Fresh Direct is a company that grows and distributes fresh food produce directly to customers via an online ordering platform, based in Birmingham, UK. The company started in 2010 and began as a family run business. Now, they have more than 100 employees. As the Covid pandemic struck in 2020, the business experienced unexpected rapid growth, with orders tripling almost overnight. Whilst the firm had the product to meet the demand of customers, investment was needed in equipment; and more importantly, the number of staff needed to increase immediately if productivity was to remain effective. To address this, the owner placed an online advert for farmhands requiring CVs to be emailed to the business. Candidates that Fresh Direct were interested in took part in a 20-minute online video interview that aimed to determine their skills and suitability. Then, successful candidates began work once they were able to evidence that they were free of the Covid virus. Upon starting the role, each new member of staff was given a tour of the farm and worked side by side with existing staff members for a day before being given individual responsibilities – this whole process took two weeks to complete. Shortly after the recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes were completed, the operational productivity of the firm decreased, orders were late or incomplete, and for the first time since opening, customer complaints were received. Staff are now working longer hours than contracted and many are looking to leave the company once they have secured alternative employment. Fresh Direct has decided to employ you as the specialist HR manager to help identify the issues and rectify them, with the hope of retaining employees and ensuring that effective productivity is returning.1. What are the benefits of developing individual staff members for Fresh Direct? 2. How can training and development be used to manage an individual’s expectations in respect of personal development at Fresh Direct? 3. Critically evaluate three development vehicles available to an organisation (Fresh Direct) appropriate to the development needs of the individual (motivation, engagement, leadership management, etc)The report should contain at least 20 academic references in support of your work from a variety of valid and reliable sources. A reference list should be provided using Harvard referencing conventions. You should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theories/models associated with developing the workforce e.g., appraisal, personal development plans, performance management, Herzberg two factor theory, Maslow theory, etc You should critically evaluate your sources and draw appropriate conclusions supported by academic references. The work should include critical evaluation of vehicles used in developing individuals and a critical assessment of the potential benefits of developing individuals for both the organisation and the individual at the workplace.
