Retailer is partnering with Axonify to boost worker engagement and retention

CINCINNATI – The Kroger Co. today announced it was investing in the development of its nearly 500,000 associates through Fresh Start, a new personalized training initiative launched with Axonify Inc., a Waterloo, Ontario-based provider of training for frontline employees.

Fresh Start aims to support greater associate engagement and retention, according to a joint statement from Kroger and Axonify.

“Across our organization, we have been focusing on investments to improve our associates’ experiences and ultimately create an environment where everyone continues to thrive and advance,” said Senchal Murphy, Kroger’s senior director of training and onboarding. “Fresh Start with Axonify helps us deliver a more personalized, digital experience for associates through purposeful, bite-sized training that enables them to learn and grow in a fun and engaging way.”

Through the Fresh Start with Axonify app, associates can access their personalized training quickly and easily in the course of their day. The solution is being launched in a phased approach across Kroger and its multiple supermarket banners. With continual learning performed in less than five minutes per shift, each associate’s training experience is tailored to their individual needs and knowledge gaps via the app using gamification, according to the statement.

“Axonify is proud to help further coach and train frontline grocery associates like those employed by the Kroger organization as they strive to help build a more knowledgeable and engaged workforce,” said Carol Leaman, Axonify’s co-founder and chief executive officer.  “As one of the world’s largest grocery retailers, the Kroger family of companies recognizes the importance of shifting from a one-size-fits-all training approach to a continuous, personalized model focused on providing associates the knowledge to succeed in their current and future roles.”