Labor FOCUS GROUPS Hiring and retaining talented labor has been a pervasive issue for university and college student dining halls nationally. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, 42 percent of college and university leaders surveyed reported issues with hiring skilled labor in fall of 2022. Therefore, after future predictions of the key areas of emphasis in 2030 and beyond discussed above, the focus of the discussions turned to labor issues. Below are the themes and findings that emerged from those conversations. 1. Use of technology to help with labor issues a. What is the role of robotics in helping labor? b. Need new/more technical positions to deal with all the new technology New equipment in the kitchens to help with labor, make it more attractive and easier c. d. Use technology to fill labor gaps - online ordering, no need for person at point-ofservice (POS) e. Use Amazon 'Just Walk Out' technology - autonomous markets f. Move some of the labor to the manufacturer - just finish on site Robotics/automation (AI-driven tech) - omelet machine, auto wok, noodle vending machine, burger vending machine h. Automate repetitive tasks that don't add value i Programmable automated equipment to help offset labor. 2. Culture/environment issues (it is not just about pay) - make more attractive a. Benefits, not just pay b. Make it exciting to be in this industry Teach transferable skills: In-house training... train dishwashers to be cooks - build your own bench c. d. Path to management - mentorship programs e. Start engaging with high school students about career opportunities f. Identifying who is likely to quit (what positions) and why? g. How to attract industry food and beverage employees to higher education g. 11