4 Strategies to Retain Your Restaurant Team

A 2 min read.

Employee retention stands as a critical factor in the effective management of a successful restaurant, presenting a major challenge for full-service establishments in today's landscape. The influx of a new generation of restaurant staff brings with it distinct values, different expectations, and a reduced level of industry experience.?

This workforce prioritizes higher wages, clearly defined job roles and expectations, flexible schedules, as well as feedback and recognition. Although turnover rates in the hospitality industry can be high, strategic implementation by restaurant owners and managers can cultivate a positive work environment, fostering an atmosphere that encourages team members to remain with the establishment.

This article highlights strategies on how to create a positive work environment, offering competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and providing regular feedback and recognition.

If you are having trouble retaining your team, I can help.

Here are fundamental guidelines for retaining your restaurant team:

1. Foster a Positive Work Culture:

???Approach: Establish a workplace culture centered around collaboration, respect, and open communication.

???Method: Leaders actively engaging with their teams on the floor can provide daily feedback, acknowledgment, and coaching for growth. This starts with a mindset where leaders believe everyone is capable of achieving success.

???Challenge: Select one employee during each shift for observation and praise to promote open communication, build respect, and establish a coaching-oriented culture.

2. Competitive Compensation and Benefits:

???Approach: Ensure that your compensation packages are competitive within the industry.

???Method: Conduct regular market research by reviewing job search sites such as Indeed and Poached, consulting hospitality recruiters, and understanding industry pay trends.

???Challenge: Survey your team or use social media to discover attractive benefits. Consider offerings like health insurance, employee discounts, or performance bonuses.

3. Flexible Scheduling:

???Approach: Recognize the importance of work-life balance for your team.

???Method: Implement flexible scheduling options when possible. Proactively post jobs year-round to build a talent bench, ensuring you are never short-staffed.

???Challenge: Have brief conversations with each staff member to assess schedule satisfaction and make necessary adjustments.

4. Regular Feedback and Recognition:

???Approach: Recognize and appreciate team members regularly for their hard work and dedication.

???Method: Establish a feedback system with regular performance reviews. Schedule one-on-one meetings to provide positive feedback, identify areas for improvement, and discuss professional growth within the company.

???Challenge: Conduct individual check-ins to gauge job satisfaction, offer positive feedback, address improvement areas, and inquire about their aspirations within the company.

By implementing these strategies, restaurant owners can cultivate a supportive and engaging work environment that encourages employee retention. A satisfied and motivated team not only contributes to the restaurant's success but also enhances the overall dining experience for customers.

P.S.

Whenever you are ready, here are 4 ways I can support you:

1. Tune into No Hesitations Restaurant Leadership Podcast, the show where restaurant leaders learn tools, tactics and habits from the world's greatest operators. Click here to subscribe or follow.
2. If you are a restaurant leader looking for a strategic partner to overcome burnout, reignite your passion or increase retention in your restaurant, let's connect. Email me at [email protected] or you can even text me at 719-494-6074.

(Rest assured, I won't attempt to sell you anything.)

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Another incredible company that is making a huge impact in the hospitality space is Benchmark Sixty. Jim Taylor , founder and CEO has created a 3 step process that will allow you to combat rising costs without raising prices or cutting your staff. Check out his full list of services here at Benchmark Sixty .