More than 150 key executives, operators and thought leaders representing over 45 foodservice companies gathered for two days to change the QSR workforce at the Inaugural People Report QSR Workforce Symposium. Key topics included some of the most pressing issues for the industry including hourly turnover, retention and recruitment in a tight labor market, multi-unit leadership, immigration reform, potential union resurgence and executive insight.

Among the speakers were conference chair and president of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Kathleen Wood whose energy and passion for the industry challenged participants to think differently. Jerry Newman, author of "My Secret Life on the McJob" shared his passion for the QSR hourly workers commitment to hard work and perseverance. His honesty of the challenges that QSR companies are facing including generational differences, the shear hardship of the work, and lack of consistency in training among franchise companies were points that rang true for many in the audience.

Following Dr. Newman's presentation, 4 hourly crew members representing the recently dubbed "Screeners Generation" provided the audience honest feedback on the state of the hourly workforce from their perspective. Key takeaways were that the students wanted to work in a fun environment where they could work hard but get rewarded for their work. They wanted input in the business and know there is a way they can move up in the business and make money for their future.. Panelist Erica Sampson from Whataburger said, "I chose to work at Whataburger because my mom has worked there and been treated very well for years. They make a commitment to developing their people and that is what I wanted most as a college aged student….being flexible with my schedule (and good pay) help too!"

Teresa Siriani, president of People Report, led a panel of key leaders including, Patti Wilmot, EVP of People First for Dominos Pizza, Jim Vinz, president of Corner Bakery and Shyam Patel, senior analyst and director of research operations with People Report, through key workforce topics including diversity, recruiting & training and compensation. Siriani shared some key statistics on the QSR workforce. Job abandonment has become the norm for managers with a 27% walkout rate. Average hourly turnover is over 140% with the best companies posting under 85%. All panelists agreed that to address these numbers, total rewards needs to be the focus. Siriani noted, "There is a 10% reduction in turnover for companies where over 40% of the employees participate in health benefits." Also of note was general manager base salary where those companies that pay in the top 3rd had a 10% lower management turnover and 20% lower hourly turnover.

Thom Crosby, CEO of Pals Sudden Service and TJ Schier, founder of p.o.d Training revealed Pal's Malcolm Baldridge Award winning strategy. Crosby shared what made it work, "We (the executives) are always focused on our hourly employees. In moving to the Baldridge standards, we jumped in and worked the line too. Our people make it happen; we need to never forget that our hourly team delivers our promise. We serve them!"

Jim Sullivan, founder of Sullivision focused on the Multi-Unit Manager. "Our multi-unit operators are one of the most key positions in the foodservice industry, yet they are provided the least amount of training, personal development and resources to serve their units. We (the industry) need to focus on this group."

Joni Doolin, founder and CEO of People Report and a panel of leading operators; Roz Mallet, president, Caribou Coffee; Kathleen Wood, president of Raising Cane's; Larry Behm, SVP of Operations, Panda Restaurant Group and Phil Friedman, CEO of McAllister's Deli discussed the important subject of immigration and labor shortages. Doolin's panel focused significant time discussing the increasing impact of legislation and government intervention on the ability to maintain growth and profitability for companies in the industry. The Employee Free Choice Act was discussed as if it were to go into effect it could potentially impact the private sector with an additional 5-10 billion dollars in union dues.

Jeff Henderson, Founder of Urban Educational Consulting and author of, "Cooked" shared his personal story of moving from an inmate to executive chef. He challenged the audience to look at our untapped labor market inside the walls of our prison system. Henderson noted, "I met some of the most loyal, hardworking people ever behind bars. All they need is a second chance."

Thank You to Our 2007 Sponsors.

Thank You Conference Steering Committee!