Managing staff – How to attract, manage and retain talent

Strategies for attracting talent

As mentioned, staff shortages have made it increasingly difficult to find the right people to support you, even for the most experienced owners. Here’s how to build a high-quality team from the get-go.

1. Set your expectations

Firstly, it's important to have a clear idea of the roles you need to fill, and the skills required for each position. Take the time to establish what makes your business unique like your reputation in the industry, team culture and perks. 

By clearly defining both what you're looking for and what you’re offering, you can make sure the candidate is not only the right fit for the job but the business itself.

2. Advertise effectively

Knowing exactly what you need will help you create job descriptions that accurately reflect the expectations and responsibilities of each role. From here, it’s essential you get your ad in front of the right people at the right time. Whether it’s via social media or by reaching out to culinary schools, consider where your ideal employee is most likely to find you. 

To help you narrow your search, we recommend hospitality-specific recruitment platforms like Barcats.

3. Make the most of the interview

Streamline the admin involved in the lead-up to the interview and ensure it's as efficient as possible with clear next steps, prompt response times and flexible meeting options. 

While speed can mean you’re less likely to lose out to other offers, during the interview you shouldn’t skimp on being thorough. You can ask unexpected or behavioural questions to help gauge the candidate’s experience, personality, and work ethic. Also, look out for red flags like lateness, a negative outlook and inconsistencies in the information they provide you. 

Strategies for managing talent

Once your new employee is in the door, it's normal to be faced with various challenges. Knowing how to effectively manage these moments as they happen can help you avoid staff turnover further down the line. Here are some ways you can start things off on the right foot.

1. Comprehensive training

Cutting corners when it comes to initial onboarding will almost always come back to bite you.  Put aside plenty of time and resources to provide new staff with the information they need to do their job properly. 

Everyone learns differently so incorporate a mix of written material, hands-on experience and 1-1 feedback sessions. Cover everything from menu items and service standards to your company's values, standards, and policies.

2. Built in recognition

Hospitality environments can be pressure cookers. After dealing with a rude customer, working late hours or coming in for a shift at the last minute – enthusiasm for the job can drop. 

While offering words of praise or encouragement in the moment can go a long way toward boosting morale, fostering a positive work environment where recognition and rewards for hard work is the norm is a more sustainable approach.

3. Make the call

Sometimes you don’t know if someone is the wrong fit until you see it firsthand. This could simply involve a shuffling of schedules to manage team dynamics and play to people’s strengths like putting your best upsellers on busy evenings. 

In other instances, it could be a decision to make a dismissal. No one likes letting people go but taking an unsuitable employee out of the equation can reinforce the standard you’ve set for the whole team. Whether it’s a bad attitude or underperformance issues, removing one bad apple can help you preserve the bunch.

Strategies for retaining talent

Finding a good employee is one thing but how do you get them to stay? 

Retention is one of the most significant challenges facing the hospitality industry with staff shortages leading to unforeseen costs and a compromised experience for customers. 

While some turnover is inevitable, employees are more likely to remain in a job that provides the following incentives.

1. Flexible work options

A 2023 report shows that flexible workers have more energy and motivation for their job and 75% of workers under 54 would leave or consider leaving a job that didn’t offer flexibility. 

While most hospitality jobs don’t typically lend themselves to a working from home arrangement, this doesn’t mean there isn’t room for flexible options. This could look like flexible start and end times and avoiding back-to-back shifts where possible.

One of the biggest reasons people leave the industry is a lack of stable hours. Investing in online scheduling software can help with predictability and show your staff you respect their time. Employees can view their schedule in advance and updates to their roster are more accurately reflected

2. Opportunities for growth

Another factor turning people away from hospitality is the common misconception that there’s limited potential for career growth. 

Taking your employee's progression seriously by encouraging relevant short courses, mentoring sessions and offering incentives for achievements is a win-win for everyone. 

When you motivate your staff by investing in their goals, you give them further reason to stay while fostering a high performing team.

3. A better work environment

A strong company culture can do wonders for employee engagement and morale. 

Find out what similar businesses are paying their staff and ensure you’re offering competitive compensation and benefits.. While it may initially seem like an expense, you can ensure your employees won’t leave for financial reasons and reap the benefits of a team that feels respected and satisfied. 

You can also create a positive environment through encouraging healthy relationships. Hospitality work is often stressful, and colleagues are operating in close quarters. Promote open communication, collaboration and support through regularly seeking feedback and organising opportunities for team building, relaxation and fun.

Conclusion

Building a top-performing team who shares your passion and commitment is essential for any hospitality business that wants to thrive in a highly competitive industry. 

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of overcoming common obstacles associated with finding the right talent and keeping them satisfied and motivated. 

Remember, your team members are your most valuable asset. Treating your employees well pays off in the long run so invest in them, support them, and recognise their hard work and dedication.