2026 Fancy Food Show NYC: A Taste of What’s Next in Specialty Food
Posted on July 10th, 2026
From industry insights and award-winning innovation to luxury ingredients and emerging trends, the 2026 Fancy Food Show in New York City once again proved why it remains one of the most influential events in specialty food.
Exploring the Future of Specialty Food in New York City
The 2026 Fancy Food Show brought together food manufacturers, distributors, retailers, chefs, and industry leaders from around the globe to showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of food. Walking the floor, attendees experienced everything from artisanal products and international specialties to sustainable packaging solutions and premium ingredients.
The energy throughout the event reflected an industry that continues to evolve rapidly, driven by consumer demand for authenticity, quality, wellness, and culinary adventure.
Industry Leaders Share Their Vision
One of the highlights of the show was an expert panel discussion hosted by the Specialty Food Association (SFA). Industry veterans and thought leaders discussed emerging market trends, shifting consumer preferences, and the challenges and opportunities facing specialty food brands.
Industry experts participate in a Specialty Food Association panel discussing the future of specialty foods, consumer trends, and innovation.
Key themes included:
- Growing demand for clean-label products
- Increased interest in global flavors
- Sustainability throughout the supply chain
- The role of technology in product development and distribution
- Premiumization across food categories
The conversation underscored how specialty food companies are adapting to an increasingly sophisticated consumer marketplace.
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
The show floor featured a dedicated exhibition area celebrating excellence in specialty food products. Display cases showcased award-winning products, standout packaging designs, and category-leading innovations.
At the center of the exhibit stood a striking golden award display symbolizing achievement within the specialty food industry.
An exhibition highlighting award-winning products and innovative brands from across the specialty food landscape.
These exhibits provided attendees with valuable inspiration while highlighting the creativity and entrepreneurship that continue to drive the industry forward.
Luxury Ingredients Take Center Stage
Among the many memorable displays at the event, premium ingredients attracted significant attention. One standout exhibit featured large black truffles—an ingredient synonymous with luxury dining and gourmet cuisine.
Fresh black truffles showcased at the Fancy Food Show, demonstrating the continued demand for premium and specialty ingredients.
As consumers increasingly seek elevated culinary experiences at home and in restaurants, ingredients like truffles continue to gain popularity. Their presence at the show reflected a broader trend toward indulgent, high-quality food experiences and premium product offerings.
Trends Defining the 2026 Show
Several trends emerged throughout the event:
Global Culinary Discovery
Consumers continue to seek authentic international flavors, creating opportunities for specialty brands introducing unique regional products.
Premium Experiences
From rare ingredients to handcrafted products, premium offerings remain a powerful growth driver within the specialty food sector.
Sustainability Matters
Brands are increasingly focused on responsible sourcing, environmentally conscious packaging, and transparent supply chains.
Innovation Through Tradition
Many exhibitors successfully combined traditional food-making techniques with modern consumer preferences, creating products that feel both authentic and contemporary.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Fancy Food Show demonstrated that the specialty food industry remains vibrant, innovative, and resilient. From insightful discussions and award-winning products to unforgettable ingredient showcases, the event provided a glimpse into the future of food.
Whether exploring emerging consumer trends, discovering premium ingredients like black truffles, or learning from industry leaders, attendees left with fresh ideas and valuable connections that will help shape the next chapter of specialty food innovation.
As the industry continues to evolve, the Fancy Food Show remains a premier destination for identifying what’s next in specialty food—and 2026 did not disappoint.
The Cinco de Mayo Origin Story
Posted on May 1st, 2026
Cinco de Mayo: What It Really Celebrates—and Why It Endures
Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico’s 1862 victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, when General Ignacio Zaragoza and a smaller, poorly equipped Mexican force defeated one of the world’s strongest armies. As the article notes, “the 4,000 Mexican soldiers were greatly outnumbered by the well equipped French army of 8,000,” yet they prevailed—a symbolic win that boosted national pride and unity.
The triumph was short lived. France returned with a larger force, captured Mexico City, and installed Emperor Maximilian I. But after the U.S. Civil War ended, the United States began supporting Mexico, and by 1867 the French withdrew and Maximilian’s regime collapsed.
Why Cinco de Mayo Became a U.S. Celebration
Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo is far more popular in the United States than in Mexico. It first took hold in California in 1862 and grew nationwide in the 1980s thanks to beer and spirits advertising. Today, it’s widely seen as a celebration of Mexican American culture, complete with food, music, and community festivals.
In Mexico, the day is commemorated mainly in Puebla with parades and battle reenactments—not as a national holiday on the scale of Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16.
Why the Battle Still Matters
Historians point out that the victory at Puebla had ripple effects. Some argue that if France had succeeded earlier, it might have supported the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War—potentially altering American history.
The Modern Meaning
Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a global celebration of Mexican heritage, resilience, and cultural pride. What began as a military victory now lives on as a symbol of identity and community far beyond Puebla.
Mole Poblano is the “national dish” of Puebla and certainly worth the effort for your celebration!
Because the dish includes a whole chicken, nuts, seeds, dried chiles, chocolate, and lard, it’s naturally rich, calorie dense, and nutrient dense. Here’s what a typical serving of chicken with mole like this tends to look like:
| Nutrition Snapshot |
|---|
| Calories: 650-850 |
| Carbohydrates: 35-55 g |
| Fiber: 6-10 g |
| Sugars: 10-20 g |
| Sodium: varies (salt added to taste) |
2026 National Nutrition Month
Posted on March 14th, 2026
A balanced eating pattern also depends on variety, which ensures we receive a broad spectrum of nutrients that work together to support cognitive function, mood regulation, and sustained energy. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide phytonutrients that protect brain cells; whole grains deliver steady glucose for mental clarity; and lean proteins supply amino acids essential for neurotransmitter production. Hydration plays a similarly vital role. Even mild dehydration can impair concentration and memory, making water, herbal teas, and hydrating foods like citrus and cucumbers essential components of daily nutrition.
Gut health has emerged as a cornerstone of overall wellness, and the new guidelines reinforce the importance of fiber-rich foods—whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds—to support a diverse microbiome. A healthy gut influences digestion, immune function, and even emotional well‑being through the gut–brain connection. Alongside fiber, functional nutrition highlights how herbs, spices, and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals can enhance health. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, rosemary, and oregano offer anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, while nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and omega‑3 fatty acids support cognitive performance and stress resilience.
Together, these principles reflect a modern, holistic understanding of nutrition—one that aligns with the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines’ focus on whole foods, cultural flexibility, and sustainable habits. National Nutrition Month is the perfect moment to explore new flavors, rethink daily routines, and build eating patterns that nourish both body and mind. To strengthen our healthy-eating message, let’s choose a full-spectrum approach that actively integrates variety, gut health, hydration, and functional foods into daily meal planning.
Winter Weather’s Impact on Hospital Facilities and EVS Operations
Posted on February 9th, 2026
How a Record Snowfall, Foot Traffic, and Respiratory Illness Surges Drive Labor Demand and Asset Wear
This winter has been operationally different for hospitals across the United States. Several regions experienced record or near-record snowfall, including parts of the South and lower Midwest that historically see little to no sustained winter weather. Hospitals in states such as Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and across much of the Southeast encountered snow and ice conditions well outside their normal planning assumptions.
For many of these facilities, this was not simply a heavier winter. It was an unfamiliar one.
Facilities, Environmental Services teams, and support services that are typically designed around rain, heat, and hurricane preparedness were suddenly managing extended snow events, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and prolonged reliance on winter control measures. Entry systems, matting layouts, staffing models, and cleaning protocols were often not designed for sustained winter exposure at this frequency and duration.
As a result, the impact inside hospitals has been more disruptive, more labor-intensive, and more costly than in regions accustomed to regular snowfall.
Winter weather is not just an exterior safety issue. In years like this, it becomes a facility-wide operational stressor with direct implications for EVS capacity, asset preservation, and patient safety.
Why Winter Weather Creates Interior Facility Stress
Snow and ice control measures such as ice melt products, pre-treatment agents, mechanical snow removal, and traction materials are essential for maintaining exterior safety during winter weather events. However, moisture and winter residue do not stop at the door.
Foot traffic continuously carries moisture and particulate into the facility, particularly during active weather events and prolonged cold periods. Once inside, this material migrates rapidly through high-traffic zones, including lobbies, corridors, waiting areas, elevator banks, and clinical adjacencies.
As volume increases, fine particulate embeds into floor finishes, accelerates abrasion, and degrades appearance. Floors lose gloss, discoloration becomes visible, and finish-life shortens. What begins as a temporary condition quickly becomes a persistent operational challenge requiring repeated intervention.
In regions unaccustomed to sustained snow, these impacts are magnified. Entry systems may be undersized, matting insufficient, and response protocols underdeveloped simply because historical conditions never required them.
Why Hospitals Are More Exposed Than Other Facilities
Hospitals face a unique combination of structural and operational realities that amplify winter weather impacts.
They operate continuously, meaning interior contamination never pauses. They have multiple access points serving different populations, each introducing distinct traffic patterns and contamination risks. Infection prevention requirements further limit the use of aggressive chemicals and abrasive methods commonly used in non-healthcare environments.
In healthcare, flooring is not just a surface. It directly influences infection prevention, staff safety, patient perception, and long-term capital preservation. Winter conditions stress all these simultaneously.
Why Winter Weather Disproportionately Impacts EVS Labor
Winter weather does not increase EVS workload evenly. It concentrates labor demand into high-visibility, high-traffic public spaces while simultaneously increasing clinical cleaning requirements.
During extended snow and ice events, EVS teams are pulled into reactive, repetitive work in lobbies, corridors, entrances, and waiting areas. These spaces require repeated attention as winter residue is reintroduced faster than it can be removed.
Instead of progressing routine cleaning schedules, preventive floor care, or project work, staff are forced into continuous re-cleaning cycles. This results in labor displacement. Hours normally allocated to preventive maintenance, detail cleaning, and deep cleaning are consumed by surface-level remediation that produces diminishing returns.
For hospitals in southern and historically low-snow regions, this impact has been particularly disruptive. Staffing models, productivity assumptions, and task frequencies were not built around prolonged winter response, leading to rapid strain on available labor.
At this point, EVS leaders are no longer managing workload. They are managing tradeoffs. Without intentional direction from administration, those tradeoffs default to visibility rather than risk.
Compounding Pressure from Elevated Respiratory Illness Activity
These challenges are occurring alongside elevated respiratory illness activity. This winter has seen sustained circulation of influenza, RSV, and COVID-related illness across many regions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported widespread respiratory virus activity, driving higher inpatient census and emergency department utilization.
For EVS teams, this translates into:
- Increased isolation room turnover
- Higher terminal cleaning frequency
- Greater demand for high-touch disinfection
- Increased scrutiny on cleaning compliance and effectiveness
These are non-negotiable clinical priorities. The same workforce responsible for infection risk reduction is also expected to manage sustained winter-related interior degradation. When winter residue is not controlled at the entry level, labor is diverted from patient-care priorities to managing public-space deterioration.
This is not an execution problem. It is a capacity problem.
What Happens When EVS Labor Is Not Intentionally Allocated
When EVS labor is not explicitly allocated for winter remediation and containment, the impact does not disappear. It shifts and multiplies across the organization.
Uncontrolled migration of winter residue is the first consequence. Moisture and particulate move beyond entry points into primary corridors, elevator banks, and clinical adjacencies. Once embedded, routine cleaning is no longer sufficient without increasing risk to finishes and traction.
Labor is then silently diverted from clinical priorities. Staff respond informally to visible deterioration by pulling time from isolation rooms, terminal cleaning, and high-touch disinfection. This shift rarely appears on schedules, but it directly affects throughput and infection prevention outcomes.
Rework increases and productivity collapses. Improper sequencing spreads residue, floors require repeated passes, and more labor is consumed to achieve fewer durable results. Preventive floor care is deferred, accelerating asset degradation and shifting costs from operating budgets into capital budgets.
Safety risk increases as surface conditions fluctuate. Staff fatigue rises. Morale declines. Absenteeism and turnover accelerate precisely when experienced staff are most critical.
Leadership often misdiagnoses the outcome as poor execution or accountability failure when the true issue is insufficient labor allocation for a predictable operational condition.
Entry Control as the Primary Mitigation Strategy
Effective winter response begins with containment. Preventing migration reduces downstream labor exponentially.
Industry best practice supports providing fifteen to twenty feet of walk-off surface at primary entrances, combining exterior scraping with interior absorbent matting. This allows multiple footfalls to remove moisture and residue before it reaches finished flooring.
Guidance from the International Sanitary Supply Association reinforces extended matting systems as a foundational soil control strategy. Facilities unfamiliar with sustained snow events are discovering that existing layouts are insufficient under abnormal winter conditions.
Matting must be properly sized, aligned with traffic flow, and maintained aggressively. Saturated mats redistribute residue rather than capture it, undermining their purpose.
Cleaning Practices and Sequencing in Real-World EVS Operations
During winter conditions with heavy tracked-in residue, the primary challenge is not cleaner selection but the volume and persistence of material entering the facility.
When residue levels exceed what routine processes were designed to manage, even appropriate products struggle to keep pace without sufficient labor, proper sequencing, and effective containment at the entry level.
Effective winter floor care depends on matching cleaning methods and products to the type and volume of soil present, emphasizing physical removal of moisture and grit while protecting floor finishes and maintaining traction. Dry removal must precede wet cleaning to prevent residue spread and finish damage.
Exterior Conditions Still Influence Interior Outcomes
Mechanical snow removal reduces the amount of material available for tracking. Strategic treatment of ramps, transitions, and known slip-risk zones limits unnecessary carry-in. Proper drainage reduces standing meltwater near entrances, decreasing moisture transport into the building.
Facilities unfamiliar with snow events are learning that exterior design and maintenance decisions directly affect interior labor demand and asset wear.
The Environmental Protection Agency has highlighted the long-term corrosive impacts of chloride-based winter treatments, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful exterior management as part of facility preservation.
Why EVS Labor Preservation Is a Patient Safety Strategy
During winters with elevated respiratory illness and unprecedented snow exposure, EVS labor becomes a finite clinical resource.
Every hour spent repeatedly remediating public-space residue is an hour not spent reducing infection risk elsewhere in the facility. Hospitals that intentionally allocate labor, contain residue early, and adjust expectations during active events are better positioned to protect patients, staff, and assets.
Winter weather response exposes whether EVS is treated as a cost center or an operational control function.
Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Respiratory Virus Activity and Infection Prevention Guidance
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/index.html
Used to support statements regarding elevated respiratory illness activity, increased isolation and terminal cleaning demand, and heightened infection prevention pressure on EVS teams during winter months.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Chloride, Deicing Practices, and Infrastructure Impacts
https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/chloride-salt-and-water
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/snow-and-ice-removal
Used to support discussion of winter treatment materials, chloride-related corrosion, infrastructure impacts, and the importance of thoughtful exterior winter management.
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
Soil Control and Entrance Matting Best Practices
https://www.issa.com/articles/why-entrance-matting-matters
https://www.issa.com/articles/soil-control-programs
Used to support recommendations related to extended walk-off matting, soil containment strategies, and entry control as a primary mitigation approach.
Healthcare Facilities Management (HFM) Magazine
Maintaining Hospital Floor Surfaces and Asset Preservation
https://www.hfmmagazine.com/articles/4033-maintaining-hospital-floor-surfaces
Used to support statements regarding floor finish degradation, maintenance challenges, and the long-term asset impact of environmental stressors in healthcare facilities.
About the Author
Donald Sipp Jr., MBA, PMP, CHESP, RESE, CHTI
Senior Director, Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc.
Connect with Donald Sipp Jr.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldsippjrmba
- Website: https://ruckshockey.com
Featured Insights
- The Critical Role of Floor and Project Technicians in EVS – Discusses the impact of EVS technicians on safety, infection control, and asset longevity.
- How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? – Reviews contamination risks of hospital stretchers and transport equipment.
- What Are the Infection Prevention Risks in the Hospital Tray Line? – Explores overlooked infection risks along the hospital tray line and opportunities to strengthen foodservice safety.
Celebrating Environmental Services Week with Gratitude and Pride
September 14-20
Posted on September 8th, 2025
At Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc., we are honored to celebrate Environmental Services (EVS) Week—a dedicated time to recognize the essential professionals who keep our healthcare facilities (Hospitals, Long-term care facilities, rehab facilities), schools, offices, and public spaces safe, clean, and welcoming.
Environmental Services teams are truly at the core of healthy, vibrant environments. Their impact reaches far beyond cleaning: from supporting infection prevention and organizational wellness to building the confidence and comfort of colleagues, students, patients, and visitors each day. Whether it’s disinfecting high-touch surfaces, preparing patient rooms, maintaining clean classrooms, or ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes, EVS professionals play a crucial role in protecting every community they serve.
As we recognize their work, we’re reminded:
At Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc., we’ve been privileged to collaborate with EVS leaders and dedicated staff across industries. Their commitment inspires us daily and is essential to the reputation and smooth operation of every organization.
To every Environmental Services professional — thank you!
Your unwavering dedication ensures cleaner, safer, and healthier spaces for everyone. You set the standard for safety, reliability, and care in every environment!
This EVS Week, let’s proudly celebrate your hard work, leadership, and meaningful impact—whether your role is in healthcare, education, business, industry, or public service. You make a real difference, and we are proud to stand with you.
From your partners at Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc.
Happy Environmental Services Week!
Beyond the Paycheck: Why Celebration is Your EVS Team’s Secret Weapon
Posted on July 3rd, 2025
At the recent 2025 AHE Exchange, Donald Sipp of Ruck-Shockey and Associates Inc. delivered a powerful message in his “Beyond the Paycheck: Why People Quit” presentation: We all need to celebrate more! This isn’t just a feel-good sentiment; for healthcare Environmental Services (EVS) departments, fostering a culture of celebration is a strategic imperative for success.
EVS professionals are the unsung heroes, directly impacting infection prevention and patient experience. Yet, when their vital contributions go unnoticed, morale plummets, stress rises, and valuable talent walks out the door. Neglecting celebration leads to disengagement, burnout, and costly turnover, ultimately compromising the very quality and safety they strive to uphold.
The Power of Acknowledgment
Celebration, in its truest form, is a fundamental leadership practice. It’s about:
- Boosting Morale: Making employees feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
- Building Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where contributions are welcomed, and mistakes are learning opportunities.
- Strengthening Teams: Fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging
- Enhancing Retention: Happy, recognized employees are more likely to stay.
Your Celebration Toolkit: Ideas from AHE
At the AHE Exchange, our discussion group even generated a word cloud filled with fantastic ideas for celebrating EVS teams. It was a vibrant testament to the creativity and shared commitment within our community! The suggestions ranged from simple daily acknowledgments to larger team events.
Think about:
- Daily Recognition: A sincere “thank you,” a public shout-out in a huddle, or a positive note.
- Small Gesture: Coffee and donuts, a team lunch, or a “spotless room” award.
- Milestones: Work anniversaries, certification completions (like CHEST!), or positive patient feedback shared with the team.
- Team Activities: A quick game, a themed day, or even a simple team photo.
The key is consistency and authenticity. Make celebration a regular part of your team’s routine. It doesn’t always require a big budget, but it always requires genuine appreciation.
By actively celebrating your EVS team, you bring their vital role into the spotlight, reinforcing their value to the entire organization. This investment in human connection goes far “beyond the paycheck,” leading to improved morale, lower turnover, and ultimately, a safer and cleaner environment for every patient.
2025 National Nutrition Month
Posted on March 14th, 2025
Food touches everyone! Food connects us to our cultures, our families and our friends. Food is also an experience – think of the fun family meals, parties with friends and holiday events which bring joy and memories. Health, memories, traditions, seasons and access can all impact our relationship with food. While these factors influence the food we eat, the food we eat also affects our health. No matter your age or activity level, making healthful food and drink choices will provide your body with energy now and fuel for the future.
Here are some tips to help us enjoy our food, stay nourished and connected on a budget. When prices of food and supplies go up, buying healthful foods may feel like a stretch. Yet, many healthful foods are filing, cost less overall, and help to manage or reduce your chances of developing chronic diseases.
- Planning is key before you shop in helping one stay focused on choosing foods that are affordable, satisfying and have a higher amount of nutrition
- Eat a variety of foods from all food groups
- Make tasty foods at home – learn or enhance your cooking and meal preparation skills. Try new flavors and add herbs, many of which have medicinal value
- Pay attention to your portion sizes – choose smaller portions to stay within your calorie needs
- When we consume less calories overall, our food choices matter more than ever. To help prevent deficiencies here are seven food groups that help protect you the most:
- Fresh/Raw Vegetables
- Organ Meats and Bone Broth
- Probiotic Foods
- Omega – 3 Foods
- Healthy Fats
- High-Antioxidant Foods
- High-Fiber Foods
- Go further with food and eating right by incorporating practices to reduce food waste:
- Plan meals based on foods you already have on hand, write a list of ingredients you still need, buy only the amount of perishable foods that can be eaten or frozen within a few days.
- Get creative with leftovers – transform meals into soups, salads, or sandwiches by cutting up leftover veggies and cooked meats
- Mater the shelf-life of foods – pay attention to the “use by”, “best by”, etc. dates. Note many times if stored properly the shelf life can be a little longer. Always practice good food safety.
- General practice – don’t risk eating or drinking anything that you suspect has spoiled and eat leftovers within 3 to 4 days (or freeze for up to 3 – 4 months).
- Have fun eating and enjoy the fellowship/fun with family and friends.
Turkey Time 2024
Posted on November 14th, 2024
Time for a quick turkey reminder to help keep your guests and family safe and satisfied this Holiday.
Department Heads: Please forward to your employees that do not have access to email.
Turkey Thawing:
Frozen turkeys typically thaw at the rate of five pounds per day under refrigeration. Hence, if you don’t start thawing your 20-pound bird by Saturday, it’s pizza for Thanksgiving! Keeping them in the original cases will slow this process down dramatically.
If the turkey needs an additional “push”, COLD RUNNING WATER is the ONLY method to use. Do not “leave them out” overnight or let them “float” in a sink full of water. A few gallons of running water are cheaper than a holiday weekend at the ED. On average, you will be able to feed one person (with leftovers) per pound of whole turkey.
Turkey Cooking:
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about thirty minutes before cooking. This gives the bird a chance to “temper” so that it is not ice-cold going into the heat. Season and truss as you desire but please do not stuff the turkey. In order to be safe, the stuffing much reach an internal temperature of 165ºF for 15 seconds at which point the stuffed bird would be thoroughly dried out.
Cook your stuffing on the side and use some extra gravy.
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
Heat your oven to 350ºF for at least fifteen minutes before you begin.
At 350ºF, a thawed, frozen turkey cooks at rate of one pound per fifteen minutes; fresh at one pound per twelve minutes. This is an approximate time only. For perfect timing,
determine when dinner is to be served and multiply the weight of the turkey by the appropriate time per pound. Add an extra hour for the cooked bird to rest and that’s the total time of preparation. E.g.: For dinner at 7:00 PM + 20-pound defrosted bird [{(20*15)/60} +1] =6 hours=Start cooking at 1:00 PM. Test the internal temperature of the bird with a stem thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. The critical limit is 165ºF for 15 seconds at product center, the thickest part of the thigh.
NOTE: The installed “pop-up” timer is set to pop at 180 ºF. If it cooks this much it will be dried out well. Remove it before cooking!
Your finished turkey MUST rest, loosely tented with aluminum foil for ONE HOUR before carving. Fear not, it will still be hot in the middle.
The juices will reabsorb, and the carving will be much easier.
Still have questions? Try the Turkey Calculator:
How Long to Cook a Turkey (Time Chart and Tips)
Buon’ appetito!
Chef
TRANSITION MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Posted on July 8th, 2024
Change is a constant in today’s service organizations. Leaders must act quickly to keep up with new technology, increasing customer expectations, and business growth. To remain competitive, most organizations have one or more projects in progress at any time. These projects require considerable time, money, and resources to create a clear vision of future-state and establish a strategic plan. However, even the best plans can fall short. When goals are not achieved on time, on budget, or at the expected performance levels, the failure is often due to a lack of transition management.
Transition, the phase between “where we are now and where we plan to be,” is challenging. Leaders must manage daily operations and implement project plans simultaneously. Technical and activation issues can be complex and costly. Changing workflows, technology, and job roles create uncertainty and anxiety for employees. Productivity levels may drop significantly during this time. Having a transition management plan in place to address these challenges makes a critical difference in project success.
Transition management is a structured approach to help organizations in the planning and management of complex and critical organizational changes associated with new construction, expansion, acquisitions, or other business structure changes. It combines project management and change management disciplines to address both the technical and people sides of change. A transition management plan is customized based on project size and complexity but always includes strategies for leadership support, project and activation management, and people readiness.
Leadership support encompasses both executive leaders and frontline managers. Project outcomes are achieved more often when there is an active and visible executive leader serving as the project sponsor. The executive leader helps the organization understand why changes are occurring. Frontline managers explain to their employees how the changes will impact their work. Transition management assists leaders in addressing the project’s whys and hows and gaining buy-in from stakeholders. Designating a dedicated transition team also allows leaders to achieve project outcomes without disrupting business continuity during the transition.
Transition management supports the project and activation teams by providing a structured framework that keeps the project on schedule and budget and avoids rework and redesign. The framework guides the team through a progression of detailed action steps that assist them to evaluate options and make the right choices at the right time. Frequent checkpoints are established to ensure the project stays on track. The framework also ensures that there is open, ongoing communication among leadership, the project team, and contractors and that there are clear roles and expectations for hand-offs during the activation process.
People readiness is an essential element of transition management. Leaders, employees, vendors, customers, and other stakeholders who are directly or indirectly impacted by the project must understand what is happening, why, and what they must do to prepare. Engagement and preparation help minimize resistance to change and result in better adoption of new technology, workflows, and processes. Transition management strategies include training and communication in a variety of formats that are scheduled in alignment with the project team to ensure stakeholders receive the right training and information at the right time.
Change is never easy and the transition from current to future state is challenging. Incorporating a transition management plan into your project increases the probability of achieving your expected project goals within the given time and budget constraints. Transition management matters. Consider engaging the services of a transition management consultant who can collaborate with you and your team to design a customized and adaptable transition plan for your next project. Click on RSA’s contact page and in the message box: “Transition Support” for a 30-minute free consult with one of our Transition Team Experts.
How Technology Empowers Your Healthcare Environmental Services
Posted on June 4th, 2024
The Challenge: For years, healthcare EVS departments have struggled with doing more with less. Budget cuts and staffing shortages strain resources. The Solution: Technology!
Integrating technology into your EVS program offers a strategic edge. Here’s how it elevates your operations:
Enhanced Efficiency and Data-Driven Decisions:
- Smart Cleaning Equipment: Autonomous floor cleaners, automated disinfection systems, and intelligent dispensing systems streamline processes. They reduce chemical use, increase productivity, and provide real-time performance data for proactive maintenance.
- Facility Management Software: This software streamlines task assignments, scheduling, quality management, and creates a cloud space inventory. It boosts productivity, cuts costs, and enhances service delivery.
Improved Quality and Patient Experience:
- Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS): Losing equipment is a time-waster. RTLS tags on equipment and supplies allow for quick location, ensuring resources are readily available. Additionally, RTLS data can optimize equipment distribution across the facility.
- Robotic Disinfection Systems: These robots utilize UV light or other technologies for high-level disinfection in critical areas like operating rooms. This adds an additional layer of disinfection minimizing staff, and furniture/equipment exposure to harsh chemicals while ensuring consistent and thorough disinfection.
- Internet of Things (IoT) Sensors: Imagine sensors embedded in walls, ceilings, and even cleaning equipment. These sensors can continuously monitor various things, customer flow, paper towel, or soap usage, and notify you when an item is empty or has been replaced.
Empowered Staff and Streamlined Communication:
- Mobile Applications: EVS staff can access discharges, transfers, daily tasks, report issues, and receive real-time updates. This improves communication, transparency, and team coordination.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Training: Immerse staff in realistic virtual environments to practice proper cleaning protocols or learn about biohazard handling. VR training improves knowledge retention, enhances skills, and potentially reduces training time.
The Future of EVS: Technology empowers your EVS team to become a data-driven force, proactively maintaining a safe, healthy environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Embrace the cutting edge, and elevate your healthcare EVS program!
Want to know ways technology can be integrated into your EVS program? We can help with a technology and automation assessment!
