LAS VEGAS — The food industry needs to improve its battle position in the growing war for talent, said Denise Morrison, president of North America Soup, Sauces and Beverages at Campbell Soup Co.
The problem is easily reduced to a few facts, according to Morrison, who spoke during the FMI Show here last week.
There are some 75 million aging Baby Boomers, and only 45 million Gen X'ers behind them to take their place, she said. Moreover, food retailers and consumer packaged goods companies are not among the most sought-after employers by today's graduates.
“Young people want to know if they can find a fit and build a career,” she said. “The challenge for all of us is to be disciples for the food business. Young people can get excited about that.”
Morrison said companies need to focus on factors such as leadership behavior, engagement and values, all of which relate to business results.
In recent years, Campbell's has taken a multi-pronged approach to improving its position in the fight for talent, she added:
The company has developed affinity networks to promote diversity, including “Women of Campbell” and “African American Network.”
“We want to create a workplace with unique viewpoints,” Morrison said. “Our diverse marketplace reflects diverse consumers.”
Campbell's measures employee engagement through a Gallup survey. The company has found improved engagement for the past seven years, she said.
The company also conducts an annual culture survey, “and we learned that our employees agree with the importance of our values,” she said.