For all organizations, the challenge of attracting, hiring and retaining talent has become increasingly complicated by the diverse expectations of the multi-generational workforce.

This was the topic of discussion at the University of Guelph Sustainable Restaurant Program (UGSRP) Symposium on March 4 where associate professor Sean Lyons, Jan G. van der Hoop, president of Fit First Technologies, and Mo Jessa, president of Earls Restaurants Ltd. shared their expertise on “Getting and Keeping the Best.”

Lyons, van der Hoop and Jessa each gave presentations outlining these challenges, as well as strategies to cope and thrive within the evolving climate.

Lyons, whose research focuses on generational issues in the workplace, spoke about the changing career model, decreasing job tenure and the importance of understanding and evolving with the labour force. He also emphasized that organizations need to promote what makes them different to prospective talent.

“You have to understand as an employer what your brand is,” Lyons said. “Brands have power.”

Van der Hoop’s presentation focused on recognizing the importance of understanding employees as individuals, finding people who are the right fit for the organization and being self-aware as an employer. This impacts the hiring process and identifying people who are going to be “top performers” vs. “top candidates.”

“Our job as managers is to create the stage for employees to become the best they can be,” van der Hoop said.

For Earls Restaurants head, Jessa, leadership and engagement are top of mind at all of his restaurants. He spoke to the audience about the company’s value system and how employee engagement positively impacts profits and productivity. According to Jessa, leadership is something that all people can learn.

“80% of your success and the success of your organization depends on your ability to be a leader,” Jessa said. “Leadership is the one thing that will make a difference in your career.”

This marked the fourth year the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management hosted the symposium. For more information on the UGSRP, visit their blog [1].