WORKFORCE
the most importance on receiving an annual cost of living adjustment. The ability to access pay through a digital app was seen as second most important. Close to half (40.7%) of participants said they prefer to get paid month- ly while 20.4% prefer bi-weekly and
and inclusion (DEI). The student employees strongly supported the importance of DEI training. They also supported the idea of having DEI training mandatory for all university foodservice employees. The employees reported strong sup- port for sustainability and environmen- tal efforts by their employers, with an emphasis on reducing food waste and purchasing sustainably. Eliminating single use plastics was ranked as less important, as was establishing a com- post program. STUDENT EMPLOYEES ARE COMFORTABLE WITH AUTOMATION When it comes to what technology stu- dent employees prefer their employer to use, digital payroll tools were ranked as the most important, followed by a digital inventory tool. Web-based on- boarding and training were ranked as the least important. As it pertains to la- bor, employees showcased a preference to work in an environment where tech-
nology is used to address labor shortag- es, however, they were less inclined to work in an environment where technol- ogy replaces human interactions. Over- all, survey responses indicated that student employees have a positive at- titude toward technology in enhancing their ability to provide hospitality. The survey also indicated that the use of au- tomation to reduce repetitive tasks was perceived positively by employees and participants were comfortable working in an automated assisted environment. STUDENT EMPLOYEES TAKE THE JOB FOR THE PAY The most common reason student employees said they chose to work for university foodservices was due to the income. The second most common reason was having previous foodser- vice experience. Other reasons include being part of a work-study program or the ability to work with friends. Some noted that the position was the only one available on campus.
36.2% prefer weekly. FEELING SAFE IN THE WORKPLACE IS VITAL
Student employees were also asked about their level of agreement regard- ing statements about workplace related identity, safety and personal develop- ment. The responses indicated that feeling physically safe in their work- place was the most important, with the ability to identify with faculty, students and staff at work ranked as the second most important. STUDENT EMPLOYEES SUPPORT DEI AND SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES The participants were asked about their understanding of diversity, equity
Q2 2024
FSD QUARTERLY
15
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