When your restaurant loses a team member, it’s more than just an inconvenience. The hiring, training and development processes of onboarding a replacement takes time and cost you money. Resignations can also have a negative impact on your workplace culture. If other staff members are facing the same frustrations as their departing coworker they may consider doing the same.
As a restaurant owner, you’ve got enough things to manage on a daily basis without having to worry about whether or not you may lose staff. However, taking a thoughtful approach to the structure, culture and communication habits of your restaurant can help prevent burnout and keep your staff feeling fulfilled.
Want to learn more about how the restaurant industry is changing in 2022? Explore our blog post on the topic here.
Why do Employees Leave?
While it can be a fun and rewarding environment, working in a restaurant undoubtedly has its challenges. Long shifts, irregular schedules, high-stress situations and demanding customers are just some of the factors that lead to staff burnout in the restaurant industry. Unfortunately, these issues were only amplified or further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the past year alone, you’ve likely seen or heard about verbal conflicts between employees and customers over changes to COVID-19 mandates and other restrictions. While the most dramatic of these clashes often turn into viral videos, these kinds of interactions are far more common than you may expect – and it takes a toll on staff.
As the cost of living continues to rise in Ontario, compensation becomes increasingly important. Many employees are beginning to consider if their restaurant job is worth the stress if they can’t obtain financial stability.
Build a Culture of Appreciation
It’s no secret that restaurant jobs are hard work. Creating a culture of appreciation and recognizing your staff’s efforts can go a long way when it comes to their opinion of the workplace. Small gestures like verbal praise, handwritten notes or a social media shoutout can show employees that you’re grateful for what they do. Larger displays of gratitude such as staff parties or even bonuses can be equally effective in keeping employees around.
Ready to open your first restaurant? Here’s where to start.
Ask For Feedback
No workplace is perfect. However, understanding the pros and cons of your restaurant’s employee experience can help you make it better for your staff. A great way to ensure your staff feels comfortable giving honest feedback is by setting up an online survey. Tools like SurveyMonkey allow employees to share their two cents anonymously. Once you have a better idea of the challenges your employees are struggling with, you can implement changes to create a more positive workplace. Asking your employees for their opinion makes them feel heard and respected. When staff feel like they have a voice, they may be less eager to walk away.
Ready to open your first restaurant? Check out these helpful resources from our blog.
- The Essential Restaurant Start-up Checklist
- 5 Must-read Books For Aspiring Restaurateurs
- What to Look For When Choosing a Restaurant Space
Be Flexible
One of the biggest downsides of working in a restaurant is the often unpredictable schedule.
It may seem obvious, but It’s important to remember that your staff has lives and priorities outside of the workplace. Allowing your employees to have greater autonomy or input with their own schedule can lead to less interference with their personal lives. This may require more effort for you or your managerial team, however, it’s worth it for ensuring your staff is happy.
Compensation and Benefits
While workplace culture is an important part of a retention strategy, compensation will likely always be the leading factor in why employees will choose to join or leave a restaurant. Costs of living continue to increase each year, and restaurant employees are often particularly impacted by these changes based on their income bracket.
For your staff, every penny counts. As an owner, it’s important to be competitive with the pay and benefits you offer them. Otherwise, they may look elsewhere for work. Be proactive by researching what other restaurants or establishments are paying their employees and what their benefits packages include.
Want to learn more about restaurant ownership? Check out these helpful blog posts.
- Why You Should Sell Your Restaurant With a Business Broker
- Want to Open a Restaurant in Cottage Country? Read This
- Everything You Need to Know About Mixed-use Properties
Support Their Mental Health
In 2022, a greater number of workplaces regardless of industry are introducing new initiatives to support the well-being of their employees. Mental health has become a dominant topic among employers in recent years as more restaurant employees cite stress as the leading factor for leaving their workplace. Making positive strides towards improving your workplace culture can help, however, tangible mental health benefits are the best way to support your staff.
Paid mental wellness days as well as coverage for mental health services are some of the most common perks employers are beginning to offer their staff. Similar to compensation, a little bit of research can provide you with ideas and ensure you’re competitive with other employers in your area.
Have more questions about restaurant ownership? We can help! Get in touch.
