page 12 of the text, we discussed the four goals of human resource management and the human resource functions? Explain which of the goals/functions are being addressed in this scenario.
- How do the functions and goals of human resources in this scenario make them a strategic partner with the business management of the company? Why?
- What new strategic initiatives might a human resource manager at Wegmans propose to enhance the current programs?