BRAC University

MBA Program, Summer 2020

HRM 502
Assignment 1- Case: HR Contributes at SYSCO
Faculty: Zaheed Husein Md Al-Din

Name: Tabassum Umme Rownak

ID: 18364098

1. How does the market-driven approach illustrates that HR has strategic, operational and
administrative roles at SYSCO?

Answer:

The way in which market-driven approach illustrates that HR has strategic, operational and
administrative roles at SYSCO is discussed below:

Strategic role: HR collects data from all the regional units and develops strategies based on the
regional environment. These strategies are then followed by all the regional operations when
they are convinced by the strategies set for them.

Operational roles: Using the data collected by Virtual Resource Center, HR has improved the
compensation plans, safety of employees and recruitment of SYSCO which resulted in lower
turnover rate, compensation claims and safe work environment which resulted in a reduced cost
incurred due to employee turnover.

Administrative role: SYSCO’s market driven approach requires that The HR collects data on HR
activities throughout all the operation units using Virtual Resource Center and provide that data
to operating managers.

2. Discuss what types of HR changes could have affected reduction in workers’ compensation
expanses, employee turnover and increased customer satisfaction.
Answer:

Reduction in compensation expenses: SYSCO’s HR has achieved a reduction in compensation

expenses by conducting workplace climate surveys of employees. Through this survey the HR
could identify the aspects of the workplace that threaten the security of the employees. It
involves both job security and workplace safety. When the HR was successful to ensure both job
security and workplace safety, demand for increased compensation of the employees decreased
and thus compensation claims by the workers of SYSCO reduced by 30% resulting in savings of
$10 million per year.

Reduction in employee turnover: Using various survey results, HR of SYSCO developed various
programs and services to reduce the turnover of employees. This programs includes revised
compensation plans, improved recruitment process etc. This helped reduce employee turnover
rate throughout the organization which eventually reduced its cost.

Increased customer satisfaction: A low employee turnover ensured that employees are more
experienced and more productive. Old employees are more knowledgeable about SYSCO
operations and products which helps the employees to provide better services to the clients.
Delivery services also improved when the HR improved the operations of its trucks and delivery
drivers. All this ensured better customer service and improved customer satisfaction