Background
Café William is more than just coffee — it’s a mission. Based in Sherbrooke, this proudly Quebec-based company roasts sustainable, fair-trade, and organic coffee with a clear goal: to offer the most sustainable coffee possible. As the top-selling fair-trade organic coffee brand in Quebec, Café William doesn’t compromise on its values. Respect, social responsibility, and equity guide both business decisions and internal culture.
And when your goals are as bold as transporting coffee by cargo sailboat to reduce emissions, you know that every part of the business, including HR, must be aligned and efficient.
Human Errors and Oversights: Life Without a Reliable HR Tool
Before implementing Folks, HR management at Café William was done the old-fashioned way: spreadsheets and best intentions. But even the most dedicated HR team has its limits.
“Honestly, there was always the fear of forgetting something. Without a reliable tool, it’s hard to stay on top of everything. After all, even with the best intentions, we’re only human.”
Tracking employee data, managing updates, and following up on processes manually increased the risk of oversight and inefficiency. As the company grew, this way of working became unsustainable.
A Tool Built by HR, for HR
What convinced Café William to make the switch? A product demo that hit all the right notes: practical, intuitive, and tailored to real HR needs.
Rather than trying to force a generic software to work for HR, Folks offered a platform designed specifically for the reality of growing teams.
“The presentation we saw convinced us that with the growth we were aiming for, we needed an integrated tool — fast. Folks was clearly built by HR people, for HR people. That really resonated with us.”
Folks’ Implementation Process: Change Done Right
Like any major shift, implementing a new system came with its own set of challenges, but Café William tackled it head-on with a proactive approach and a strong support team.
“Change is change, and you need to adapt. We handled it well, and our teams were fantastic, but it’s important to know there’s real work behind a successful implementation.”
Fortunately, Folks’ onboarding support made the difference. With guidance and responsiveness every step of the way, the transition went smoothly, even in a busy, fast-moving environment.
Real Results, Real Relief
Today, the impact of Folks is crystal clear. No more second-guessing the accuracy of employee data. No more wasting time digging through spreadsheets.
This kind of operational confidence gives the HR team space to focus on people, not paperwork — and that’s a big win for a company rooted in human values.
“I’d say the biggest win is the time saved, but also the peace of mind knowing our HR data is always accurate. Need an up-to-date employee list? You’ve got it in 2.5 seconds. It’s a game-changer.”
A Message for Companies Waiting to Make the Switch
To any organization still hesitating to adopt an HR platform like Folks, Café William has a clear message:
“It’s a winning HR solution, and you’ll be well supported in managing the internal change. If your goals include growth and increased efficiency, Folks is the best tool for you.”
And coming from a company that’s leading the charge in both sustainability and employee care, that endorsement means a lot!
Conclusion
Café William isn’t just a pioneer in sustainable coffee — it’s also a model for thoughtful growth and strong people management.
With Folks, their HR team now has the tools, the clarity, and the confidence to support the company’s evolution, one step (and one cup of coffee) at a time!
Ready to make the switch to better HR management?
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