Workforce Management

Amazon’s innovative re-training program has hit an all-time high.   

McDonald’s is leveraging a hot app to encourage teens to join its workforce.   The fast food giant is embarking on an aggressive summer hiring spree that aims to employ 250,000 restaurant employees across more than 14,000 restaurants operating in the United States. Eager to get the attention of millennials — its sweet spot — McDonald’s is taking a new approach.  

Retail has historically been one of the most technically advanced industries, particularly in warehouses and the last mile. The industry is no stranger to automation as fast and efficient supply chains are the foundation of a strong retail operation in a competitive environment. Over the past few decades, increasing automation at the supply chain level has directly impacted both revenue and the bottom line.   

Lowe's is making another round of job cuts.   The home improvement chain is laying off some 125 information technology workers and many of the jobs to India, The Charlotte Observer reported. Lowe’s currently employs approximately 1,000 people in information and technology and analytics in Bangalore, India.   

Digital retailing is intensifying, yet retail associates still don’t have the technology they need to serve customers when they visit in-store.   That's according to “The 2017 Retail Associate Technology Study,” from Salesfloor. The report, which surveyed 254 North American retail associates across a variety of product categories, compensation models and store sizes, explores the connection between store-level employees and the technology they use to serve customers.   

BevMo has made a move to further boost its store experience.   Matt Navarro was named senior VP of operations for the beverage retailer, responsible for all store operations, customer service and loss prevention. In this position, Navarro will be tasked with elevating BevMo’s in-store shopping experience, including driving customer loyalty, enhancing its service model and strengthening employee development programs.  

Walmart recently announced a pilot program where its associates would be given the option to deliver online orders on their way home from work. Two industry experts offer their comments on the program below:   

The unemployment rate has hit a new, but welcomed milestone.   The U.S. unemployment rate is now 4.3%. This is the lowest it's been since 2001.    However,  job gains missed the mark by a wide margin. The economy only added 138,000 jobs last month, missing the 185,000 mark expected by analysts. Job gains have occurred with an average monthly gain of 181,000 over the past 12 months.