24 HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CONT. ASSOCIATE SUPPORT As mental health is at the forefront, with impacts from COVID-19, depression, financial needs, substance abuse and stress management, PFG continues to offer our Employee Assistance Program to all associates and eligible dependents. Our program provides five free counseling sessions and has expanded to include app-based counseling sessions linked to the free sessions, or support with a counselor via text messaging, or relaxation and stress reduction techniques via a separate application. We also offer role-specific support like better sleeper programs for our drivers. To protect our associates as best as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, PFG provided the flexibility to work from home for jobs not required to be in our warehouses or driving vehicles. If their job did not allow an associate to work from home, PFG provided disability pay and coverage, not only when a positive test occurred but also when there was a need to quarantine based on possible exposure. Related processes were streamlined to not require doctor’s certification, to help ensure the continuation of pay. TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Our training and development strategy is focused on engaging, educating and empowering our associates. We provide associates with role-specific training both through live and self-paced modules, as well as management training to advance leadership skills at key points in their career. During fiscal 2021, we adapted much of our in-person training to a virtual environment to ensure a seamless continuation of learning. SAFETY TRAINING We offer a robust curriculum of safety training for new hires in our distribution centers based on job type. Ninety-one percent of our workforce completed at least one safety course in the past year. Each new hire receives an onboarding safety curriculum tailored to their role. Drivers and warehouse associates receive between 18 and 31 courses, including defensive driving, delivery driving, DOT compliance and workplace safety (hazard communication, PPE, prevention of back injuries). Warehouse supervisors, safety managers, fleet maintenance positions, production/ processing, sales and customer service associates also receive safety courses applicable to their roles. In fiscal 2021, we rolled out a new workplace violence prevention and active shooter response training for all associates across the enterprise. Safety courses are regularly updated to meet new standards and advances in technology. Food safety courses are included in the curriculum as well. ROLE-SPECIFIC TRAINING We provide role-specific training to set associates up for success. As an example, the Performance Foodservice Sales Training and Development team has an extensive course offering for new Area Managers to ensure that they have the knowledge and tools to be successful in their role. Their onboarding curriculum consists of live and self-paced sessions on topics including a company overview, company history and mission, and information on systems/technology specific to their role in the Sales organization. We offer a robust Sales Academy curriculum for Area Managers and Sales Leaders to further enhance and develop their knowledge and skills for continued success in role. SOFT SKILLS & COMPETENCY-BASED DEVELOPMENT We believe that a formalized approach to “soft skills” such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking and talent development is important to career advancement and a successful transition to management roles. We provide e-learning courses to associates at every level of the organization to increase their effectiveness in managing conflict, providing feedback, communicating expectations and mobilizing team action. We also offer a robust, competency-based development program for leaders at three critical points along the leadership continuum: Emerging, Experienced and Executive (E3 Programs). Each program provides targeted instruction on critical soft skills as associates grow within the company. In fiscal 2021, there were 410 associates who completed the first level of the Emerging Leader program (Emerging Leaders) and 13 participated in the Executive program. We will launch a new Experienced Leaders program in fiscal 2022. NUMBER OF COURSES OFFERED AND TRAINING HOURS COMPLETED – FISCAL 2021 CATEGORY COURSES OFFERED TRAINING HOURS BUSINESS ETHICS 73 15,014 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & FOOD SAFETY 370 46,603 LEADERSHIP & SOFT SKILLS 188 4,913 ROLE-SPECIFIC 190 11,649 OTHER 89 4,150 TOTAL 910 82,329