Staff now see reasons to stay with their employer – offer more of them

A recent report about foodservice employment offers reasons for optimism: Research from payroll services provider ADP found that employer investments in retention are paying off for workers in leisure and hospitality. In the first post-pandemic years, job-switchers were seeing more pay gains than existing workers, but that has changed. In September of this year, for example, year-over-year pay levels for workers who had remained in their job were up 4.6 percent, compared to a 3.3 percent increase for job changers, the report found. It’s evidence that employer efforts to recruit and retain employees are gaining traction.
If you’re looking for new ways to boost retention in your business, there are actions you can take beyond wages. Offer flexible schedules – and grant staff agency to select and swap shifts as needed. Measure performance across a range of benchmarks – like earning positive guest feedback, going the extra mile to help a colleague, or supporting food safety efforts – so staff have ample opportunities for recognition. Offer financial flexibility through earned wage access. Nurture an inclusive, engaged culture – by hosting staff gatherings to build team morale and planning volunteer efforts in the local community. Provide a strong induction program, then follow it up with regular feedback, recognition, and development-related support in one-on-one meetings and team settings. Show staff how to rise in the ranks: When staff understand the path to advancement and what they must do to follow it, they have more reasons to stick around. This (along with other efforts including those above) has historically helped restaurant brands including Lettuce Entertain You achieve high employee retention rates.