4 Ways to Keep Food Service Employees Engaged

Employee engagement in food service is a critical, but often overlooked, aspect of running a successful business. According to HR technology provider Quantum Workplace, when employees are engaged, they are motivated to go above and beyond in their interactions with customers. This, in turn, enhances customer satisfaction and promotes a positive dining experience, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Why employee communications matter

According to statistics compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average turnover rate of the Leisure and Hospitality sector, which includes the food service industry, averages about 84.9%, more than twice the 47.2% average seen by U.S. businesses as a whole. What that means is that a food service operation employing 100 people will see 85 of those people leave over the course of a year.

And that turnover can be costly. The Center for Hospitality Research at Cornell estimates that the cost of replacing those employees averages around $5,864 per person, thanks to recruiting and training costs, wasted product, dissatisfied customers, and more. The result is that our 100-employee restaurant is losing nearly half a million dollars every year because of turnover.

Stemming that turnover tide via employee engagement in the restaurant industry begins with effective communication.

Improving communications in restaurants

According to recruiter NPA Worldwide, creating an environment where employees are aware of what’s happening in the company and where they feel comfortable approaching managers and supervisors with questions, concerns, or suggestions can go a long way toward improving morale and reducing turnover. Technological tools such as text messaging, email, and corporate digital signage used for employee communications can help keep staff informed and engaged.

Gamify work: keep employees motivated

Create challenges or competitions among employees based on performance metrics such as upselling, customer satisfaction scores, or speed of service to help incentivize employees. Set clear goals and provide rewards or recognition for those who excel. Display leaderboards or charts to track progress and foster healthy competition. Rewards can include gift cards, branded clothing, additional time off, or even preferred shifts.

Remind staff of what matters most

A digital signage network built on Samsung VXT, with screens placed in the employee break room, near the time clock, in the kitchen, and elsewhere can be used to display upcoming staffing plans as well as list open shifts available to those who would like a few more hours. Those screens can also display safety reminders, list the day’s schedules, or even show the occasional motivational messages to help keep staff on their those.

Implementing these strategies, and the technology to support them, helps create a culture of effective communication.