Restaurant Chain Hires Corporate Chaplains

[BEB]

I find this one interesting on a few levels. Since religion is under attack it's nice to see a positive religion story. Its also a creative and, apparently, successful way to retain and improve output from workers.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/l...&storyid=79584

Restaurant Chain Hires Corporate Chaplains

JACKSONVILLE, FL (AP) -- There's something at The Loop Pizza Grill that you won't see on the menu, but the Jacksonville-based chain says its helps with retention and absenteeism and well-being of employees. It's a corporate chaplain.

The chain employs six chaplains to give employees someone to turn to when their are going through times of stress -- pregnancies, health concern, drug and alcohol issues and marital problems.

The Loop founder and CEO Michael Schneider started the chaplain program about eight years ago when he felt he was losing touch with his employees as his local chain expanded. He's found that it helps make employees happier both at work and at home.

The use of corporate chaplains is a growing trend in businesses as a way of providing employees another outlet to deal with their troubles and share their triumphs.

The Loop's six chaplains, which serve nine Jacksonville area stores, don't keep records and don't let management know the names of the employees using their services. The chaplains are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As it becomes more difficult to find and keep good labor, Schneider said turnover has been reduced and absenteeism seems to be less. Most of his employees fall in the 18 to 27 age group, and he sees the program as a positive business tool for the chain.

[Rhino]

There's a difference between religion being "under attack" and being exposed for what it is. If you want an example of the former, then read about the Crusades.

[Buttercup]

The Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A chain has always operated under the following mission statement (in part):

Our official statement of corporate purpose says that we exist "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."


I believe they also have chaplains on the payroll, and have for some time. I've also heard that it's a good place to work, at least at the corporate level.