JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In an innovative human resources move, 30-unit The Loop Pizza Grill is rolling out a Chaplaincy Program catering to the spiritual needs of crew members and their families.
According to a news release, the non-denominational program puts trained chaplains inside restaurants to help employees manage stress and cope with life's challenges. The chaplains are available to employees 24/7. They are paid a small stipend by the restaurant owner but employees pay nothing.
To date, six Loop restaurants have chaplains, and more franchisees are expected to embrace the program after noting its positive impact on morale, attendance and employee retention.
The program is the creation of Loop co-founder and chief executive Mike Schneider, who envisioned a faith-based service that would elevate the company's employee assistance program to a higher level.
"Like many restaurants with young employees, we have kids who come from dysfunctional homes or have problems at school. The chaplains are a great resource for our people," Schneider said. "They've helped us create an environment where employees feel valued and cared about."
Most of the restaurant chaplains are trained youth pastors, and some have a degree or license in counseling. They visit their chosen restaurant several times a week, work alongside employees and, when asked, provide non-denominational, faith-based, confidential support. Employees have given the program an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
"Our crew members in each restaurant feel like they have a friend to talk to. They don't see the chaplains as a religious figure," said Charles Moles, the general manager and operating partner of the Eagle Harbor Loop in Jacksonville. "The program is good for morale."
"It's a great program, especially for younger employees," said Stacie Clements, an Eagle Harbor crew member. "Our chaplain, Becky Curtis, is a happy, fun person to talk to ... just a good friend. She's someone we can lean on in times of need."
Clements said she and many of her fellow employees don't really think of the program in religious terms.
"For us, it's not really a 'chaplaincy program.' It's more about the person serving as our chaplain," she explained. "As long as we have great, caring people like Becky, I think the program will always be welcome. And I know my co-workers feel the same way."
Corporate managers believe current declines in absenteeism and employee turnover are proof of the chaplaincy program's positive effect.
In the United States, employers are permitted to offer faith-based services to employees, provided they do so without discrimination and without creating an environment where employees feel pressured to conform to a particular faith. The purpose of The Loop's Chaplaincy program isn't to push religion, stressed Schneider.
"We don't hit anyone over the head with this," he said. "We have Jewish, Muslim and Hindu employees, and they know that our chaplains can help them locate a member of their faith community. The chaplain is a conduit to assist all our employees."
