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Anyone in here use classpass? If so, thoughts
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Sometimes just acknowledging the good things that your employees do, publicly or privately, can go along way. Recognizing when they go above and beyond or provide exceptional customer service. I'm a huge fan of "criticize in private, praise in public" and this seems to help improve morale. You could also maybe do some competitions or prize incentives? They don't have to be super expensive, sometimes the competition itself is a lot of fun and people really enjoy it.
Honestly, I have found that I get a lot more out of my employees and managers due to my own management style. I am a “doer” more than a “director” and I am on the floor and present at all times during the shift. Paperwork is something I can easily do pre or post shift or during very slow periods. I will pre bus, reset tables, take orders, open or sell wine- whatever it takes to make a shift go smoothly. This also ensures that my guests feel like they’re getting special treatment, I am available for feedback from the guests that might not feel comfortable sharing with servers so I can correct a problem before it becomes an issue, and it gives me insight as to who on the team may need coaching or development. I also believe that leading by example makes my employees want to rise to meet the expectations that I show by my own involvement and willingness to do anything. I don’t accept or tolerate the mentality of “it’s not my job.” The goal is to try to train everyone to see the restaurant as a whole, because just because someone is in your section tonight, if they find something lacking or unfulfilling in another area that isn’t getting appropriate attention, they may not be sitting in your section- or anyone else’s, for that matter- in the future.
Finally, if I am actively involved on the floor, it gives me the ability to run with one or two less servers (there are inevitably those who are the “weaker links”), which means a more profitable shift for EVERYONE, and there is no better motivator for morale than more money at the end of the day. It also creates more loyalty amongst the hardest workers and makes them hold each other to a higher standard.
Acknowledging their hard work goes a long way. It's not the same as increasing their pay, obviously, but it can mean a lot to know that your hard work is seen and appreciated. Would it be possible to make catered lunches or something similar a semi-regular thing? Not the typical "pizza party" that everyone hates, but something that your staff would actually look forward to.
I know one thing we do that I really like is having an employee of the month. They are typically given a plaque and a small gift, as well as some other goodies. I think it's an easy way to show appreciation for your employees that doesn't take too much work.
Very nice - I think we will incorporate that. Not too hard to implement too!
Play Bingo! I know it sounds crazy, Get a poster board and make a BINGO BOARD using menu items rather than numbers. As people sell the items, they can be claimed on board! I offered prizes like a week of no closing duties; free meal at work (employees didn't eat for free) and New Work Shirts.
That sounds fun and doable. Thanks for the suggestion!
Offer additional benefits if you can. I know for me, it makes a big difference when I feel like my managers/the owner has my back. Be as flexible as you can when someone needs to modify their schedule for an appointment, kids, even time off for a concert. Be kind, be respectful, and verbalize how much you appreciate your staff.
I think the best thing is the energy you give off as a leader, if your staff is working for low pay don’t tax their state of mind. You should be the rock, the calm water. How you treat yourself matters a lot.
Try offering company outings Bowling for exame.
Some really good hybrid that is uplifting, some bergamot candles, and some Dead & Company
When you see someone exhibit the behaviors that you value say something to them. Make sure everyone knows about it. If you do this and coach the other managers to do this people take notice.
That in and of itself can change the culture and boost morale. People want to work for people that care.