Campus Dining Today 2024 Winter - 40

Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion (DE&I)
COMMUNICATE THE
BIG PICTURE
The dining staff often represents the most diverse group
on campus, and celebrating their cultural diversity can
profoundly enrich the campus environment. Encourage
college leadership to speak during " Welcome Back "
meetings, emphasizing the team's significant impact
beyond food service. For instance, an associate's familiar
face in the dining hall can offer comfort to homesick
students and help identify when something is awry,
fostering a supportive and inclusive campus community.
RECIPE SUBMISSION
Displayed at Babson dining's timeclock is a QR code
inviting associates to submit a cherished family or cultural
recipe. Each submission request asks associates to share
a story explaining its significance. Monthly, our culinary
leaders select a recipe to feature in Trim Dining Hall,
accompanied by a photo of the associate, tenure details,
and recipe background. If an associate's recipe is chosen,
they are paid a bonus. This initiative not only humanizes the
dining team but also fosters healthy competition amongst
staff and celebrates their diverse culinary heritage.
CREATIVE ROLE ADAPTATIONS
FOR NEURODIVERGENT
ASSOCIATES
Consider flexible scheduling options to accommodate
varying sensory needs and work preferences, ensuring a
conducive work environment for all team members.
Managing without
authority involves inspiring
and guiding teams through
influence, collaboration,
and mutual respect.
40
CAMPUS DINING TODAY | NOURISHING TALENT
Training,
Development,
and Retention
BE CURIOUS
Finding out associates' hobbies and long-term
goals allows Babson dining to identify the " why "
that drives them. This gets the team thinking
creatively. Have a musician on staff? Encourage
them to perform in the dining hall at a special event.
This genuine curiosity strengthens relationships and
encourages associates to stay committed, knowing
their personal aspirations are recognized and
supported.
BE TRANSPARENT
Don't wait until the end of the year to complete a
performance review. Have an active dialogue with
staff about their personal and professional goals.
Identifying the role and responsibility gaps between
a current role and a desired role is a helpful step in
creating a development plan.
ENCOURAGE HIGH
PERFORMERS
Identify team members with high potential and
encourage them to manage without authority. In
collegiate dining operations, effective leadership
often extends beyond formal authority. Managing
without authority involves inspiring and guiding
teams through influence, collaboration, and mutual
respect.
As the employment landscape continues to evolve,
adapting with a fresh perspective each day is
crucial to achieving the best outcomes. Babson
College's commitment to innovative initiatives-
from dynamic recruitment strategies to proactive
diversity initiatives and adaptable role structures-
demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing
the challenges of today's workforce. By cultivating
a supportive and inclusive environment, Babson can
not only bolster associate satisfaction and retention
but also enrich the entire campus community. §
Campus Dining Today 2024 Winter

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Campus Dining Today 2024 Winter
