Professional Background
Roy Walker, currently serving at Harri, is a seasoned professional with a notable career trajectory. He is dedicated to consumerising workplace technology to enhance both candidate and employee experiences, as evidenced by his activity and posts on LinkedIn ([LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rpwalker)). He holds an educational background from Nottingham Trent University.
Key Roles and Achievements:
- Strategic Approach: Roy is known for his strategic mindset, delivering consistent year-on-year success by exceeding revenue growth targets.
- Industry Involvement: He actively participated in events like Restaurant & Bar Tech Live, where he addressed the challenges and solutions in recruitment and retention amid the labor crisis ([Source](https://resources.harri.com/blog/restaurant-bar-tech-live-words-from-roy-walker/)).
- Technological Innovations: Roy emphasizes the importance of frontline employee engagement with technology. He was instrumental in developing tools such as Harri’s Carri, a smart conversational chatbot that streamlines the job application process using common messaging platforms (WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.).
Contributions to Harri
Recruitment and Retention:
Roy highlighted significant insights during his presentation at Restaurant & Bar Tech Live:
- Labor Crisis Post-COVID-19: The pandemic caused a major shift in employment patterns within the hospitality sector. Many employees left the industry, creating a pressing need for effective recruitment and retention strategies.
- Employee Compensation: His surveys revealed that 61% of employees hadn’t received a pay rise, and 44% planned to change jobs in the following year. He used this data to underscore the importance of retaining talent by enhancing employee compensation and benefits.
Technological Solutions:
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Roy identified gaps in existing ATS systems that failed to convert candidates efficiently. Harri’s integrated approach with platforms like Indeed and Caterer simplified the application process, reducing friction for users.
- Employee-Centric Technology: Roy's approach ensures that technology adoption among frontline employees is seamless. Harri's tools focus on usability and engagement, crucial for industries where deskless work is prevalent.
Future-Oriented Strategies:
Roy's posts and professional activities indicate a strong focus on:
- Workforce Management: Through Harri’s Workforce Management Tour, he showcased how their solutions benefit not just candidates and hiring managers but also employees and operational teams ([LinkedIn Post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rpwalker_harri-isnt-just-delighting-candidates-and-activity-7072893338995044353-BdVS)).
- Continuous Improvement: He advocates for continuous innovation and problem-solving to empower hospitality and QSR businesses ([LinkedIn Post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rpwalker_its-an-exciting-few-days-leading-up-to-mcdonalds-activity-7181673981236641792-4csi)).
Summary
Roy Walker's expertise in strategic growth, technological innovation, and employee engagement positions him as a valuable asset to Harri. His efforts to streamline recruitment processes and enhance employee experiences through technology are pivotal for addressing the current challenges in the hospitality industry. Roy's impactful leadership and data-driven approach underscore Harri's commitment to transforming workplace environments.