To attract top talent, restaurants must change. Worker needs are shifting. The workplace must match these changes.
Are you feeling the heat when it comes to hiring and retaining skilled workers? Worker shortage is a perpetual challenge in the restaurant industry. Although, it seems to have intensified of late.
Restaurants face a tough hiring market. You need new ways to find and keep good staff.
Success calls for a shift from old practices: Offer competitive pay and benefits. Use tech to improve operations. Build a strong employer brand.
Today we'll explore some ways to improve staffing. Learn how to stay strong in a challenging market. Don’t survive – thrive!
1. Keep offering good pay and perks
2. Look into fresh ways to earn money
3. Create a strong reputation as an employer
4. Use technology to make tasks easier
5. Conclusion
1. Keep offering good pay and perks
Look, I know margins are tight in this industry. But if you want to attract and keep the best of the best, you've got to pony up. Make sure your compensation packages are in line with (or better than!) the competition. Think beyond the hourly wage – get creative with perks. Like health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, and cool employee discounts.
The way I see it, investing in your team is an investment in your business. Happy, well-compensated employees = more engaged, productive, and loyal team members. These will pay dividends down the line.
It enhances your employer branding, and also ensures a more motivated workforce.
So, to put this in bullet points:
- Review benchmarks to make sure your pay scales are on par or better than competitors.
- Include attractive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Offer performance-based bonuses to encourage productivity and loyalty.
2. Look into fresh ways to earn money
Now, I know what you're thinking - "But how can I afford to pay my team more when my profits are already razor-thin?" Well, that's where getting scrappy and thinking outside the box comes in.
Take a hard look at your business model and see where you can diversify your revenue streams. Can you offer meal kits or catering services? Expand your delivery options? Open up a ghost kitchen? The key is to get creative and find new ways to bring in that extra cash flow.
Back in the day my partner and I operated a "ghost bakery" out of our restaurant. Basically we already had all the equipment, so why not? The bakery was online only - people ordered through the website, and they could come to the restaurant to pick up their cakes, or we'd deliver it to them. This way, we effectively operated two businesses out of one physical space.
Consider the following ways to diversify income sources:
- Delivery and Takeaway Services. Expand your offerings to include delivery options through platforms or in-house systems. This can increase sales and provide extra hours for staff.
- Event Hosting. Use your space for corporate events, private parties, or pop-up events.
- Merchandising. Create a line of branded merchandise that can resonate with your customers. May provide another revenue funnel and enhance brand loyalty.
3. Create a strong reputation as an employer
These days, job seekers aren't only looking for a paycheque. They want to work for companies that align with their values. And also offer a great culture and work-life balance. So, it's time to start thinking of yourself as not only a restaurant owner, but as an employer brand.
How can you showcase your unique company culture? And make your business stand out as an amazing place to work? Think about things like employee testimonials, and behind-the-scenes social media content. Or even hosting fun team-building events. The more you can do to position your restaurant as the dream job in your area, the better.
Culinary Agents did a survey in 2021. It shows what job seekers value. Not much has changed since then.
What we can glean from this:
- Showcase your company culture. Use social media and your website to share stories about your workplace culture. Highlight team bonding events, training opportunities, and employee testimonials.
- Use restaurant operations technology. Incorporate modern technology to streamline operations and improve employee experience. Highlighting the technology used can make your brand appealing to tech-savvy candidates.
- Encourage community involvement. Participating in local events can create a positive image for your restaurant. Engage your staff in community services, which helps to foster pride and loyalty.
4. Use technology to make tasks easier
Some technology can seem intimidating at first, but hear me out. The right tools and systems can actually save you time and money in the long run. And that means you can reinvest those resources into your team.
Look for ways to automate repetitive tasks, simplify scheduling and payroll. Give your employees the digital tools they need to work smarter, not harder. The more you can remove the tedious, time-sucking stuff? The more bandwidth your team will have to provide an amazing customer experience.
Proper use of technology in your restaurant makes operations smoother. This benefits workers in two ways:
- Automation means you need fewer staff per shift. This can allow for better pay and benefits.
- Less boring, repetitive work lets staff use their time better. It also boosts workplace culture and your brand as an employer.
Some may doubt automation. But, with labour shortages, using technology is wise. It makes work better for your smaller team.
5. Conclusion
Winning the war for talent is about adapting to the priorities of today's workforce. It's not always easy. But with a little creativity and a lot of heart? You've got what it takes to build the dream team your restaurant deserves.
Restaurant owners have a powerful tool: other owners. You may think competition is everywhere, but it's more than the other café next door. Other industries and career paths compete too.
The restaurant world supports its own. This was clear during the pandemic. It remains true now. Sharing advice and feedback helps everyone grow. This will help win the talent war. It's not about one top restaurant in town.
We are all in the same boat. Whe one succeeds, we all succeed.
Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to.
- Richard Branson
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We use the term 'restaurant' throughout the article for consistency. However this guide can be generally applied to any type of food shop, including but not limited to: bakeries, bars, bistrots, boulangeries, butcheries, cafés, cantinas, caterers, coffeeshops, delis, diners, eateries, food trucks, grocers, patisseries, pubs, and more.
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