Developing leaders so they stay (and inspire staff to follow them)

In an industry where staff turnover is an ongoing challenge, every action foodservice operators take to make employees want to invest in the organization can help. The 2023 Deloitte Global Human Trends
These efforts can not only encourage talented employees to stay — they can also encourage the employees who report to them to stick around. A 2022 Gallup study found that managers account for 70 percent of the variance in employee engagement — so the quality of your leadership team plays a key role shaping your employees’ experience. In senior living and adult care communities, where the environment demands high levels of precision, empathy and compliance, effective leadership development can be especially critical.
If your staff turnover could be improved, is there opportunity to review and enhance the leadership pathways in your organization? Consider structuring your training so it helps staff build emotional intelligence and resolve conflicts in addition to improving regulatory knowledge. Ensure employees have mentors in your organization and go through practical rotations to gain exposure to a range of roles in the kitchen, dining room and back office. Give them a feedback loop and coaching where they need it — and connect that feedback to specific measurements on food safety outcomes and staff engagement.