{"id":8105,"date":"2022-07-13T14:51:56","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T19:51:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin-new\/?post_type=campus_story&p=8105"},"modified":"2022-07-13T14:51:56","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T19:51:56","slug":"real-problems-real-solutions-uw-la-crosse-students-get-hands-on-experience-through-kwik-trip-integrated-core-program","status":"publish","type":"campus_story","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/story\/real-problems-real-solutions-uw-la-crosse-students-get-hands-on-experience-through-kwik-trip-integrated-core-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Real problems, real solutions: UW-La Crosse students get hands-on experience through Kwik Trip Integrated Core Program"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Photo
UW-La Crosse business students Claire Mistele (left) and Jackson Lescamela detail ways that Kwik Trip can design a work environment for the attraction and retention of new employees. The presentation was part of the Kwik Trip Integrated Core Program at UWL.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Solving real-world problems for one of Wisconsin\u2019s most recognizable companies.<\/p>\n

That kind of work is typically left to seasoned professionals. However, thanks to the\u00a0Kwik Trip Integrated Core Program at UW-La Crosse<\/a>, business students are gaining those experiences, too.<\/p>\n

During the spring semester, students worked in groups to research and address two issues currently facing the La Crosse-based convenience store company. Half the students explored strategies to design a work environment for the attraction and retention of new employees. The other half studied ways to maintain culture and retain workers in a hybrid environment.<\/p>\n

In early May, they presented their findings to representatives from Kwik Trip.<\/p>\n

Incoming senior Jack Murphy \u2014 who worked with Alissa St. Louis, Teagan Hammen, Jackson Lescamela and Claire Mistele to tackle the first research topic \u2014 says the group put considerable effort into crafting the presentation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis report was conducted by analyzing and researching various information to gain insight on what Kwik Trip can put in place to create and support a work environment that enhances employment brands and leads to more in-person work,\u201d explains Murphy, a finance major. \u201cThis project was made primarily for the Kwik Trip team but could be used in almost any business practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Murphy notes that, in large part due to COVID-19, many employers are reevaluating the traditional workplace. In that way, the pandemic provided businesses an opportunity to explore new ideas benefitting both the organization and its employees.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are in a fast-changing world where traditional aspects of the office may not be attractive for employees entering the workforce,\u201d Murphy says. \u201cEspecially with the recent pandemic forcing people to work from home, the possibilities of workplace environments have expanded. Employees also want an employer that cares for their needs and wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Photo
From left to right: UWL students Alissa St. Louis, Teagan Hammen and Jack Murphy share their research findings with representatives from Kwik Trip. Recommendations included increased benefits and resources, such as employer-sponsored childcare, and more flexible scheduling policies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Job satisfaction and employee well-being were constant factors throughout the students\u2019 project.<\/p>\n

Recommendations for employers included:<\/p>\n