Panda Express engages employees via new app

The largest Asian restaurant chain in the U.S. is providing associates with a variety of mobile capabilities.

Panda Express is rolling out the full suite of WorkJam digital workplace tools in a new employee app. As a result, the casual dining chain’s 50,000 associates across more than 2,200 U.S. locations will have mobile access to all of digital frontline workplace company WorkJam’s tools. These include two-way communication, scheduling, learning and task management, provided via a single app.

Panda Express seeks to provide its frontline workers with greater flexibility and control when it comes to when and where they work, the tasks they perform, their career growth path, and how they communicate with others in the company. The retailer hopes it will be better able to attract, develop and retain top talent by offering these capabilities via its new employee app.

“Panda Express is a people-development company and prides itself in our people-first culture. Our goal is to continue to empower our associates, especially at our restaurants, with resources and tools that help them feel engaged in our company culture and make their day-to-day tasks simpler,” said Jeff Wang, senior VP of operations at Panda Express. “We are proud to support our Panda Family, so they can reach their potential and provide excellent dining experiences for our customers.”

“Panda Express and WorkJam are two culturally aligned companies with a strong commitment to innovation, continuous learning and people development,” said Steven Kramer, CEO of WorkJam. “We’re thrilled to announce this partnership with Panda Express and equip the company’s tens of thousands of associates with a comprehensive suite of digital workplace features that help them better communicate and collaborate with colleagues and management, have more control and flexibility with their schedules, and access career development opportunities. Joining forces is another step in the right direction to empower the frontline workers and directly impact their lives for the better.”

Study: Most retailers still short on frontline staff

According to a recent study commissioned by WorkJam and conducted by Forrester Consulting 63% of retail companies are operating with a frontline employee deficit. Despite the shortage, only 8% of the companies plan to invest in improving the frontline experience in the next 12 months to help address their labor shortages, possibly giving an edge to retailers like Panda Express that make these investments.

Panda Express has more than 2,400 locations in 12 countries, including the U.S.