Nextbite accelerates in-demand brands and matches them with under-utilized kitchens via technology. The culture at Nextbite is one of enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation, with a shared mission of supporting the restaurant industry. This culture is embodied by the company’s Director of People Operations, Shaneka Johnson, who has been with Nextbite for more than two years and brings over 20 years of experience in human resources to the team.
“Being in a different industry, a new environment, gives a bit of flexibility to experiment with new ways to improve the employee experience and best support the team.” – Shaneka Johnson, Director of People Operations at Nextbite. Shaneka was drawn to Nextbite because of the opportunity to work in a different industry and make an impact within a start-up organization. Even within a new industry, her determination to lean into curiosity to understand the business and how to best utilize the skills learned throughout her years of experience in human resources made it an easy transition.
At Nextbite, her team understands that their people are their greatest asset. This is reflected in the culture of straight talk, recognition, and collaboration that is essential to how the team works and interacts with each other. The company has a focus on fostering a culture of belonging and engagement while promoting a fun and positive work environment for all employees. To further support this culture, Nextbite has formed a Culture Committee, which is a cross-functional team that discusses ways to empower and support social and cultural initiatives that align with their core values. This committee helps to champion belonging and engagement and ensures that the company is always working towards creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
The company has also implemented Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to further support allyship, collaboration, and belonging to their diverse workforce. These groups provide opportunities for employees to not only hone their leadership skills, but to also amplify their voices within the organization. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to supporting employees and promoting a positive work environment for all.
Shaneka emphasized that the values at Nextbite are not just words, they are actionable items. The company’s core values are “We win together,” “Be customer obsessed,” “Build something better,” “Be a catalyst,” and “Character counts.” These values are embedded throughout the employee lifecycle in their recognition process, through a system called Bonusly where employees gain “Sushi points” from their peers as rewards for a job well done. These achievements are tied to one or more of the company’s core values. The company also has quarterly Nexty Awards, which is a way for peers to nominate an employee who is living out the company’s core values and competencies in an exceptional way. This recognition process not only promotes a positive work environment, but also helps to foster a culture of teamwork, customer obsession, innovation, and integrity.
In addition to their focus on culture and values, Nextbite also prioritizes the development and growth of their employees. The company offers various learning and development opportunities, including training programs, mentorship, and networking events. They also have a strong focus on career development, and provide employees with the resources and support they need to advance in their careers. This focus on development and growth helps to attract and retain top talent, and allows the company to continue to grow and thrive.
Nextbite is a company that is dedicated to helping restaurants thrive and promoting a culture of innovation, creativity, and teamwork. By placing emphasis on its culture, values, and employee development, Nextbite is well-equipped for sustained success and advancement in the future.Nextbite’s Culture of Action: A Conversation with Shaneka Johnson, Director of People Operations.
