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While most workers are staying home and Main Street businesses remain dark these days, supermarket workers are reporting to work. “Our associates take very seriously their role to feed people—it’s what we do. That’s the business we’re in. We do regular cleaning all the time, all day long, to protect the environment.” Considered an essential service, supermarkets remain open during the current crisis and Wakefern divisions are working hard to support stores with a variety of new programs, protocols, and steps, including the creation of a special a cross-functional coronavirus task force to track conditions both at Wakefern and our member stores. Here are just a few things Wakefern is doing to help protect us all: -Installing Plexiglas shields in stores to protect associates and customers -Putting down floor marks in stores to encourage social distancing -Implementing a temporary wage premium for retail workers -Enhancing sick leave and attendance policy benefits Thanks to all our Wakefern associates. We commend everyone for their dedication and hard work!
A Warm Hug. In November, Wakefern’s Wholesale Division partnered with Cozies4Chemo, a New Jersey based non-profit that provides hand tied fleece blankets to cancer patients throughout the United States, by knitting 32 blankets to keep cancer patients warm while undergoing and recovering from treatments. As part of a team building exercise, the group created blankets for children with patterns that included trucks, unicorns, elephants and baby lambs, as well as blankets for adults that consisted of bright plaids and eye-catching patterns. The Division delivered 16 adult blankets to Memorial Sloan Kettering in Holmdel and 16 children’s blankets to The Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore Medical Center. Memorial Sloan Kettering blankets were provided to patients undergoing treatment the same day they were dropped off.
Hitting the Airwaves. Wakefern Vice President of Own Brands Chris Skyers discussed the launch of Bowl & Basket and Paperbird on Supermarket News’ Off the Shelf podcast. Bowl & Basket and Paperbird celebrated their official launch in ShopRite stores this past November. Skyers told Supermarket News that Wakefern is now shipping 120 items from those two lines, a number that will grow in the months ahead.
Wakefern has hundreds of talented female associates who work hard to deliver the best experience to our customers. On Oct. 28, more than 30 of those associates helped the New York Metro chapter of the Network of Executive Women celebrate its 15th anniversary. NEW’s mission – “to advance women, grow business and transform our workplaces through the power of our community” – was on full display during the 15th anniversary. As one of the keynote speakers, Wakefern Chief Information Officer Cheryl Williams helped share the history of the New York Metro region and delivered insights on how NEW has helped her succeed in her career. “NEW provides an opportunity for women – and men – in the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods industries to come together to overcome shared career challenges,” Williams said. “Personally, NEW has allowed me to increase my network and develop lifelong friendships with women in the industry.” The speakers, who came from different industries, genders, ages, and backgrounds, shared inspiring stories of their journeys and perspectives on advancing women.
True Pioneers. For the past decade, Wakefern has worked closely with Organix Recycling, a company devoted to diverting food from landfills. One piece of food at a time, Wakefern and Organix have taken steps to create a more sustainable experience for our stores and customers. On Nov. 19, Organix honored Wakefern with its 2019 Pioneer Award. The award is presented to organizations who “demonstrate exceptional commitment to the success of their diversion efforts as evidenced by the growth and efficacy of their individual programs.”
People-Powered HR. Human Resources is rolling out a new approach to help Wakefern leaders and associates. Food is what we do; people are who we are. Wakefern’s business has always been powered by people – from those in the many communities we serve, to the valued individuals who run our business every day in so many important and complex ways. So it’s no coincidence you’ve been seeing some changes on the people side of our business over the past 18 months. This new approach will meet our leader and associate needs. It will also help us stand out in the changing external landscape, and the most competitive environment and talent markets we’ve seen to date. To do that, our people strategy is evolving to drive our newer business requirements. It will ensure we equip our people with the capabilities and skills they need to help Wakefern innovate and advance along with technology and the future industry demands we face.
The Spirit Squad. From donning superhero shirts to gathering for group photos, associates got together to celebrate Wakefern Spirit Week. The week was a wonderful illustration of the way Wakefern associates not only work together, but bond together.
More Than Pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Wakefern has several activities for associates to learn more about breast health and support the fight against breast cancer. Wakefern will cap off the month of fundraising and awareness by participating in the More Than Pink Walk on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Six Flags Great Adventure.
A Magical Experience. Representatives from the Disney Institute visited the Pines Manor in Edison for a one-day professional development seminar entitled “Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence.” The course focused on five pillars (leadership, culture, service, brand and innovation), showing attendees how inspired leaders, motivated associates and satisfied customers can drive value to a company’s bottom line.
Safety in Numbers. More than 100 associates attended Wakefern’s Fifth Annual Safety and Risk Management Conference. The day-long conference included presentations on worker’s compensation, ergonomics fundamentals and Gensuite safety analytics. Several vendor tables were set up in the hallway, offering associates a glimpse of the latest in safety equipment.
