P.F. Chang’s Recipe for Success: An Intelligent Platform for HR, Workforce Management and Finance

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Speakers:

Art Kilmer

COO
P.F. Chang's

Joe Wilson

Global CTO
Workday

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In the bustling world of retail and hospitality, where resilience is the name of the game, P.F. Chang's, a global Asian culinary brand, has emerged as a beacon of innovation and efficiency. Leveraging the Workday platform's AI capabilities, P.F. Chang's has redefined process efficiencies, real-time insights, and decision-making strategies, setting new standards in employee engagement and guest experience. This discussion features insights from Art Kilmer, COO of P.F. Chang's, and Joe Wilson, Global CTO at Workday, highlighting the transformative journey of P.F. Chang's through technology.

Art Kilmer's journey with P.F. Chang's, dating back to 2000, has seen significant industry shifts, with technology standing out as the most impactful. Under his guidance, P.F. Chang's has navigated through these changes by adopting Workday's unified platform for HR, workforce management, and finance. This digital transformation streamlined operations, reduced administrative burdens, and enhanced training and development programs, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in all facets of the business.

Joe Wilson, with a decade at Workday, passionately shared the company's vision of improving user experiences through a network effect, emphasizing the critical role of data and trust in deploying AI effectively. Workday's strategy focuses on leveraging vast amounts of customer data to generate actionable insights, ensuring scalability and reliability in their solutions.

The partnership between P.F. Chang's and Workday has been a journey of mutual learning and growth. The implementation of Workday's platform addressed P.F. Chang's challenges with outdated systems and multiple software platforms, leading to improved communication and integration. This transformation allowed P.F. Chang's to reduce friction for frontline workers, lower turnover rates, and streamline operations, affirming the value of a holistic, technology-driven approach in the hospitality industry.

Moreover, the discussion shed light on the practical applications of AI in forecasting and scheduling, underscoring the benefits of accommodating team member preferences and reducing turnover. Kilmer shared examples of how Workday's solutions, including a mobile app for HR and compliance training, have led to high completion rates and improved employee engagement.

The integration of AI and machine learning into workforce management has been a game-changer for P.F. Chang's. The ability to generate AI-forecasted schedules that respect team member preferences has not only enhanced employee satisfaction but also contributed to a more efficient and guest-centered service model. This approach has propelled P.F. Chang's towards achieving its goal of being the best place to work in communities, reflecting a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of employee satisfaction and customer experience.

In conclusion, the session underscored the transformative impact of AI and technology on the retail and hospitality sectors, with P.F. Chang's and Workday at the forefront of this evolution. Their collaboration highlights the power of data-driven decision-making and the importance of a unified platform in achieving operational excellence and unparalleled guest experiences. As the industries continue to face challenges, the insights shared by Art Kilmer and Joe Wilson serve as a roadmap for other retailers looking to navigate the future of work with agility and foresight.

APRIL 2024

07/05/2024 15:50:04

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Jcpenney Success: What if You Could Solve Your Associate Turnover & Retention Problems Forever?

Speakers:

Andre Joyner

Chief Human Resources Officer
JCPenney

Steven Kramer

CEO and co-Founder
WorkJam

In this riveting session at the forefront of retail innovation and workforce empowerment, Andre Joyner, Chief Human Resources Officer at JCPenney, alongside Steven Kramer, CEO and co-founder of WorkJam, delved into the transformative strategies JCPenney has implemented to tackle the pressing issues of associate turnover and retention. This discussion, rooted in the alarming statistic from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighting 5.5 million more job openings than workers in the retail sector, offered a deep dive into how digital workplace solutions are revolutionizing employee engagement and productivity.

The Cornerstone of Change
Andre Joyner, with a commendable background at JCPenney and now at the helm of human resources, shared candid insights into the company's journey towards stabilizing its workforce. "We were challenged in the labor market to find the talent we needed," Andre explained, emphasizing the critical retention issues and turnover JCPenney faced. A pivotal moment came when JCPenney decided to listen—truly listen—to its associates. This listening tour, as Andre described, was not about mere conversations but understanding the crux of what mattered most to their employees. It was here that JCPenney identified the core areas needing immediate attention: clear communication, scheduling flexibility, roles and responsibilities, and, notably, wage access.

Digital Empowerment: A Super App Approach
Steven Kramer introduced the audience to WorkJam, a 'super app' designed to consolidate various operational and engagement modules under one umbrella, thus facilitating what he termed 'workforce orchestration.' This digital workplace platform, embodying task management, communication, learning, flexible scheduling, and express pay modules, was deployed across JCPenney's distribution centers and retail operations. The impact was profound, streamlining processes and granting employees unprecedented control over their schedules and immediate access to earned wages.

Frontline Empowerment: More Than Just a Buzzword
For JCPenney, frontline empowerment transcended the realm of corporate jargon to become the backbone of their strategy. "It was about ensuring that associates have the accountability, flexibility, and decision rights they want in their work," Andre stated, highlighting the shift towards giving employees more autonomy. This empowerment also extended to scheduling flexibility, allowing associates to manage their work-life balance more effectively, thereby reducing financial stress and anxiety—a notable cause of employee turnover.

Tangible Results and Surprising Benefits
The implementation of WorkJam's digital workplace platform at JCPenney yielded staggering results: improved associate engagement scores, significant reductions in turnover, and an increase in associate referrals. Perhaps most telling was the feedback from a long-term associate who felt that for the first time, JCPenney had done something truly for them. This sentiment underscored the transformative power of digital empowerment tools in fostering a positive work environment and building a loyal workforce.

A Blueprint for the Future
The dialogue between Andre and Steven didn't just spotlight JCPenney's successes; it offered a roadmap for other retailers grappling with similar challenges. The clear message was that embracing digital tools to empower employees isn't just beneficial—it's essential for attracting and retaining talent in today's competitive labor market. As retail companies look to navigate the complexities of modern workforce management, JCPenney's journey with WorkJam stands as a testament to the potential of digital empowerment to revolutionize employee engagement and retention.

In conclusion, the discussion at the session was not just about the success of a single retailer but a beacon for the industry, illustrating the profound impact of embracing digital innovation and empowerment on the frontline workforce. JCPenney, under the stewardship of leaders like Andre Joyner and with the support of partners like WorkJam, has set a new standard for how retailers can thrive by putting their employees first.

APRIL 2024

07/05/2024 15:50:04

APRIL 2024

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Elevates Retail at NRF 2024: A Foray into the Future of Frictionless Shopping

In an electrifying showcase at the National Retail Federation's (NRF) Retail's Big Show 2024, held January 14-16, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions unveiled a visionary leap into the future of retail. The buzz around Toshiba's booth was palpable, drawing attendees into a world where cutting-edge technology meets practical retail solutions. As the industry navigates a period of significant transformation, Toshiba's innovations are not just keeping pace—they're setting the pace.

A Fusion of Innovation and Experience
Upon entering the Toshiba booth, visitors were greeted by an immersive display of technological prowess designed to transcend conventional retail experiences. From advanced POS and self-service solutions to AI-driven computer vision and mobility, the offerings spoke to an urgent need in the market: seamless, frictionless shopping experiences. Toshiba's showcase was a clarion call to retailers, urging them to think beyond the now and embrace a future where adaptability is key.

Leadership Voices: Steering the Future of Retail
Rance Poehler, President and CEO of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, emphasized the company's commitment to empowering retailers against industry challenges such as labor shortages and inventory management. "Our investments lead to a future where retailers are empowered to enrich experiences inside and outside the store," Poehler noted, underscoring the pivotal role of AI and computer vision in driving digital transformation.

The modular ELERA® Commerce Platform stood out as a backbone of Toshiba's NRF presentation, offering retailers agile, strategic solutions for business transformation. Fredrik Carlegren, VP and Head of Marketing and Communication, captured the essence of Toshiba's vision: "The future is frictionless. Our immersive experience showcases new technologies that are now accessible to retailers, leveraging AI-driven insights to accelerate the future of retail."

Innovative Solutions for Today's Retailers
The ELERA® Security Suite, integrating ELERA® Loss Prevention and ELERA® Produce Recognition solutions, is an end-to-end solution that fully orchestrates computer vision cameras with advanced edge AI to minimize shrink and operational friction and enhance shopper experiences. The Vision Kiosk, accepting biometric loyalty and payments powered by PopID, pointed towards a future where non-traditional payments become the norm.

A Testament to Adaptation and Innovation
Toshiba's senior leaders underlined the company's holistic approach to retail challenges. Ashley Wehr, Product Marketing Manager, highlighted the necessity of exceeding ordinary experiences to resonate with modern consumers. Meanwhile, Andrew McDaniel, SVP Europe, and Naresh Keswani, VP Product Management, echoed the importance of Toshiba's modular, adaptable solutions in meeting the diverse needs of retailers.

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Conclusion: A Milestone for Retail Innovation
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions' participation at NRF 2024 marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a frictionless retail future. The convergence of technology and consumer demand at the Toshiba booth offered a glimpse into a world where retail operations are not just efficient but are a delightful experience for the consumer. As the industry looks forward, Toshiba's commitment to innovation and adaptation heralds a new era for retail, promising a landscape where challenges are met with dynamic, impactful solutions. The journey through Toshiba's booth at NRF 2024 was not just a tour of technological innovation; it was a vision of the future, vividly and vibrantly brought to life.

07/05/2024 15:50:04

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Jcpenney Success: What if You Could Solve Your Associate Turnover & Retention Problems Forever?

Andre Joyner

Chief Human Resources OfficerJCPenney

Steven Kramer

CEO and co-FounderWorkJam

Chief Human Resources Officer
JCPenney

CEO and co-Founder
WorkJam