After reading the article in the Washington Post about the latest viral TikTok food hacks, I have
gained a deeper understanding of how these trends affect both consumers and businesses. It’s
interesting to see how individuals can spark widespread food fads, but this phenomenon also
presents challenges for companies aiming to balance heightened popularity with the well-being
of their employees. As new food crazes continuously emerge and capture public interest, the
pressure on workers escalates, often leaving them feeling stressed and overwhelmed while
trying to ensure a positive experience for customers. Shakespeare’s, a well-established pizza
brand located in the heart of downtown Columbia, is particularly known for its popular pizza and
commitment to quality. Recently, we introduced a dessert pizza to our menu, which has quickly
gained attention and popularity among our customer base. While we are thrilled about the
enthusiasm surrounding this new item, we are increasingly concerned that the increase in
demand could lead to employee burnout and even resignations among our staff members. To
address these challenges and support our employees while still providing the dessert pizza
option, I have developed a strategic plan. Our approach will involve limiting the production of
dessert pizzas to 30 per day. This decision is aimed at alleviating the pressure on our staff, who
are already managing the demands of preparing our traditional menu items. By capping
production, we can focus on maintaining quality while reducing the workload that comes with an
unpredictable surge in orders. Furthermore, we believe it is essential to recognize and reward
the hard work of our team. To this end, we plan to implement an increase in employee wages as
an additional incentive for our workers to remain with us. This will not only help to boost morale
but also demonstrate our appreciation for their dedication and efforts during these busy times.
As a beloved local establishment that has served the community for 50 years, it is vital for us to
protect our positive reputation and foster a welcoming environment for both employees and
customers. Happy and engaged employees are key to delivering exceptional service, which, in
turn, drives customer satisfaction and loyalty. We understand that some patrons may be
disappointed by the limited availability of dessert pizzas, but we firmly believe that this approach
is the most sustainable way to ensure that our operations remain efficient and our workforce
remains motivated. By prioritizing our employees' well-being, we are ultimately setting the stage
for long-term success for both them and our business.