Fairwood realises the importance of helping employees understand operational needs and company goals by providing a comprehensive staff training programme that successfully encourages promotion and helps retain talent. At the same time, training is also boosting profits. The people-oriented fast-food chain, established 30 years ago, has expanded into a leader in the industry. The company started as a restaurant in Tsuen Wan and by 1991 had sprouted to 52 restaurants, serving 100,000 customers a day.
'[The success of the company] relies on continually improving training and human resources management, service, quality of food and environment of restaurants, especially after the significant changes we made during our image revamp in 2003,' said Vincent Fong, senior human resources manager.
Fairwood's staff training programme covers employees with more than six months of experience to managers. These programmes aim to give employees an opportunity to learn and improve their skills, and retain talent.
Employees start with a basic orientation programme when they join the company. Individuals with more than six months' experience will undergo a nine-week supervisor training programme which includes training in quality, service and cleanliness.
Employees will be able to improve their product knowledge, communication, leadership and team building skills.
Those with the potential to become future managers will have the opportunity to participate in training of supervisory skills, quality control and financial management. Participants will be promoted to officers when they complete the programme.