Winner winner 15k

Every now and then you come across something that empowers your employees to do more. You can get very lucky when this actually flows to the front line of your business; the core of your business.

A few weeks ago we held the final of our Cashier of the Year competition for 2016.  This event showcased the best of the best of our cashiers; those who have more customer interaction than any other person in our business.  Our cashiers are an undervalued asset to our business and they are usually the last point of contact that we have with our customers during their shopping experience.  They can make or break the customers experience all within a few seconds with a simple look, smile, gesture and just showing some care. We realised they are such a valuable asset to our network and so we wanted to come up with an initiative that recognises this; and hence why the Cashier of the Year competition was introduced.  

Now I am not claiming that we came up with this brand-new idea entirely, however I am claiming that we made it a competition that showcases the skills needed to be the cashier of the year; whilst offering a total of $21,000 in cash prizes to our staff.

It all started with an idea; and within months the team turned it into one of the best events the business has ever ran. With $15,000 cash as first prize, we wanted to ensure we had the best of the best winning, so we divided it into 3 rounds.

·        Round 1 – Speed & Accuracy

·        Round 2 – Mystery Shopper Experience

·        Round 3 – Interviewed by our Executive Panel.

To qualify, anyone who had at least one shift per week could enter and we had over 700 keen cashiers enter; and through each round contestants were eliminated until we got down to the final 5. With our final 5 vying for the Cashier of the Year and the $15k prize, all the rounds were collated and a final scan off show down event was held at one of our SA stores, with Drakes platters and refreshments provided to all. In front of over 100 staff, family and friends supporting their favourite cashier; this was a fever pitched event.

A checkout was set up so all could see the one last scan off being performed by the 5 finalists.  As you can imagine, nerves were high and you could cut the air with a knife. The results were calculated and the winner was then announced.  The first event was taken out by Rhys from our Golden Grove store in a very close final.  We handed out $21,000 in cash on the night and Rhys was awarded a $15,000 cheque for first place.  As you can imagine, this sum of money in one hit is life changing for Rhys and that was an exciting finish to the competition.

So what have I learnt that I didn’t see coming, firstly the atmosphere and the store support for the final 5 was outstanding with everyone getting behind their favourite; who were kind of like mini rock stars on the night.  Also finding an initiative that gives back to the forefront of our business seems to have a far reaching effect.  

Sometimes I feel we live in a cocoon, where most of our business events are held for the suppliers which are mostly attended by store management.  However, this event was for the staff who are the core face of our company; and all the work involved in the background was certainly noticed by all our staff as they could see that we were actually recognising our front line people through this competition.  This was one of the most amazing outcomes of the Cashier of the Year Award.

With all that we have learnt; it has been decided that we will be running the Cashier of Year contest again in 2017……………have you got what it takes ???? If you want to work for a company that cares look no more !

JP