A website for food service directors has a feature on how to make it easier for employees when a food service operation undergoes changes. The feature focused on Western Michigan University, which opened a new facility for dining. The account showed what the director did to make the staff comfortable. First, he showed computer simulations to the staff so they could see what was going to happen. He worked with the union to rewrite job descriptions. And he invited the staff to cook a meal for themselves and the family to increase morale.

Key Takeaways:

• Help staff to adjust to new features, buildings, by showing videos, models of the proposed changes before they occur.
• Bring in small groups of staff to watch the ongoing construction, to acclimate them further, in anticipation of the new feature, building.
• Keep staff posted via emails, regarding the new project’s progress and also what their new duties could include.

“Some people gravitate toward change, some are slow to come around and others do whatever they can to completely avoid it.”

Read more: http://www.foodservicedirector.com/managing-your-business/managing-staff/articles/5-tips-retaining-staff-during-transition