How Restaurants Can Go From ‘Help Wanted’ to Fully Staffed

COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges and changes to the work world. The restaurant industry was particularly hard hit as it faced dining restrictions, reduced customer demand, financial uncertainties, and staff attrition. Dining establishments were forced to downsize their workforce significantly and unfortunately, many closed their doors permanently.

Fortunately, the industry is gradually recovering. As restaurants face the ongoing need to recruit, retain and motivate their staff in this forever-changed landscape, it is crucial to address these challenges head-on. Now is the time for owners and managers to be proactive and prevent costly operating issues moving forward.

Preventing Staffing Disruptions

Strategy first! Use online job boards & recruiters, social media platforms and professional networks to attract potential candidates who align with your values and culture. Job descriptions should highlight the distinctive benefits of working at your establishment. Think to yourself: What’s in it for them? A great exercise is to ask your current employees why they chose your company and why they continue to work there. The feedback will be enlightening.

Competitive Compensation. It is essential to offer aggressive packages and benefits. We continually conduct market research to ensure salary and benefits are on par with industry standards. Consider extra perks such as flexible schedules, additional health insurance, retirement plans and employee discounts.

Training and Development. Comprehensive training is vital for new hires so they can excel in their roles. Establish ongoing professional development opportunities to upskill your existing staff, fostering a sense of growth and career advancement within your organization. It’s a win-win. Leading recruiting site Zippia.com reports that 87% of millennials say professional development and career growth are essential to them.

Positive Work Environment. Now more than ever is the time to cultivate a culture of optimism. Foster open communication, collaboration, and recognition – regularly acknowledge and appreciate your employees’ efforts and accomplishments. Listen and get their feedback. Everyone wants to be heard. At Star we brought in an expert coach to make sure we connected with and listened to each of our team members. We wanted to make sure they felt heard and got what they needed to continue to succeed in each of their roles.

We find that empowering initiatives such as Employee of the Month programs, team-building events, training, and regular communication sessions boost morale and maintain a motivated workforce.

Virtues of a Thriving Team

Seek candidates (and train your team) who have a genuine desire to work in your industry — who demonstrate enthusiasm, customer-centricity, and a strong work ethic. Find out what specifically excites them about working in the restaurant (or your) industry and how would they ensure that customers have a positive experience? Do they possess a deep-rooted love for customer service/serving others? Will they go the extra mile to provide exceptional experiences for your customers?

Also, the ability to quickly adjust to changing circumstances and remain strong during challenging times is an invaluable trait in any business. In the restaurant industry, specifically, flexibility, problem-solving, and an adaptive positive attitude are golden.

Ask candidates to describe the last time they had to instantly react to a change in priorities or work assignments and how exactly they handled it. If they faced a line of agitated customers who were waiting and upset, how specifically would they handle the situation? These answers will illustrate their effective communications skills. Also, ask them to share a time when they had to learn a new technology, process, or procedure. How did they approach the learning curve and adjust to the change?

Look for a strong team player – do they play well with others? Can they easily leave any drama behind? People who display a cooperative attitude, effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues will foster a supportive work environment and enhance the overall experience for your guests (and the team).

Pay extremely close attention to a candidate’s overall attitude and mindset, their openness to new ideas and willingness to embrace change. Evaluate their ability to remain positive, solution-oriented, and persistent in the face of tough challenges. All these qualities will help them navigate unforeseen circumstances and maintain high levels of productivity.

In the wake of COVID-19, staffing challenges continue to pose a significant hurdle. However, by applying strategic measures to recruit, retain and motivate staff, management can effectively navigate these challenges while limiting financial losses and additional expenses incurred when training teams and garnering new hires.

Nicole Smartt Serres has more than 20 years of experience in operations and human resources. As owner and President of Star Staffing, she has led the company to become one of the fastest-growing staffing firms in Northern California. Her expertise in building successful teams and fostering a positive work culture has earned her awards including Forbes.com, “40 under 40” and “Top Women in Business.” Nicole is the author of the best-selling book “From Receptionist to Boss: Real-Life Advice for Getting Ahead at Work”. She writes and speaks on leadership, entrepreneurship, and career advancement. Reach her at 707-239-4852 & nicole@starhr.com.