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How do you Curb Restaurant Workforce Attrition and Compete for Talent in Today’s On-Demand Economy?
Consider these tips for retaining the best talent in today’s competitive franchise landscape
As someone who worked in the restaurant industry for almost 10 years, and as someone who REALLY enjoys eating out, I understand the importance of restaurants employing excellent people. Think about it, or take a look at Yelp, and you’ll agree that employees have the ability to make or break your mealtime experience.
If you’re in the restaurant industry, you’ll understand that it’s important (and not as easy as one may think) to keep the best talent around.
True, there are factors out of one’s control that greatly affect turnover rate: the economy, seasonality, higher education or relocation, but there are many strategies restaurants can implement to help keep their employees longer and happier.
Hire Well
The person who is “good enough” might not be the right person for your restaurant. Aim for outstanding, and you’ll reap the rewards. Interview and vet candidates carefully, and have the candidate interview with a few different people. This will ensure they not only have the right skills, but that they also fit in well with the company culture, managers and coworkers. Also, be very clear with your job description. No one likes surprises after being hired, so write up your employee’s day-to-day duties so there are no misunderstandings of what’s expected of them.
Pay Attention to Hours
Do you have employees complaining about not having enough hours, or about working too much and feeling burnt out? Think carefully about the size of your staff and the needs of both the restaurant and your employees.
I spoke with Robert Maynard, founder and CEO of Famous Toastery, and he shared with me the benefits of owning a daytime restaurant. His employees love their hours!
“Our employees work 7am to 3pm, five days a week,” said Maynard. “I believe we retain better talent because of the hours and because we provide an above average work-life balance.”
Many restaurants can’t follow suit because they’re open later than three o’clock, but Maynard thinks giving people two days off in a row provides for better employee morale.
Create Room to Grow
Most people don’t come into a restaurant at 20 years old thinking they’re making this their career. However, when they enjoy what they’re doing – and making more money than their corporate counterparts – they end up sticking around longer.
Give your employees opportunity to grow, and they’ll stay with your restaurant even longer. At Famous Toastery, as well as at many franchised restaurants, there are opportunities to become managers, and even franchise owners. Even giving your servers or bussers the opportunity to become trainers will make them realize how important they are to you.
Listen to your Employees
You’re busy at work, but make sure to take the time each week to ask questions and show you value your staff. Even when they make small comments, show them you’re listening by making small changes. Implement their suggestions, and they’ll have more “ownership” in your business and be less likely to leave.
Lead by Example and Offer Incentives
If employees see you around, working hard each day, they’ll be more motivated themselves. If you own multiple restaurants and can’t be around as often, give your team incentives to keep them working hard. For example, give them sales goals, and if they hit them, award them with a meal, an excellent shift or a bonus.
“People stay with good people,” Maynard told me. “If you treat people right and work as hard as you want your employees to work, they’ll be proud to work at your company.”
Employees are the backbone of your business. If you don’t have happy employees, you won’t have happy customers. What unique things do you do to curb attrition at your restaurant?
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