Pret a Manger: Hiring 550 New UK Staff in 2013, Focusing on Team Member Success

Pret a Manger, the popular sandwich chain, plans to create 550 new jobs in the UK in 2013. The company attributes its success to its 'frontline staff' - the team members - who are carefully selected for their personality and experience in fast-paced customer service environments. Pret's hiring policy is 'We hire happy people and teach them to make sandwiches.'

Applicants undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including an interview with HR managers and the general manager of their closest shop. They are assessed on three core Pret behaviors - 'Passion, Clear Talking and Team Working'. Successful candidates are then invited for a trial day where existing staff vote on their potential to become team members. Unsuccessful applicants are paid for their time.

New recruits receive extensive training, covering hygiene, safety, and the 'Pret way'. They graduate as Team Members after a four-week appraisal and then as Team Member Stars after a further 10-week training program. Career progression is encouraged, with opportunities to become Hot Chefs, Baristas, Team Member Trainers, Team Leaders, Assistant Managers, and General Managers.

Pret offers competitive pay, exceeding the UK minimum wage for over-21s. There are also various morale boosters, such as all-expenses-paid Christmas and summer parties and monthly team nights out. A weekly bonus system based on mystery shopper reports further incentivizes excellent service.

Pret's focus on team member development and satisfaction is reflected in its low staff turnover and a remarkable 75% of managers who began their careers as team members. This commitment to its staff and unique company culture helped Pret a Manger earn a spot on Fortune magazine's list of the 10 Best Companies in Europe to work in 2002.