Ready, set, skate: Sonic adds a dash of competition to employee training

When it comes to training remote teams, the challenge for L&D professionals is more than just getting information distributed evenly across national or global locations. Sure, that training has to be tailored to the correct roles and delivered in a timely way. But what if it could also be a motivational tool? At over 3,500 locations across the U.S., fast food restaurant chain Sonic has aimed to do just that with its Dr Pepper Sonic Games. The event involves nine months of traininincluding quizzes, team challenges, secret shoppers and individual competitions for restaurant crews at participating Sonic locations. Training culminates in a search for the "Final 12" crews, who participate in a competition that concludes the games. "Dr Pepper Sonic Games is an extensive premier training program that is open to all Sonic Drive-In crews coast-to-coast each year," Matt Schein, vice president of operations at Sonic, said in an email to HR Dive. The company has held the games for more than 20 years, growing them into a training program that drive-in crews look forward to and are excited to participate in. The nine-month program ends with a dozen crews selected as top competitors. Each is brought to a central location to compete for the title Best Crew in the Country; two days of final competitions are included, along with some rest and relaxation for all the teams. Training runs from location-based sessions, quizzes, secret shoppers and more. The company sees crews excited and energized by different training components. "At Sonic, we feel that this differentiates us from other QSRs because we are providing continuing education that is very specific and relevant to our crews' every day work," Schein said, "while still providing challenges that provide a well-rounded understanding of every aspect of the drive-in in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. This has been a great way to drive employee engagement through building their capabilities and recognizing their accomplishments."