How Can a Restaurant Deal with Staff Shortage Problems?

How Can a Restaurant Deal with Staffing Shortage Issues?

In the years since the onset of COVID-19, many restaurants have significantly reduced the number of staff they keep in their workforce. On the other hand, workers experienced a "great resignation" as they chose to leave restaurant jobs during the height of pandemic-induced challenges in a demanding work environment. Many workers felt undervalued or unappreciated for the work they did.

Similarly, the hospitality industry as a whole has been hit hard by rising inflation. Rising restaurant food costs and supply chain shortages have caused unprecedented volatility for restaurant owners across the country. To withstand these challenges, you need talented and experienced workers to fill open positions, but the talent pool in the industry is smaller than ever.

If you cannot fill these workforce gaps, the consequences can spill over into the customer's dining experience as long wait times, higher prices, and inexperienced (or insufficient) staff affect the restaurant's operation.

The Key to Retaining Staff During Labor Shortages

Before you start building a new workforce, it's critical to take a closer look at the employees you currently have and what you're doing to keep them around.

Fundamentally, your immediate response to your labor shortage is employee retention.

Common restaurant industry issues affecting staff include low wages, too few benefits, and low (or no) incentive to stay on the team. It's a competitive industry, and you need to figure out how to stand out from the crowd as a great place to work at your restaurant. Is there a unique work culture that builds employee loyalty? Are you investing in your employees' professional development?

For restaurant owners and operators, it's time to explore exactly how to create long-term employees and reduce staff turnover rates.

People are more likely to stay in a job if they feel loyal and close to their work team. Whether they're working overtime or dealing with difficult customers, employees who know the existing team has their back and is actively working together will be by your side.

To build and nurture these close employee relationships, plan and provide a staff meal that brings everyone together. If employees are going to spend hours together, why not make it an hour where they can relax and get to know each other better?

For an extra morale boost at no extra cost to you, consider sending leftover food from the day home with staff. Not only does this reduce your daily food waste, but it's also a kind gesture to the hardworking people who keep your restaurant running smoothly.

Invest in Staff Training

If you're already understaffed, it's worth investing in comprehensive training for your existing employees. As demand increases due to dinner rushes and holiday seasons, employees at your restaurant know exactly what's expected of them and how to fulfill their responsibilities.

You may also consider cross-training your team. Especially if you're working with a smaller team than normal. The benefit of this is that if a staff member is late, gets sick, or is held up with other duties, someone else can fill in in the meantime.

Another factor to consider is how front of house and back of house staff can collaborate when things get busy. Some solutions include training each team member on how to do common, easy tasks that become overwhelming during busy times. This might include running the dishwasher, putting away clean dishes, and more.

Schedule Regular Employee Check-ins

Your restaurant staff is your greatest asset. They know firsthand what's working and what needs improvement. By meeting regularly one-on-one with each employee, you initiate an honest dialogue.

Ask for feedback and be prepared to make changes based on what you hear from your staff. You may specifically want to ask them what you can do to improve their workplace experience. These tips and suggestions can improve the overall work environment and resolve small issues before they become reasons to leave.

If there's a challenge that needs to be addressed over time rather than a quick fix, be transparent about it. Your current employees will appreciate the honesty and feel supported and validated.

Know That You're Actively Hiring

Posting a job listing on your website or bulletin board isn't enough. You need to cast a wider net to attract potential employees. Social media and job sites are ideal assets for your search.

Use social media accounts like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share open positions and reach a wider pool of candidates.

Each of these digital platforms often has tools to help you target your job postings to find new staff. For example, you can target by geographic area to find employees located near your restaurant.

Create a Referral Program

A great option is to encourage your current staff to share about open positions. The restaurant industry is tight-knit, and it's likely one of your employees knows someone (or knows someone who knows someone) looking for a new restaurant position. Create an employee referral program that rewards staff who successfully refer people to open positions.

If you want to take a more unconventional approach, you can also advertise your referral program to customers on your website or in your restaurant. Consider offering a free meal to any customer who successfully refers a new employee. This can be beneficial during summer months when seasonal workers are in high demand.

Consider Email Marketing

Email marketing is a great tool for promoting your restaurant's food, deals, and special events, and you can also use it to inform them about your open staff positions. Keep your subscribers updated on which staff positions need to be filled and how to apply.

Communication

As with any workplace, teamwork is essential to make the system efficient. In the restaurant business, building a friendly relationship with your customers will increase chances of loyalty.

However, an open line of communication between management and staff is equally important. As a manager, you should never make them feel inferior and dispensable. Empower your employees by allowing them to speak for themselves.

Hiring new employees is a more expensive route compared to increasing your existing employee compensation. Therefore, if you can't help acquire new talent, you should make sure they integrate well into the team.

Going Digital

Rapid technological developments, combined with the current state of society, have seen the rise of online services. Some of your restaurant staffing problems can be solved with smart tools.

Restaurants with limited staff can benefit from an online ordering system to help facilitate delivery as the dinner market has dropped. However, those with staff numbers built around dining in may still struggle to adapt.

Financing

After considering the above things, it all comes down to whether your restaurant can afford more staff. Labor forms one of the most significant parts of your operational costs. Along with the overall declining trend in restaurant profits, minimum wages are also starting to rise. Therefore, there is a need to reduce losses and optimize costs.

You can use a smart system that collects sales data for more accurate forecasting. Using mobile scheduling apps can help employees schedule their shifts more efficiently. Additionally, a cloud-based system makes it easier to access and cross-check scheduled workforce and their corresponding wages.

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