ATTRACT TOP TALENT

From the kitchen to the hosts, a successful restaurant needs great employees. And finding amazing talent is definitely getting harder. Insights from the National Restaurant Association reveal a surge in U.S. restaurant jobs. They are projecting 1.6 million new jobs by 2027 which is expected to outpace willing candidates and population growth by a large margin.

The challenge is real, so let’s take a look at how you can gain a competitive hiring advantage.

People want to work for a business that aligns with their values in a safe, inclusive, respectful, and ideally fun space. When your culture aligns with that, you attract better talent, encouraging them to stick around long-term. A great work culture isn’t something you can fake. It’s important to put in the time and resources to build it. You can start by carrying out team-building activities, charity events, or community involvement initiatives that reflect your business’s culture. Then get your staff involved in building and maintaining the culture they want.

This has to be something you say and do. Most job seekers are drawn to the idea of expanding their skills and receiving personal growth in the industry. If they are expecting to experience development opportunities and don’t get them, they’ll be first on the list to move on. Highlight your growth opportunities by making them clear in job descriptions, including opportunities for advancement in the company and whether internal promotions are common. Once staff is hired, make sure there is a plan in place for how your new employees can achieve their goals. Set up reviews, offer bonuses, provide extra training sessions and be open to development ideas your staff ask for too.

Now the big question. How much do you pay your team? It's a complex equation influenced by your business margins, legal obligations, and gratuity philosophy. Start by setting the highest salary you'll pay. Decide if the role drives growth or efficiency, then determine the lowest acceptable amount. Use online tools to find current market rates, both nationally and locally. A common question is, does paying above minimum wage make a difference? In a word, yes. Sonic, McDonald's, and Starbucks pay more to get the higher-end talent they need to maintain their standards.

Benefits have become an ever more important factor in attracting talent to your restaurant. Basic health insurance is often a requirement for good employees to even consider applying, so you’ve got to have that. Then figure out where else you can provide benefits and make sure to promote them. Examples can include, free meals while at work, childcare support, an annual allowance for career training, gym memberships, or paid time off. Creativity in this space can also go a long way in differentiating your job postings from the competition. 

Providing your staff with a positive, rewarding and even fun environment will go a long way in building a great restaurant that your customers want to keep coming back to.