It’s no secret that the restaurant industry struggles to retain workers. Many restaurant owners have simply accepted this as a fact of life and figured out ways to cope with a revolving door of employees. However, the most competitive restaurateurs understand that creating staff loyalty is not only good for business but essential for growth. Here are eight ways restaurants can instill loyalty in teams and reduce turnover:
- Start on the Right Foot
- Keep Pay Competitive
- Celebrate Staff Achievements
- Empower Employees with Ownership
- Use Employee-Centric Scheduling
- Support Career Goals
- Have Their Backs
- Hire Restaurant Managers with Leadership Skills
Start on the Right Foot
The importance of a thorough and engaging onboarding process cannot be stressed enough. Have uniforms, paperwork, and anything else a new employee needs ready on day one. Develop a hands-on training schedule and have management commit time to frequent one-on-one meetings to touch base. Even if you are short-staffed and need employees to hit the ground running, any employee will quickly jump ship if their first few shifts are a mess.
Keep Pay Competitive
It’s no secret that many restaurant employees feel underpaid. If an employee feels their paycheck is insufficient, it won’t take much for a better opportunity to lure them away. Stay on top of industry salary trends and frequently update pay to remain competitive.
Celebrate Staff Achievements
According to a recent survey by Toast, almost half of restaurant employees cite a lack of recognition as a top reason for leaving their current job. The restaurant industry is inherently hectic, and properly recognizing outstanding performance can easily fall to the bottom of managers’ to-do lists. Make a point to call out performances in pre-shift meetings, feature stand-out employees on your restaurant’s social media pages or create a “shout-out” board where employees can also celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
Empower Employees with Ownership
Another great way to reward hard work is to give employees a piece of the restaurant’s success. Consider creating incentive programs based on specific KPIs, or creating a bonus structure that includes more than just management teams.
Use Employee-Centric Scheduling
Nobody denies that the restaurant industry can come with a grueling schedule. But keep in mind employees’ limitations and energy levels when scheduling to prevent burnout. Stay on top of keeping staff levels full to minimize overtime and check in with employees frequently to tweak schedules as needed.
Support Career Goals
While many smaller, independent restaurants have limited advancement opportunities, they can still find ways to support employee’s goals. Be flexible with workers’ schedules who are pursuing educations. Empower them with opportunities to develop management skills and involve them in training and onboarding processes. Help them build their business acumen and show them the ropes of the back office. Even if their career paths inevitably lead them to another employer, they will probably stick around for longer.
Have Their Backs
Frontline restaurant teams take the brunt of stressful customer interactions. Ensure that your managers can tactfully address diner’s complaints or grievances without throwing their teams under the bus. If they feel supported, their less likely to throw in the towel after a rough day.
Hire Restaurant Managers with Leadership Skills
Poor leadership is the leading reason for long-term restaurant employee turnover. Find restaurant managers and corporate leadership with strong tenure and who can inspire loyalty in your best employees. Contact our restaurant recruiters today to learn more.