In the dynamic world of franchising, where systems and processes often take centre stage, it’s easy to overlook the crucial element that truly drives success: people. Indeed, in the grand scheme of things, people are the lifeblood of every business. Whether you’re a franchisor steering the ship or a franchisee at the helm, prioritising the well-being and performance of your team is paramount. Let’s delve into the key considerations for both franchisors and franchisees to ensure their people are not just present, but thriving.
Leadership
Effective leadership sets the tone for the entire organisation. Franchisors must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to the values and culture they want to see throughout the organisation. This involves providing clear direction, fostering open communication, and empowering franchisees to lead their teams with confidence.
Franchisees, in turn, must embody leadership qualities within their own units. By inspiring and motivating their employees, they create an environment where everyone feels valued and driven to excel.
Expectations and Trust
Clear expectations are the cornerstone of a productive work environment. Franchisors should establish transparent guidelines and performance metrics, ensuring that franchisees and their teams understand what is expected of them. Equally important is trust—franchisees must have faith in their employees’ abilities and empower them to take ownership of their roles.
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of employees should never be overlooked. Franchisors and franchisees alike should prioritise initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. This may include offering wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and access to resources for managing stress and maintaining work-life balance.
Culture and Purpose
A strong organisational culture is the glue that binds a franchise together. Franchisors should cultivate a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose. By instilling pride in the brand and its mission, they can inspire loyalty and dedication among franchisees and their teams.
Franchisees play a pivotal role in upholding and reinforcing this culture within their units. By embodying the brand’s values and vision, they create a sense of belonging and purpose that resonates with employees and customers alike.
Values
Values are more than just words on a page—they are the guiding principles that shape behaviour and decision-making. Franchisors should ensure that their values align with those of their franchisees, creating a cohesive framework for operating the business. By upholding these shared values, they can build trust and integrity within the franchise network.
Franchisees, in turn, must embody these values in their interactions with employees, customers, and the community at large. By leading with integrity and ethical conduct, they set the standard for behaviour within their units.
Training and Support
Investing in employee development is an investment in the future success of the franchise. Franchisors should provide comprehensive training programs that equip franchisees and their teams with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Ongoing support is equally crucial, whether through mentorship and support programs, regular check-ins, or access to resources and expertise.
Franchisees must also prioritise training and development within their own units, recognising that a well-trained team is better equipped to deliver exceptional service and drive business growth.
While systems and processes are essential for the smooth operation of a franchise business, it is ultimately the people who breathe life into the organisation. By prioritising leadership, trust, wellbeing, culture, purpose, values, training, and support, franchisors and franchisees can create an environment where their people feel valued, empowered, and motivated to perform at their best. After all, when the lifeblood of a business is nurtured, success naturally follows.
Jenny Boymal
Jenny is the Partnerships Manager for The Proven Group, a full service People and Culture Consultancy. She has a passion for franchising, working with a diverse range of franchises to support both the Franchisor and Franchisee with their employment relations, HR, Training and Wellbeing needs. The Proven Group works to support franchisees with their HR challenges so that they can grow their business. Feel free to order your own copy of The Proven Group’s book – “Less Headaches, Happier Team, More Success!” for Franchise Owners.