Young & hungry for success? Survey shows a quick service restaurant job gives youth advantage

HR professionals surveyed as part of youth recruitment campaign

OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - According to a new poll, 86% of human resource (HR) decision makers recommend that youth consider a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) for their first job, and 94% consider QSR experience an asset when hiring for sales, marketing and customer service roles. The survey was commissioned by Tim Hortons as part of the company's focus on assisting its Restaurant Owners to recruit hard-working, energetic people to work in their Tim Hortons Restaurants. The company has implemented a number of campaigns in support of its Restaurant Owners recruitment initiatives, this one focuses specifically on youth by highlighting the benefits of working at a Tim Hortons Restaurant and demonstrating that a job there can fuel professional success.

"My first job was at Tim Hortons when I was 14 years old. The job taught me skills that I've carried with me throughout my career that continue to play an integral role in my current leadership position," says David Clanachan, President and Chief Operating Officer, Tim Hortons Canada. "A job at Tim Hortons can build a solid foundation that is key to any successful career: from the most basic fundamentals like punctuality, time management and dressing appropriately, to broader skills including communication, teamwork, accountability, flexibility, and exceeding customer expectations."

Other relevant study findings include:

• 89% of HR decision makers surveyed agree that working at a Tim Hortons Restaurant teaches youth important job skills.
• 84% of HR professionals agree that youth with QSR experience possess transferable skills that are valued in many industries.
• The majority of HR professionals agree that the following QSR skills are valued by employers: ability to work in a team, time management and punctuality, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, customer service and communication; with the ability to work in a team as the most valuable.

In addition to surveying HR professionals, the company's strategy to assist Restaurant Owners to engage youth includes a digital and social media campaign centered on the relaunch of WorkAtTims.com, the Tim Hortons restaurant recruitment site. Videos highlight that "It's the people that make Tims, Tims," and feature current Tim Hortons Restaurant employees who best demonstrate the traits most likely to lead to success at Tim Hortons Restaurants: friendly, social and energetic people who thrive in a fast-paced, guest service environment.

Tim Hortons has also collaborated with Yconic, Canada's largest youth-focused consumer insights panel, to gain a deeper understanding of workplace factors that attract youth candidates. Notable and relevant insights learned from a February 2015 Yconic study of 1,385 students and young adults across Canada include:

• 69% value schedule flexibility.
• 73% want to develop useful job-related skills.
• 65% value the ability to build resume and work experience.
• 59% value company location.
• 69% are interested in employment at an established company.

"A job at a Tim Hortons Restaurant fulfills much of the criteria that are important to students and young adults," Clanachan explains. "Tim Hortons Restaurants are open seven days a week, and many locations operate 24-hours, so the schedule flexibility that the restaurants offer is appealing to students. Other attractive factors include convenient locations, the opportunity to learn transferable skills, a social, collaborative and energetic environment, and all within a highly respected and established brand. "

With over 3,700 restaurants across Canada, Tim Hortons franchisees collectively are one of the largest employers of youth within the QSR industry - approximately 45% of Tim Hortons Restaurant staff is under the age of 24. In addition to the workplace factors listed above, Tim Hortons Restaurant owners offer a number of job benefits directed at their youth workforce including a scholarship program that has awarded $2.2 million dollars over the last 11 years.

Tim Hortons Restaurant owners are committed to establishing a workforce that reflects the communities they serve, and are always looking for talented and dedicated candidates of all ages and backgrounds to join their teams. Interested candidates can visit their local Tim Hortons Restaurant, or WorkAtTims.com to apply or learn more.

Survey Methodology
The online survey was conducted by Research House among 100 well qualified HR professionals from August 3, 2015 - August 8, 2015. In order to qualify for this survey, respondents had to reside in Canada and be the main or joint decision maker for the HR department within their company or organization.

Tim Hortons^® Overview
Tim Hortons, part of Restaurant Brands International, is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of July 27, 2015, Tim Hortons had more than 4,700 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

SOURCE Tim Hortons

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Michelle Robichaud
[email protected]
905-339-5047