Author Archives: Lauren DeFrancis

Employee Retention

What do you think is the most demotivating part of Harper’s job?

If I was in Harpers position I would find the lack of growth in my job very demotivating. Harper staying in the same job role for years even after she gained much knowledge and experience I’m sure felt very frustrating. And the fact she has a heavier work load than what is “expected” for her job load yet still has the same title is not motivating at all.

If you were an HR manager meeting with Harper’s supervisor, David, what advice would you give to help them re-engage Harper?

I would ask David if he has implemented any employee retention tactics. The first step I would suggest to David is not only giving Harper a raise, but also a new higher up work title. That in itself can really help drive Harpers ambition at work and also give her the want to be better at Marketable, Inc. Also making sure she has a good communication route she can take if her workload begins to be too much. Relying so much on one person for so many duties is not responsible for a company.

What would be the downside of losing Harper as an employee?

Employees like Harper are extremely valuable to companies like Marketable, Inc. Each employee makes a contribution to the success of a company. Losing employees can disrupt work flow and team dynamics. The cost of time for training and interviews for new employees can be very substantial.

The Founder

Ray Kroc and the McDonald’s brothers differed in their business philosophies. The brothers focused on quality and efficiency, while Kroc emphasized expansion and franchising.

Personally I think the decision for the McDonald’s brothers to sell to Kroc was right for business growth. Kroc’s deal allowed for extensive franchising and contributed to McDonald’s becoming a global phenomenon. The deal allowed for rapid expansion and global success of the McDonalds brand. Kroc’s vision benefitted both parties financially and it established McDonald’s as a prominent figure in the fast food industry.

Local store franchisees made money through sales at their specific locations. Their profits were tied to the performance and efficiency of their individual stores within the McDonald’s franchise.

Kroc made money through franchise fees and a percentage of sales across all McDonald’s locations. This differs from franchisees who earned directly from their specific store’s performance, tying Kroc’s income to the overall success of the entire franchise.

The film did change my view of McDonalds. It highlighted potential ethical concerns and portrayed business decisions to be perceived as exploitative or unfair. It also depends on individual interpretations of the events presented in the film.

Ethics of H&M

H&M is one of the world’s largest fashion retailers. And it has been actively working towards corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices. The company has recognized the importance of addressing environmental and social concerns within the fashion industry.

In recent years, H&M has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. One notable effort is the commitment to using 100% sustainable or recycled materials by 2030. H&M has also launched a garment recycling program, encouraging customers to return old clothes for recycling. Which I personally have taken part in. For every bag of clothes you drop off to an H&M location, you recieve a 20% off coupon for your next purchase. This approach aligns with circular fashion principles, aiming to minimize waste and extend the lifespan of garments.

In terms of energy conservation, H&M has invested in renewable energy sources and aims to be 100% circular and climate-positive throughout its entire value chain by 2030. “We have signed long-term virtual power purchase agreements in UK, Sweden and Spain to cover electricity consumption in our operations in most European markets. By entering into purchase agreements like these, we are helping to increase the amount of renewable electricity available.(“Climate”).” The company is making strides in improving energy efficiency in its stores and warehouses and has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint.

H&M has embraced fair trade practices by supporting fair wages and working conditions for factory workers. “We conducted 51 on-site evaluations at our suppliers and identified potential energy efficiency improvements of almost 20% in tier 1 facilities and over 25% in tier 2. These assessments have led to planned energy efficiency measures.(“Climate)” The company is actively engaged in initiatives promoting ethical labor practices, although challenges persist in the complex global supply chain.

In the realm of philanthropy, the H&M Foundation focuses on global challenges such as education, clean water, and women’s empowerment. This demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the immediate scope of the fashion industry.

However, to further enhance its ethical and sustainable practices, H&M could consider increasing transparency in its supply chain, providing consumers with more information about origins and production processes of their products. Strengthening partnerships with organizations dedicated to fair labor practices and environmental conservation could also bolster H&M’s commitment to CSR (corporate social responsibility).

Encouraging community service and volunteerism among its employees could enhance H&M’s social responsibility initiatives. This could involve supporting local communities in regions where the company operates and fostering a sense of responsibility among employees.

In conclusion, while H&M has made significant strides in adopting sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility, continuous improvement is essential. Recommendations include increased transparency, strengthened partnerships, and a focus on community engagement. By implementing these practices, H&M can further solidify its commitment to ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable business operations.

References:

“Climate.” H&M Group, 28 Apr. 2023, hmgroup.com/sustainability/circularity-and-climate/climate/.

Lauren DeFrancis

My major is digital marketing. Some hobbies I have are playing tennis, reading, and traveling. Some things you should know about me is I love fall and I am originally from Arizona.

My BMCC email is: LAUREN.DEFRANCIS38@STU.BMCC.CUNY.EDU