Whether you have an upscale-casual or fast-casual restaurant, the problem and solution revolve around human capital.
Top restaurant staffing challenges we hear about:
- Few, if any, responses to help wanted ads
- People don’t show up to interviews
- New employees leave soon after hiring
- The costs of staffing are increasing
- It’s harder to attract the right talent
To build a sustainable business model, we suggest restaurateurs implement several of the following ideas in their workplace:
Rethink Your Approach to Help Wanted Ads
Although getting assistance from Mis en Place helps attract lots of candidates and can solve your problem quickly, the solution could require a more comprehensive approach.
- Add a career page to your website where you highlight current employees, your culture, and benefits.
- Simplify the initial application process by shortening your app, making it mobile-friendly, and giving people multiple ways to apply.
- Instead of listing job requirements immediately in your job ad, highlight what makes your restaurant different from others.
- Use social media marketing to get the message out.
Encourage Employee Referrals
An employee referral program is an excellent way to attract new team members. Give your crew the tools to recruit.
Design a designated referral landing page and connect a QR code to it. Create mini templates for text and social media messages your staff can use.
Offer On-Demand Pay Options
As many restaurant workers live below the poverty line, giving them access to their pay sooner can be a significant benefit.
Compare the current living wage of your state with your offering.
Evaluate Management, Morale, and Culture
Many restaurants have worked hard to overcome the negative perception of the restaurant industry. Poor management can lead to higher turnover rates. Managers are often overworked and underpaid resulting in unengaged supervisors.
Assess your managers and actively take steps to improve their workplace experience. If you already have great managers, then look at your overall morale and culture.
Show candidates that you value them. Aim for transparency and clear communication.
Create Messages Targeted to Specific Demographics
A diverse staff is beneficial to small businesses. Create targeted hiring messages to attract a mix of job candidates.
- Getting involved with high school work programs
- Working with colleges to create an internship program
- Highlighting the benefits of short shifts
- Providing a relocation bonus to capture people moving to your area
Take a Hard Look at Benefits and Wages
Regardless of where you stand on the minimum wage issue, if you want people to accept a position at your restaurant and stay with your company, they need enough money to live close to where your business is located.
If you can’t provide full-time hours, offer flexible schedules so restaurant workers can take on a second or third job. Additionally, it should be easy to see schedules, request time off, and swap shifts.
You may need to increase meal prices or add a service charge to cover wage increases. If you can’t raise your rates, look for other ways to add value.
- Offer paid sick days
- Provide employee discounts on meals
- Give a free weekly “family” meal for workers to take home
- Assist staff with finding health care or applying for benefits
- Create a transportation reimbursement program
Beef Up Your Onboarding and Training Processes
Look at your current process and find ways to streamline your approach. For example, could new hires fill out employment documents online or download the scheduling app before their first day?
Your onboarding and training documents should be viewable on a mobile device and interactive.
Compensate your in-house trainers and mentor them on the best ways to train a new employee.
Consider Updating Your Business Model
Restaurants are doing several things to cope with reduced staff.
- Create smaller, simpler menus
- Introduce pay-at-the-table technologies
- Use kiosks or apps for ordering
- Switch to disposable tableware
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