WOMEN'S FOODSERVICE FORUM (WFF) MEMBERS DEFINE THE ORGANIZATION’S IMPACT ON
THEIR CAREERS
98% of respondents to a recent survey experienced a positive effect on their
careers including broadened knowledge, increased competence and new strategic connections
DALLAS (November 2, 2011) —
A recent survey of members, former members and non-members affiliated with
Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) revealed some significant findings about the
positive influence the organization has on the careers of its members. The survey was done in part
to influence decisions about new programs and member benefits currently being
developed.
“Women in the foodservice industry who aspire to advance know they need to build
their leadership competencies and make strategic connections with peers,” said WFF President and
CEO Fritzi Woods. “The results of this survey are motivation for us to continue delivering the
content and connections that are making a difference in the careers of our members.”
The survey, which received 1,083 responses and included questions about WFF and the foodservice industry as a whole, yielded a number of significant findings:
- Ambitious, With a Plan. WFF members are ambitious, 93% of WFF members aspire to advance in the foodservice industry. Members are also more likely than those who have never been members to have a plan of action (65% vs. 49%).
- Guaranteed Career Impact. WFF membership is virtually guaranteed to impact careers. In a survey of members, 98% experienced a positive impact from WFF in their careers including increased knowledge and rich networking connections.
- WFF Members Get Ahead. Women get ahead while they are WFF members. In fact 85% of members reported that they received a raise, were promoted, won new business or referrals, and/or expanded their role within the company while they were members. Interestingly, WFF members who also served as volunteers on WFF committees reported even stronger results. Among volunteers, 92% received a raise, were promoted, won new business and/or expanded their role within their organization.
“We’ve always known that our members are women and men who are driven in their careers and passionate about their profession,” said Brinker International Global Business Development President and WFF Chair Carin Stutz. “These results demonstrate that the rich networking and highly effective and educational WFF leadership content is working to support our members as they grow in their careers.”
The survey also revealed opportunities for improvement in the foodservice industry as a whole, such as:
- More than Half Feel Their Skills Are Underutilized. 56% of WFF members and 65% of non-members feel their skills are not being utilized to their fullest potential in their current positions. Foodservice organizations have an untapped opportunity to capitalize on these skills.
- WFF Members More Aware of Glass Ceiling. WFF members are less likely to think the glass ceiling no longer exists. Only 16% of members believe the “glass ceiling” has been shattered. WFF Members Get Ahead.
- Myths about Women in the Workforce and a Lack of Sponsors Are Real Obstacles. While most women in foodservice agree on the obstacles that stand in their way to their careers advancing, certain differences exist. WFF members are far more likely to understand the importance of having a male or female sponsor in their organization to help drive their career.
For information about a WFF membership, visit
www.womensfoodserviceforum.com/membership.
The Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) is the premier leadership development
organization that empowers women in the foodservice industry to achieve their highest potential.
With thousands of members from all segments of the foodservice industry, including restaurant
operations, manufacturing, distribution, publishing and consulting, WFF is committed to elevating
women leaders. Through highly effective and educational content at the Annual Leadership
Development Conference, Executive Summit, Regional Connect events, and more, WFF provides members
with the competence, content and strategic connections needed to make a positive difference in
their careers. For more information about WFF, please visit
www.womensfoodserviceforum.com.
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For more information, contact: Kelley Koehler
WFF media relations
262.893.4134 – mobile
Koeh0101@Gmail.com
WFF media relations
262.893.4134 – mobile
Koeh0101@Gmail.com