By Nathan Hamood, President and Director of Coffee
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters
One of the startling results of the novel coronavirus pandemic has been the collision of our dependence on advanced logistics and technology with the roles of labor in a modern economy. As we will discuss, the current situation has prompted us to reconsider how we interact with and make the best use of employees —in a way, we think, all for the better.
Pre-pandemic, ease and speed of shopping had become the ultimate focus. E-commerce has entered almost every industry and become a powerhouse, with the potential of lower overhead, improved customer acceptance, and what customers have increasingly sought out: Convenience with a capital C.
Unfortunately, this steady evolution of convenience, ordering and paying online, waiting for the delivery of a package or tonight’s dinner, has further driven human interaction from the retail and dining experience. We believe there is a toll eventually to be paid for this.
During the pandemic, many retailers have been encouraging this behavior, offering incentives for not coming to one’s store and shopping in person. A generation ago, maybe, even a decade ago, who would have thought of something so radical as dissuading customer visits? Certainly, not those of us who relish the experience of serving guests in person at a coffee shop!
Paradoxically, many e–commerce modes even try to mimic the personal touches that customers perhaps have felt, consciously or unconsciously, they’ve lost over time. Thus, the pandemic shows the power of e-commerce and the importance of digital operations, but, perhaps, has also created an additional need and thirst for the opposite—the most human experiences possible.
At the same time, the pandemic has brought dormant or under the surface, but no less real, labor issues to the forefront. It isn’t just about the pay, as important as that is, but about having a say in how a business operates, being encouraged to offer ideas and make contributions, and being rewarded in holistic ways. We will discuss this humane approach to managing people in more detail in another blog, recognizing that this is not an easy task given the emotions and hostilities that have surfaced in some of today’s workplaces.
However, suffice it to say that the modern employee, the ones on whom our success as business owners ultimately depends, is looking to contribute in ways not sufficiently appreciated. So let’s tap into these undiscovered resources.
About Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters has one location in Rochester, one in Detroit, and one in Royal Oak. The company roasts coffee in-house daily as well as bakes its desserts every day. Dessert Oasis strives to deliver an unrivaled coffee, dessert, and entertainment experience through close attention to detail, an unbelievable knack for quality, and intense love for our communities. Crain’s Detroit Business recently recognized President and Director of Coffee Nathan Hamood for his passion for coffee, business acumen and commitment to the community by being included in Crain’s 20 in their 20s Class of 2021.
