The labor issue was a hot topic at Bar & Restaurant Expo this year, and a variety of speakers offered solutions and tactics to help tackle the problem. A refrain heard across multiple education sessions was to focus on retaining versus hiring staff.
Here are some of the top takeaways for help in retaining your staff.
1. Don't Fear Change
More than one speaker referenced a famous Einstein quote during their session: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
Maybe you've tried placing hiring advertisements in the paper or online and haven't gotten any results. Or maybe you've forgone setting up a training program despite the fact that most of your staff is new to the industry and keeps making mistakes.
Take a step back and evaluate your processes and tactics—if they're not working or generating the results you'd like, it's time to make some changes!
2. People don’t leave companies, they leave bad managers
Toxic work environments are the number-one reason employees quit jobs for greener pastures. If you have a revolving door at your bar or restaurant, take a hard look at your managers and supervisors.
Of course, turnover isn't the only sign of a toxic workplace. Pay attention to your staff as disengaged employees can bring down a team as well. If highly engaged employees suddenly disengage, reach out because something is most likely wrong.
3.Stop hiring people, and start building people up
Can't find good help? Look inward, and start developing the talent you already have to take on more responsibility and fill leadership roles.
4. Incentivize people
If you want your staff to be invested in your goals, you need to answer the question most likely in their minds: What's in it for me?
In order to answer that question, start by learning more about your employees—right from the onboarding process, if you can. Dig deeper to find out what kind of person they are and what will motivate them. And remember that motivation isn't always more money—some employees are looking for benefits, growth opportunities, etc.
5. Invest in your people
Our industry always focuses on the hospitality we provide our guests, but you should also extend that hospitality mindset to your staff. Treat your people with respect and invest in them, and they are more likely to stay with you.
Investing and incentivizing your staff may sound similar, but they are actually different. Incentivizing is giving your staff something that motivates or encourages them to do something. Investing is more in depth, and it involves devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. Investing is for the long haul, and it can include things like training and classes for staff. Don't be afraid to look at learning opportunities outside the hospitality industry as well, such as financial literacy or leadership training.
Helping your employees plan for the future will give them a reason to stay with your company.
Plan to Attend or Participate in the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 18-20, 2024
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello (for companies A to G) e: [email protected] p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh (for companies R to Z) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-5174
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