While automation, AI, and robotics continue to transform Europe’s food and beverage (F&B) industry, a new feature in Business Reporter—published with insights from global operations consultancy dss⁺—argues that human engagement may be the true differentiator for competitiveness.
The F&B sector faces mounting headwinds: talent shortages, post-pandemic work shifts, and rising expectations from younger generations. Surveys show 79% of Gen Z and 75% of millennials would walk away from jobs without upskilling opportunities, making career growth central to retention.
Engagement Delivers Measurable ROI
According to Gallup, highly engaged teams show:
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23% higher profitability
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14% greater productivity
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18% lower turnover
For F&B, where safety lapses can trigger regulatory fines or supply chain disruptions, these gains are more than financial—they’re existential.
Case in Point: Safety Transformation
dss⁺ highlights one global F&B client that slashed injuries by 52% and cut its recordable incident rate from 2.2 to 0.77 over six years—the safest stretch in the company’s history. The results, dss⁺ argues, stem directly from cultural transformation and employee-led engagement.
Starbucks, PepsiCo Show the Way
Forward-looking brands like Starbucks and PepsiCo are doubling down on training and mobility programs—from tuition reimbursement to digital upskilling initiatives. These investments build loyalty and ensure workforces are “tech-ready” for digital-first operations.
Leadership as the Multiplier
Beyond perks and programs, leadership behaviors are proving decisive. dss⁺ notes that structured coaching and behavior-based leadership programs can deliver not just cultural change, but millions in savings via reduced incidents and higher productivity.
Engagement = Strategy, Not HR
The core takeaway: engagement isn’t an HR nice-to-have—it’s an operational strategy. Companies that align training, leadership, and culture with business outcomes will not only create safer workplaces but also unlock agility and long-term resilience.
“Engaged employees don’t just follow process—they create safer, stronger, and more innovative organizations,” the dss⁺ analysis concludes.
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