Productivity Enhancement: Top 7 Ways to Inspire Restaurant Employees

The restaurant business is a fast-paced environment where productivity is of the essence. Customers want good food, polite waiters, a clean establishment, and fast service. Managers control most things, but that sought-after extra mile is at each employee’s discretion. So how do you genuinely motivate workers to treat your restaurant like their own? Well, in a few words, give them everything, and they’ll give you more than that. Read our 7 tips for restaurant employee productivity enhancement below. “Take Good Care Of Your Employees, And They’ll Take Care Of Your Business” – Richard Branson (Virgin Atlantic Airlines)

Gratitude, Rewards, and Bonuses

Nothing is more satisfying to a worker than feeling appreciated. Many business owners, including restaurant operators, use the term “family” when talking about employees, but few are coherent with its meaning. Even more, some businesses overpromise and then underdeliver. It’s telling somebody that they’ll be part of the family. Then, treating them with indifference only creates a sense of betrayal, which is highly detrimental to a company’s success. Remember that few employees speak their minds openly; most will take revenge by slacking or mistreating customers.     Sure, monetary bonuses in their paycheck will undoubtedly do the trick. However, a simple and honest “thank you” will go a long way. Also, small rewards as goodwill gestures are bound to make workers fall in love with your company.    

Rotation Shifts for Weekends

Due to their nature, restaurant workers can expect weekend and night shifts. It’s a sacrifice that comes with the job. Nonetheless, setting up a rotation shift, even on weekends, will balance it out. Allow your personnel to enjoy some weekend days a month, and you’ll substantially increase morale. They’ll be able to have some fun and eat at other restaurants. You’ll also stave off the bane of any employee: burnout. And who knows, maybe they’ll do some “industrial spying” on other establishments and develop ideas on how to improve. Make them feel taken care of, and they’ll pay you back tenfold. 

Cooked meals and Beverages

You’re running a restaurant, right? Invite your workers to eat and drink at your venue. Set up an employee menu and give a refreshment or two. If economically feasible, this tactic has quite a few advantages:

• Employees can bond over a hot meal.
• Breaking bread in your venue will make them feel at home.
• Workers will develop a new-found appreciation for your menu.
• Owners can devise nutritious meals that will give energy and aid in productivity.

Don’t leave anybody out. Instruct the cooks to accommodate employees with special dietary needs like vegans, religious folk, or people with health issues.       

Communication and Feedback

Restaurants thrive on communication and human interaction. speaking with clients or messaging the kitchen about a mistaken order requires clear, careful communication. Ironically, many businesses are deficient in openly talking with workers. There are many reasons why proper communication may be lacking. However, the consequences are always detrimental. Try to focus on facilitating feedback from employees and get to the root of problems before it’s too late. Creating an atmosphere where workers feel safe to speak their minds will benefit all parties. You’ll save time, money, and resources by deliberating with your staff. No one knows more about your business’s issues than those faced with them every day; let them speak up and take advantage of their experience.

Workplace Safety and Security

In theory, the law imposes safety and security training for each worker beforehand. In practice, however, few businesses take it seriously. Usually, they’ll do the minimum necessary to avoid legal problems, and that’s it: big mistake. Kitchens are high-risk environments, filled with high temperatures and slick surfaces. Not only are you risking future lawsuits, but your company comes off as incompetent, and workers will feel unappreciated. Get hold of your HR department. Devise a seminar, tutorial, or twiftnews to instruct your workforce about correct safety procedures.

Reducing Conflict and Stress

Not all restaurants have adrenaline-soaked working environments, but some level of stress is unavoidable in all of them. Then again, it doesn’t mean you should add conflict or extra tension. Reducing general stress levels is bound to increase productivity and morale. Again, communicate with your staff and improve wherever possible. Don’t let employee conflicts fester. You can manage these disputes by conducting mediations or giving employees opportunities to vent in constructive ways. 

Digitalization and Automation

Maybe you’re not tech-savvy, but that doesn’t mean your isn’t either. Taking orders on papers and ringing the kitchen’s service bell is outdated! Those old-fashioned methods cost your restaurant valuable resources. With modern gadgets, there are more efficient approaches to conducting business. Talk with your team and consider implementing new ways that might benefit all. High-quality kitchen technology platforms will help you accomplish any business goal you can imagine, from creating higher efficiencies to establishing an off-premise dining system.  

Productivity Enhancement: Concluded

Extra productivity springs from each worker’s drive to perfection. To reach excellence, owners must first set an example. The staff is the lifeline of any business, and taking care of employees has a mirroring effect. Reduce stress, encourage equity, give them a voice, and build up from there.     Looking for ways to motivate restaurant employees and renew morale?

Raising Restaurant Staff Morale

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About the Author

Donna James is a high skilled freelance essay writer and proofreader from Michigan, United States who currently works on various projects focused on the IT&C industry apart from her work. She is interested in everyday development and writes blog posts on various topics, such as marketing and technology.