chick-fil-a taps into baby boomers for jobs
July 27th, 2005
There’s a mall a few miles from my home office. Occasionally, when I don’t feel like cooking lunch, I’ll head down to the mall’s food court. Great variety and even better people-watching.
No matter how much I’m tempted by a Subway sandwich or the Chinese restaurant’s daily special, I always end up at Chick-fil-A.
Granted, I love the food, but the experience is the driving force that keeps me coming back. In contrast to the other lunch stops, the employees at Chick-fil-A are an interesting mix of older workers and younger workers, coexisting in perfect harmony.
Opposite the other food providers, Chick-fil-A is the only one with older workers who don’t own or manage the joint.
In large, the older folks are friendlier, more attentive, and just plain more with it. I feel like I’m eating at Grandma’s when I go to Chick-fil-A. And who doesn’t like that feeling?
Curiosity got the best of me the other day, so I asked one of the older workers why she chose to work at Chick-file-A. Her answer: "We’re always closed on Sundays, so there’s never a problem going to church."
Interesting answer. Amazing that something I might consider not-a-big-deal is the primary reason for choosing one employer over another. Makes sense though.
Older people are typically more interested in a higher power, so choosing an employer that accommodates that need is quite logical. And think of the power of referrals in this group.
Are you doing the "little things" for your employees that can make a huge difference and attract the right talent?
… wow, look at the time. Lunch is calling. Chick-fil-A sounds good.
July 27th, 2005 at 6:17 pm
Great point, Joel. It’s those little things that many of us do not deem important that are HUGE to others. And, it’s those things that differentiate one employer from the other.
I wouldn’t be too surprised if that wasn’t part of CFA’s overall plan. There’s mucho Baby Boomers out there, and oftentimes people will frequent a place that’s chock full of folks just like them.
Good strategy. Smart recruiting.
August 1st, 2005 at 7:38 pm
Joel:
Great post. And I particularly liked your high-tech market research technique (”I asked one of the older workers why she chose to work at Chick-fil-A”). It always amazes me how many of my clients have forgotten the power of just asking customers, prospects or candidates “what would make a difference for you?”
Making a workplace distinctively attractive by employing behaviors that resonate with employee (and customer) values is very, very good business. Thanks for bringing this to light in a most delightful way.
Mal