Episode 9: Finding Purpose in Creating a Safe Haven for Employees and Customers
With Rachel Shemirani
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Key Takeaways
This week’s heart-warming episode of the Leading Real Change podcast, features SVP of Baron’s Market Rachel Shemirani who shares how her company managed change through the pandemic and beyond, setting a new standard of employee care.
Key take aways include:
Family Business Success: Rachel shared that working with family requires learning boundaries, but maintaining success is measured by still enjoying Thanksgiving together.
Proactive Pandemic Response: In the face of the pandemic, the business proactively stocked up on inventory, adapting swiftly to meet the community's needs.
Rapid Decision-Making: The pandemic forced quick decision-making, and despite the challenges, the focus remained on keeping shelves stocked and communities supported.
Customer Stress Management: As mask mandates created tensions, the business prioritized the safety of employees, adapting to unusual customer behaviors with a focus on maintaining a safe environment.
Realization of Impact: A heartfelt email from a customer highlighted that the business was not just providing groceries but creating a safe haven for the community.
Employee-Centric Culture: Treating employees as a priority, offering flexibility, pay adjustments, and addressing individual needs demonstrated a commitment to a people-first culture.
Role modeling Well-being: Rachel started taking more vacation herself to help encourage workers to take theirs.
Adaptation and Empathy: Understanding individual circumstances, adjusting work hours, and providing vacation benefits showcased empathy and adaptation to the diverse needs of employees.
Industry Influence: By adding vacation benefits for clerks and challenging industry norms, the business aimed to redefine the perception of working in a grocery store, emphasizing its value.
Building Employee Confidence: Open communication, support for new ideas, and encouraging employees to vocalize values and priorities contribute to building confidence, making them not just good but excellent employees.
Guest Bio
Rachel Shemirani understands the value of good food at good prices as Barons Market Senior Vice President. Born and raised in San Diego, Rachel is part of the second generation in the family-owned Barons Market. She oversees advertising, marketing, brand strategy, store operations, store design and community engagement for Barons Market. In 2018, Rachel was named as a Top Women In Grocery by Progressive Grocer Magazine. She regularly speaks on industry panels discussing current topics and best practices in the grocery retail space. Barons Market operates nine stores in San Diego and Southwest Riverside and has been named “2023 Exceptional Independent” by The Shelby Report as well as “2023 Outstanding Independent” by Progressive Grocer Magazine.
