The hiring market is tight all over, but restaurant owners are having a particularly difficult time finding and retaining good employees. With new attitudes about working from home and rising inflation, there are many needs coming to the forefront that add additional pressure and stress to the hiring process. Here are a few tips for finding and keeping good employees that will make your restaurant successful.

Create A Career Path

Most people do not look to remain in the restaurant business forever, but you can sweeten any hiring package by providing a career path and educational benefits. If people see a way to develop a career and feel supported in learning new skills, they are more likely to take that position over a position where there is no path to further their career or abilities.

Provide Medical Insurance

We all feel the effects of ever-rising medical costs, so providing good medical benefits that your company subsidizes for employees is another important way to attract and retain good employees. This is especially important in an industry where accidents are likely to happen from time to time. Providing good medical coverage will make you stand out among other restaurants looking to hire.

Childcare Subsidies

Onsite childcare or childcare subsidies can be another very appealing benefit- especially for single moms and dads looking for a job or even a second job. The cost of childcare can sometimes cancel out the benefit of working, so look for ways to ease that burden for workers, so that remaining employed is worth their while.

Build A Positive Work Place

Creating a positive work environment can be a huge satisfier for employees. Restaurants are not known for their positive company cultures. Encourage a workplace with open and honest communication and focus on employee and patron safety and satisfaction. Recognize employees who are performing well.

Provide Employee Feedback

Provide positive feedback to your employees that customers provide or from management and peers. Put an employee recognition program in place and offer little perks that are not just day brighteners but help your employees relax and rejuvenate themselves so they can come back and perform their best. Maybe a spa day, or simply an extra paid day off. Tickets to a sporting event. Small gifts and verbal recognition go a long way towards creating that positive work culture.

Establish A Referral Program

Referrals are another great way to find good employees. Who knows the work better than your own employees? They can be your most valuable lead generators. Implement a referral program and reward them for assisting you with hiring by paying a bonus if the person they refer becomes an employee, remains for a specified period of time, adheres to their schedule, and performs to expectations. A good referral program is usually very cost-effective compared to other hiring methods. LinkedIn research determined that referrals save $7500 on average in hiring costs and these employees generally stay employed for longer periods than employees sourced through other methods.

Utilize Technology

Consider investing in automated tools that can streamline your employee’s work, such as booking, ordering, and even kitchen prep. The more you can do to remove obstacles and improve their working conditions, the greater the chance your employees will be able to enjoy their work and remain.

Competitive Pay

Finally, you will need to offer competitive pay. With rising costs for just about everything offering a livable wage is crucial. Your employees need and deserve a stable source of income they can rely on if they are performing to expectations. Your wait staff gets tips, but tips vary greatly and cannot be counted on. Offering a good base salary will show that you care about your employees and understand their needs.

Involve your staff in decisions. Ask for their input regarding wages, benefits, etc. You may be surprised to find that there are one or more benefits that outweigh the issue of salaries. You can create an employment package that may not break the bank but that provides for the needs of your employees in cost-effective ways. Happy employees breed more happy employees. Your ability to work with your existing employees to determine the most important satisfiers for employment in your restaurant will help you remain competitive and successful in the restaurant business overall.

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