When Parkhurst becomes the new dining provider for a client, we make the process as seamless as possible by equipping ourselves with our best resource: the right team members. One of our core values is that we care about people, and that starts from the inside out. Happy team members lead to happy guests.
While we appoint new hires, we also retain and support team members from the previous dining provider as we come together as a group. We respect these individuals for their invaluable institutional knowledge and know they are integral to a successful transition.
We also aim to ease their anxieties. Grove City College Café Cover Manager and Supervisor Karen Morgan-Windisch expressed appreciation for being heard and respected during the transition.
“Parkhurst told us to trust them, and it was a three-fold learning experience,” said Morgan-Windisch. “I offered suggestions and ways of doing things that were done with the previous provider, and they listened to my concerns. We needed to make each other feel belonged.”
Previous provider team members are invited to interview with Parkhurst and receive full benefits starting day one.
“Everyone is So Helpful!”
Through the years, many team members from previous dining providers have flourished during their Parkhurst transition, like Parkhurst Director of Operations at Allegheny College, Maria Foxall.
“When Parkhurst took over, it was immediately better and continues to improve,” said Foxall. “Parkhurst makes me feel like I belong by working hard alongside us and accommodating team members’ needs. They all care and listen when I have suggestions. They’ve brought on some truly amazing individuals who are great workers and easy to get along with.”
Soon after Parkhurst takes over as a dining provider, they hold an orientation picnic for everyone to get to know each other and answer any team member questions.
After working for the previous dining provider, Western Reserve Academy team member Nate Gruver especially liked the way Parkhurst nurtured his culinary skills and says the summer picnic helped break the ice.
“I was really nervous about all the changes,” said Gruver. “At the orientation, everyone was nice and answered our questions about benefits. Now I am gaining more cooking responsibilities, and everyone is so helpful. I like learning new skills in cooking.”
Change is Part of Growth
Parkhurst knows change can be hard. Because of this, we try to make the transition from one dining provider to another as easy as possible for team members.
Morgan-Windisch said she’s glad she stayed when Parkhurst became the new provider, and in the end, enjoyed being part of the transition.
“Change is part of growth,” said Morgan-Windisch. “Parkhurst understands there is life outside of Parkhurst and when the staff and I need a minute to absorb new information. One of the things I really appreciate is that when anyone from the corporate offices is on campus, they always take a moment of their time to acknowledge the staff, whether it’s a compliment from Jeff (CEO Jeff Broadhurst) or a ‘Thank you!’ from another. That’s when an employee feels appreciated.”
Learn more about the Parkhurst experience!
