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Recap from Our Recent Webinar
In today’s competitive labor market, Operators are asking a simple but urgent question: How do I get great people to stay?
That was the focus of our recent 20-minute webinar, “Discover How Operators Are Retaining Talent with a Pathway to Debt-Free Degrees,” led by Ficus Education.
The conversation uncovered real insights from hundreds of restaurants, where Operators are turning education benefits into a powerful driver of retention, engagement, and leadership development.
Key Takeaways
Retention is no longer just about pay, it's about purpose.
Operators are finding that raises and bonuses alone aren’t enough. What’s moving the needle is showing team members a path forward — a reason to grow with the restaurant, not just work in it.
“When team members believe in their future, they stay. And they lead.” — Jenny, Ficus Education
Tuition reimbursement doesn’t work for most hourly employees.
Traditional models are full of red tape. Operators told us they need something simpler, faster, and more accessible, especially for young, part-time, or first-generation students.
That’s why we built a flat-rate, fully supported pathway to debt-free degrees with no loans and minimal out-of-pocket costs for students (only the cost for books and administrative fees).
The most successful Operators do three things:
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Make it personal – Share the opportunity in team meetings and 1:1 checki-in's so it feels real and intentional.
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Connect it to career growth – Position the opportunity as a stepping stone to leadership, not just a chance to earn a degree.
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Use the tools to make it work – Ficus Education provides everything you need to launch successfully, from communication templates to team-facing flyers, but Operator and team leader engagement is key to building momentum.
Grab the Quick Start Guide
Curious if this could work at your restaurant? Download our Quick Start Guide for Operators to see exactly how to get started.
Ready to Offer Debt-Free College or Have Questions?
Whether you're just exploring or ready to take the next step, we’d love to connect. Book a brief call with our team to see if this is a fit for your team.
