Thinking and Technology: The Future for the Hospitality Industry

With the recent announcement of a strategic partnership with Fourth, Changeworknow were delighted to join over 400 hospitality industry professionals at the Fourth Conference at the BFI IMAX in London this week.

With industry insight, panel discussions and thought leadership the conference focused  on the tools, thinking and technology which will be shaping the  market in the future.

It was a great opportunity to hear from a range of business leaders and some interesting themes and trends emerging. Lots of good information to digest and the top three that we came away with were:

Digital and Mobile: There is no doubt that mobile technology is the future and has a vital part of play both for consumers and employees. From a consumer perspective we are using our mobiles increasingly to check availability, book and in some instances for payment so how can this technology be leveraged to improve the experience even further? From the employee side how can mobile provide a means for better employee engagement and management such as staff rotas, holiday booking, swapping shifts and overall labour productivity? (Fourth have some very new and smart technology to start to address this!)

The Feel Good Factor: Staff want to feel good about where they work - their environment and the product and with the "Millenniums" making up a significant proportion of front line employees they really do care about issues such as sustainability, authenticity and provenance. Us as consumers also want to know that we are getting good healthy and sustainable food and products so this should be a key consideration for the industry as they develop new ideas and new products. We all want to have the feel good factor.

Employee Engagement: Already referred to in the first point but absolutely critical for an industry where the average turnover of staff is 92%. The front line employee are key to delivering the service and the brand experience so how can they be motivated, engaged and committed to deliver what the business needs in a way that supports the brand and what the business stands for?  At Changeworknow we get quite excited at this point as this is where we come in! Our approach and solution helps organisations recruit individuals with the right skills and motivations to deliver great customer service in line with the brand. Just check out Wagamama, Carluccio's, Pizza Express and Ask Italian's front line staff!

All in all a really great informative conference and a great chance to network within the industry. And a big congratulation to Fourth on the new product launch - great job!

Changeworknow and Fourth Create Strategic Partnership

Changeworknow is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Fourth, the world’s leading provider of cloud-based cost control solutions to the hospitality industry.

Changeworknow will now be offering its hospitality clients the ability in integrate with the Fourth People System, to ensure a seamless transfer from candidate to employee.

Lisa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer at Changeworknow explains “With a growing number of organisations using both Changeworknow and Fourth solutions, we have created a partnership that will deliver costs savings for our clients and enhances the candidate experience as they transition to become an employee.  The integration will significantly reduce the manual overhead often associated with the on-boarding of an employee.

Catherine Iredale, Communications Director at Fourth continues “We are always seeking ways to make life as simple as possible for our customers. Working with Changeworknow means there is no more duplication of effort – entering the individuals’ information correctly once at the start of the process means elimination of errors in the transition too.  

The integration is available to all clients who use both Changeworknow Applicant Tracking Solution and Fourth People System and several organisations have already committed to implement this new functionality, including Wagamama.

Taking the Risk out of Graduate Recruitment

Xafinity, one of the UK’s leading specialists in pensions and employee benefits has chosen Changeworknow’s recruitment solution to support the recruitment of graduates. Every year the business looks to recruit Graduate Actuaries and it is important to recruit, grow and develop this key talent.

 

With a small recruitment function and a very manual graduate application process this has in the past been a time consuming task for the team. With a five offices located throughout the UK looking to recruit graduates there is a strong desire to provide a very consistent process across the business. Putting in place Changeworknow’s applicant tracking solution will mean that graduates applying have a consistent and engaging experience and  for the recruitment team, will significantly reduce the manual overhead of dealing with volumes of graduate applications.

 

Lisa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer at Changeworknow explains “We are delighted to be supporting Xafinity with their graduate programme. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate our agile approach as the system was delivered in just three and a half weeks. The new approach will revolutionise how the business recruits”.

 

To see the new solution in action please visit http://www.xafinity.com/Careers/Graduate-Actuarial-Recruitment

Changeworknow: the number one choice for restaurants

Changeworknow’s reputation as the partner of choice for the restaurant and hospitality sector continues to gather speed with the announcement that a number of the UK’s leading restaurants has implemented the award winning technology to support the ongoing recruitment needs of their businesses.  From casual dining, entrepreneurial start-ups and “grab and go” to high end and Michelin starred restaurants the Changeworknow approach and solution is proving a great success.

 In the past six months brands such as Las Iguanas, Byrons, Domino Pizza, Bills, Dishoom and D and D London have all selected Changeworknow for the expertise and experience of working in this sector.

Lisa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer comments “One of our biggest growth areas this year has been the restaurant sector. The casual dining sector is fast growing and there is a constant need to recruit quality individuals to provide a great customer experience. However for these organisations the candidate experience is critical as candidates will also be customers so providing a first class candidate experience is a priority – something that Changeworknow helps clients achieve. The solution comes with a high degree of flexibility to fit different business models and the ease and simplicity of use means that is appropriate for both recruiters and operational managers”.

 Lisa continues “Changeworknow have now established themselves as the number one provider of applicant tracking systems within this sector. In a recent CGA Peach survey of the top casual dining brands for customer satisfaction 42% of the top forty brands use Changeworknow’s recruitment technology. The interactive screening element of the solution ensures that clients are attracting and hiring people with both the right skills and behaviours to deliver a great customer experience.”

The award winning system has other features that are important to restaurant recruiters such as a fully branded mobile application experience allowing for applications from any device quickly and efficiently, passive candidate sourcing tools allowing to submit basic information and register for future jobs, measuring the effectiveness of application sources e.g. job boards and social media and unlimited scalability as businesses grow.

So what will you be wearing Spring/Summer 2015?

One of the advantages of having retail clients (especially those with a fashion element to their business) is that very occasionally you can get a sense of what's coming next season. Walking through the office you can start to sense the new seasons colours, lengths of dresses and trousers and the styles that will be adorning our streets in months to come.

Just last week we got an insight into what is going to be big next year and so we are already putting in our order for Henley Royal Regatta......

Henley Royal Regatta

Last week Changeworknow welcomed clients to the Henley Royal Regatta. As in previous years we took the opportunity to say a big thank you to those organisations that have in the past year chosen us as their online recruitment partner and also to recognise those organisations that continue to work with us for the longer term.

A private box on the river was the location for this annual event and this year we had guests from PizzaExpress, Center Parcs, Mitchells and Butlers, Ground Control, Bills, The Original Bowling Company and Dominos Pizza. Unfortunately Steve from Bryon Hamburgers was victim of the traffic and travel chaos that always accompanies regatta - next year Steve!

Anyway a fun day filled with pimms, delicious food (a special mention for the afternoon cream tea), great company and some fine rowing.

Here are some of our guests and the Changeworknow team enjoying the day...........

High End Restaurant Group Choose Award Winning Recruitment Solution

Changeworknow’s reputation as the partner of choice for organisations in the restaurant and hospitality sector continues to gather speed with the announcement that D & D London have chosen the award winning company to provide their applicant tracking solution.

 

D & D London owns and operates some of the most famous restaurants in London, Paris, New York and Tokyo with well known names such as La Pont de la Tour, Quaglino’s, Coq D’Argent and Launceston Place . With business expansion including South Place Hotel and an events business D & D London require recruiting talented individuals with the right skills, experience. The organisation was looking for a partner with the expertise to provide an applicant tracking and talent engagement solution that provided an excellent and brand enhancing recruitment experience for all potential applicants.

 

Like any growing organisation D & D are looking for an intuitive, easy to use and modern solution that will give full visibility of applicants across the whole of the estate and enable the creation of a talent bank for future vacancies. This system needs to be flexible and able to grow and change with the business – something for which Changeworknow is highly renowned.

 

Chief Marketing Officer, Lisa Proctor, explains “We are seeing a growth in interest for our expertise in the hospitality arena in particular with growing organisations who want great flexibility from a system right from the start. The high level of flexibility that Changeworknow offers means that the system can be tailored to the needs of any business.  Our recent award win and recognition for providing an outstanding candidate experience is also a factor in organisations with a focus on customer service and quality choosing to work with us. D & D join a growing number of restaurant clients such as Jamie Oliver Group, Gordon Ramsey, Wagamama, Carluccios and The Gondola Group.

The award winning online recruitment system, from Changeworknow uses some of the most modern designs in the industry and is becoming well known for the ease with which it can scale up and flex for fast growing organisations.

Carluccios launches Changeworknow’s award winning applicant tracking solution

Carluccios, the growing restaurant group which provides great quality authentic Italian food has selected Changeworknow’s award winning applicant tracking system to help recruit people who can provide a great customer experience within the restaurants.

Selected for its outstanding track record in providing an outstanding candidate experience and a highly efficient and user friendly applicant tracking system Changeworknow’s solution will enable Carluccios to provide a first class experience for  all candidates throughout the process and hire talented people who are passionate about their jobs.

Lesley Nash, CEO at Changeworknow explains: “With such growth plans for the business Carluccios were looking for a recruitment partner to support them on a journey and provide an applicant tracking solution that can be adapted around the very specific needs of our business now and in the future. With an attractive brand and a high number of applicants it is important that the business can quickly identify the most suitable candidates and Changeworknow’s experience of providing interactive screening questionnaires which quickly highlight the best applicants will help the recruitment team make great hiring decisions fast. The technology will transform the recruitment process within the business and importantly provide all candidates with a first class and engaging experience”.

Lisa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer added “Last month we were successful in winning a top HR award in the category “Best Candidate Experience” for our work with Ask Italian. We are delighted that Carluccios join the growing number of high profile restaurants such as Jamie Oliver, The Gondola Group and Wagamama who have selected us as their technology partner”

Changeworknow’s  award winning cloud based applicant tracking and  talent engagement platform incorporates some of the most innovative functionality of any solution on the market today and is already providing substantial benefits for both recruiters and candidates. Carluccio’s are one of the latest organisations to benefit from this offering and in doing so join Changeworknow’s growing portfolio of high street brands.

To see the new system in action please visit www.carluccios.com/jobs/  

And the winner is............

We are delighted to announce that Changeworknow’s applicant tracking and talent engagement system is an award winner in the 2013 In-House Recruitment Awards.

At the awards dinner in London last week ASK Italian were announced as overall winners in the category “Best Candidate Experience”. This award is in recognition of the outstanding candidate journey and experience that Ask Italian provide for their applicants. The results include:

• Honest and immediate candidate feedback has resulted in an increase in quality of              applicants
• Increase in quality of hires has led to 16% drop in labour turnover resulting in significant overall cost savings
• Reduction in cost per hire saving £20,000 a year
• Excellent feedback from internal managers with comments such as “we are consistently seeing great people who have the ASK personality, passion and energy”

The award also recognises Changeworknow’s commitment to the candidate journey and experience. A fundamental philosophy of the Changeworknow approach is providing an outstanding candidate experience and we are delighted that we have been able to support ASK Italian with their award winning candidate experience.

Lisa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer explains: “This is a fantastic achievement. We have worked with ASK Italian for 18 months and this award is in recognition of the great results that are being achieved. Attracting, engaging, selecting and securing people who are “stuffed full of the ASK factor” is critical so that the business can deliver their unique service proposition and business strategy. With many applicants being potential customers it is paramount that the whole candidate experience is first class regardless of the outcome for the candidate. ASK Italian have achieved this”

We are delighted that our work with Ask Italian has been recognised in these industry awards and well done to everyone involved!

ASK Italian's Steve Homes, MD and Jane Bonbernard, HR Director with the award at the dinner.

Center Parcs Implement a New Applicant Tracking System Powered by Changeworknow

We are delighted to announce another new client implementation this month. Center Parcs has launched a brand new applicant tracking solution powered by Changeworknow. Delivering excellent customer service to guests is an integral part of the Center Parcs experience and this means ensuring that people are recruited with the right skills and attitude. With a high profile new village opening in 2014 it was essential to put in place a robust and reputable system to support the recruitment for Woburn and Changeworknow were selected because of their expertise in helping organisations provide an excellent and consistent candidate experience that engages candidates with the brand and values of the organisation.

 

Center Parcs needed to replace their existing ATS system with something more modern, agile and fit for purpose. With over 95% occupancy rate there is a constant need to recruit to ensure that villages are fully staffed with employees having the right skills to deliver excellent customer service. Their volume recruitment will be efficiently handled through the use of extensive screening questionnaires to reduce the quantity but increase the quality and “fit” of applicants supported by Changeworknow’s modern and extremely flexible award winning applicant tracking solution.

 

Lisa Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director of Changeworknow explains: “The Center Parcs implementation is an example of a trend we are seeing in the market where organisations have been using an ATS for a few years which is no longer fit for purpose. Changeworknow’s solution is one of the most flexible and modern solutions on the market and has the ability and flexibility to change as businesses change. Center Parcs will quickly reap the rewards of implementing a solution that gives full visibility of all recruitment activity whilst focusing on a first rate candidate experience from the moment of application through to hire. We are looking forward to a long term partnership with the organisation”.

 

To see the new solution in action please visit http://www.centerparcscareers.co.uk/

 

Sorry you can't shop here today.....

If you had logged onto Sainsburys website this week hoping to apply to work in a store you will be greeted with this message:

We would like to reassure our clients and followers that despite this message the good news is that Changeworknow's applicant tracking system is not affected. Candidates can apply for any Store Support Centre vacancy as these are supported by Changeworknow's technology.

Changeworknow's solution has been developed using agile and modern open source technology. This allows us to undertake any planned maintenance efficiently and effectively. Our commitment to our clients and their candidates is to measure technical maintenance in minutes rather than days.

Changeworknow...small organisation with a big company mentality!

Vue Cinemas Implements Award Winning Applicant Tracking System

We are delighted to announce that Vue Entertainment one of the UK’s leading cinema developers and operators of multiplex cinemas has launched a new recruitment and applicant tracking solution powered by Changeworknow the award winning ATS provider.  No stranger to online recruitment Vue have been working with Changeworknow for eight years but the decision was made to implement Changeworknow’s latest technology.   As a company Vue prides itself on its state of the art technologies which provides the best and most innovative experience for its customers and the newly implemented system features dynamic user interfaces that provides a more efficient and enjoyable experience for both candidates and managers.

Lisa Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director at Changeworknow, comments “Vue made the decision to implement the new technology after having extensively researched the market which included researching other ATS providers.  The decision was made to continue to work with Changeworknow because of the innovative and flexible solution that the new platform provides.  The system is so intuitive and powerful and provides an exceptional experience for all users and is one of the most contemporary and modern recruitment systems available on the market.”

“It’s like changing from a Ford to a Ferrari” remarked one user on experiencing the system for the first time.  With a goal to increase the attraction of external applicants the ability to share and post jobs to social media channels is an important aspect for Vue and it is expected that the system will result in great efficiency savings, lower overall recruitment costs whilst giving Vue the ability to build up a talent pool for future requirements. 

Metro Bank Launch Applicant Tracking Solution provided by Changeworknow

We are delighted to announe that Metro Bank, Britain’s first new High Street bank in over 100 years has launched an applicant tracking solution developed by Changeworknow. With a unique and customer focused approach to banking Metro are revolutionising the high street by offering simpler and more convenient banking for its growing customer base. With a bold new store opening strategy Metro is introducing a best of breed recruitment technology solution to provide a fantastic candidate experience which is aligned with the brand and values of the organisation.

The solution will help to identify applicants who have a passion for customer service, who can surprise and delight the customers and provide unparalleled service, all essential attributes for working in Store at Metro Bank.

Lisa Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director of Changeworknow explains “Metro Bank are a fast growing high street brand and were looking for a solution that would be flexible enough to support a fast growing company. Brand is vitally important to the organisation so choosing a system that would enable the business to fully reflect the brand throughout the whole online recruitment process was an essential factor in selecting Changeworknow. The new technology will focus on giving a first rate experience for everyone applying. By choosing Changeworknow as a partner they are getting a solution that is totally fit for purpose”.

Metro Bank are one of the latest fast growing organisations to implement Changeworknow’s award winning approach and solution. They join Jamie Oliver Group, Gordon Ramsay Holdings and Ask Italian who have all launched a system in the past year.  To see the new solution in action please visit https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/Careers/

Global Fashion Retailer launches Applicant Tracking System

Aurora Fashions, the name behind some of the UK’s most respected woman’s fashion brands, Coast, Oasis and Warehouse has launched an Applicant Tracking and Talent Acquisition System provided by award winning company Changeworknow.

With over 1250 stores in 398 countries the group has implemented an integrated solution to be used by all brands which will enable the organisation to have full visibility of  recruitment activity across the group. With better management information to inform a direct sourcing strategy this will enable cost savings to be achieved.

Driven by the need to manage volume, build a talent pool and give candidates a really good hiring experience candidates are guided through an online process that is all about engaging those candidates who will be a good fit for the individual brands. By using tailored and specific screening and sifting questionnaires which give candidate’s immediate feedback will result in more qualified and suitable applicants therefore enabling the recruitment team to save time dealing with unsuitable candidates.

The progressive system will allow the organisation to build up a well qualified talent pool, spot high potential employees immediately and provide internal managers with an improved level of service.

“We are delighted to be working with a high street brand that is passionate about delivering a first class recruitment process and puts the candidate journey at the heart of that process. This is so important for retailers as their applicants could also be their customers”, says Lisa Proctor, Director of Changeworknow. “Aurora have put in place a solution that will make a great difference for candidates,  internal managers and recruiters”.

The new system can be seen in action at http://tinyurl.com/d5agk7k.

The Value-able Organisation: Breakfast Event January 2013

Changeworknow are delighted to announce that we are co-hosting and speaking at a breakfast event specifically for HR professionals who are passionate about bringing values to life. A key element of this event will be looking at how organisations are successfully incorporating values into the recruitment process with a particular emphasis on how technology can help with this.  

The event features  four speakers sharing inspirational stories and examples about values and their incorporation into HR processes.  

A sneak preview of the speaker line up:

• Keri Jones, Resourcing Manager ASK Italian: Case Study: Recruiting People with the ASK factor
• Lesley Nash, CEO, Changeworknow, Using technology to recruit in line with values
• Jessican Mann, Global VP for Communications, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Case Study: Communication Strategies to engage employees with the values
• Alan Sears, Director, Vybrant, Beyond Engagement: how todays' companies use values to drive the new world of work

When:                 Friday 25th January 2013
Time: 8.30 to 11.30am
Where:              The Museum of Brands, Notting Hill, London

For more information or to find out how to book a place please contact marketing@changeworknow.co.uk

Comet Make the Switch to Changeworknow’s Applicant Tracking Solution

Comet, the electrical retail chain has implemented Changeworknow’s applicant tracking solution in time for peak recruitment this Christmas. With a focus on giving customers the best price, best choice and best service the business is looking to give all candidates who apply the best recruitment experience.

With 240 stores in the UK the business has made the decision to implement the award winning technology in order to provide a better experience both for applicants who apply but also for managers within the business.

Lisa Proctor, Director of Changeworknow explains: “Comet was using an ATS powered by one of the largest global providers of applicant tracking systems that was proving expensive to keep up to date with changes in the business and had fallen into disuse.  The team at Comet were looking for an experienced and safe pair of hands to guide them and chose Changeworknow because of our unparalleled expertise and experience in the retail sector.  We are seeing a growing trend of companies looking to switch to our more modern, flexible and fit for purpose solution, both for volume and specialist recruitment needs”.

The new system at Comet has tailored screening questionnaires that will enable the company to deal effectively with the high volume anticipated at this busy time of year. The system will also integrate directly with the internal HR system therefore reducing any administrative workload associated with new starters.  To see the new system in action please visit www.cometjobs.co.uk

Dune Takes a Step in the Right Direction with the Launch of an Applicant Tracking System

Dune, the UK’s leading affordable luxury footwear retailer has launched an applicant tracking solution developed by Changeworknow. With over 200 stores and concessions the organisation is introducing best of breed technology to provide a fantastic candidate experience which is aligned with the brand and values of the organisation. The solution will help to identify applicants who have a passion for fashion, are fanatical about footwear and are crazy about customer service, all very important attributes for working in a Dune Store.

 Lisa Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director of Changeworknow explains “Prior to our involvement with Dune the process was highly administrative and manual with candidates receiving an inconsistent experience. The new technology will focus on giving a first rate experience for everyone applying. Dune were looking for a solution that is easy to use and highly flexible enabling it to grow and adapt with the business over time and by choosing Changeworknow as a partner they are getting a solution that is totally fit for purpose.

 
Dune are one of the latest fast growing organisations to implement Changeworknow’s award winning approach and solution. They join Jamie Oliver Group, Gordon Ramsay Holdings and Ask Italian who have all launched a system in the past few months.  To see the new solution in action please visit http://www.dune.co.uk/careers/

Leading hotel launches Applicant Tracking Solution

Changeworknow are delighted to announce that Scotland’s leading leisure resort Crieff Hydro Hotel have implemented Changeworknow’s award winning cloud recruitment solution for their leading four star facility in Perthshire, Scotland. With over 200 bedrooms, 50 self catering properties and extensive leisure and conference facilities the hotel is constantly looking for talented individuals.

With the recent focus on the development of a people strategy together with a culture change programme Changeworknow have been brought in to provide technology that provides an excellent and consistent experience and that engages applicants with the Crieff Hydro brand and values. Equally important is an applicant tracking system that will considerably reduce the administration time of the HR team through streamlining the whole process.

Lisa Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director of Changeworknow comments, “Crieff Hydro have selected Changeworknow for their expertise in providing applicant tracking solutions within the hospitality sector. Our unique award winning approach will ensure that candidates get a four star experience which reflects the brand through a highly interactive application process. The hotel has put in place a solution that will revolutionise the way recruitment is carried out and enable the business to provide a great experience for all applicants.”

The system launched this week can be seen in action at http://www.crieffhydro.com/leisure/our-jobs.aspx

Changeworknow shortlisted for Top HR Award

Changeworknow are delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted as a finalist for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) People Management Awards 2012 in the category “HR Innovation through Technology”. This category recognises organisations that have gained real business benefit and achieved strategic objectives through using technology.

Lisa Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director explains, “Our new Applicant Tracking System is being implemented in a growing number of high profile organisations all of which are realising tangible benefits from our innovative and modern technology. We constantly receive outstanding feedback from our clients and this is further reinforcement that Changeworknow are at the leading edge of applicant tracking systems and technology. It is great news for both the team and all our clients”.

These prestigious industry awards have this year received a record number of entries and they set out to recognise excellence in all aspects of HR.

Changeworknow’s technology has been shortlisted alongside organisations such as Jaguar Landrover and RBS. The winners will be announced in October at the awards dinner in London.

Gordon Ramsay and Ask Italian choose Changeworknow's Applicant Tracking Solution

Changeworknow’s reputation as the partner of choice for organisations in the restaurant and hospitality sector continues to gather speed with the announcement that both Gordon Ramsay Holdings and Ask Italian have chosen the award winning company to provide a cloud based recruitment solution for their businesses.

The Gordon Ramsay holdings group are a growing entrepreneurial business well known for Michelin star dining experiences such as Petrus, Maze and The Savoy Grill. As they grow they are looking to diversify the offering to include gastro pubs which will require recruiting talented individuals with the right skills, experience and motivation to deliver  high standards. The organisation was looking for a partner with the expertise to provide on online recruitment system that will differentiate the individual brand personalities and give candidates a brand specific, meaningful and relevant online experience.

Ask Italian, part of the Gondola Group  are going through a period of refocusing in order to take advantage of the growth in the restaurant sector. In order to do this they require quality staff to deliver a great customer experience and selected Changeworknow for their ability to provide a solution that will enable them to assess the required skills as people start to apply online.

  

Head of Client Services, Sharon Wilson, who is responsible for both implementation says “We are seeing a growth in interest for our expertise in the hospitality arena. Our solution is ideal for these two very different groups. The high level of flexibility that we offer means that the system can be tailored to the needs of these very different businesses. In both cases as it will provide good quality criteria based questionnaires to sift and increase quality of applicants while giving candidates a genuine and honest experience, which is really important to both businesses”

The award winning online recruitment system, from Changeworknow uses some of the most modern design in the industry and is becoming well known for the ease with which is can scale up and flex for fast growing organisations.