Once the holiday bustle settles and the new year has been rung in, February can present unique challenges to operators as traffic chills. But slower doesn't have to mean more stress if you use this time to your advantage!
With help from One Source Solution Partners, you can keep staff morale amped, optimize labor costs, and retain quality team members — creating even more momentum for the future.
Train for the Marathon
Balancing staff schedules can be tricky when everyone is clamoring for hours at a time when you run the risk of paying out more in labor costs than you're bringing in. Play the long game by investing in growing your team's skill set, which will make you more money in the long run.
For those who want hours, pay them to get cross-trained or gain extra certifications that will make them even stronger employees. The Sales Stars program trains staff in key concepts such as elevating the guest experience, upselling, and other actions that will compel guests to return.
Other options are responsible alcohol service, gluten-free and allergen training and the Always Food Safe certification. Since it's a U.S. requirement to have at least one certified food manager on duty during open hours, you will have more flexibility with scheduling the more staff you have certified. Not to mention, safety measures are more guaranteed to be followed 24/7.
Offer incentives for staff to complete these trainings. Provide staff meals during a break or after a session. Reward participants who complete a certain number of certifications with a reasonable increase in hourly pay. When you invest in your staff, the return has a massive positive impact on your business.
Recruit the Best
If you find yourself, instead, with not quite enough staff to adequately run your restaurant, Gigpro can help. Creating an account is free, and you simply post positions that need immediate filling — from dishwasher to full-service bartender. These days, many industry professionals are signed up as freelancers, and Gigpro can bring them to your door — quickly. (Tip: Gigpro offers an exclusive 10% discount to Performance Foodservice customers, so check them out if you need positions filled!)
Recruiting works best when you can reach as many potential candidates as possible, so post clearly stated openings on your website, in email newsletters, and of course on your socials. Another smart move is to ask the star employees you already value for their referrals. Birds of a feather flock together.
Maintain Morale
Investing in staff retention always costs less than training an ever-revolving set of newbies. Use this time to show your staff how important they are, and they are likely to remain loyal and hard-working. For starters, create a monthly employee recognition program. Ask your staff to write nominations for someone they feel should be recognized and why. Reward the monthly winner with a gift certificate or bonus, and make sure to recognize them publicly.
Now is also a perfect time to hold belated staff holiday parties, or plan staff "field trips" — to a supplying farm or distillery, for example — for educational and team bonding purposes.
Consider programs that will send tips and/or paychecks directly to your employee's bank accounts, so they have immediate access before payday. Not only will they appreciate instant access to their hard-earned money, even if their shift ends at 2 a.m., but it also saves you from having to disperse cash from your till. Kickfin makes tipping out a win-win for both employee and employer. It solves the inefficiencies of cash tip payouts while also paying workers instantaneously.
According to research, establishments with strategic employee recognition efforts are 12 times more likely to have strong business results. So, taking time to show and give appreciation will not go unrewarded!
