The restaurant business, as I’ve discussed on many occasions, can be incredibly rewarding. But speaking as someone who has worked behind the counter taking orders, doing prep work, and making orders, it can also be hectic and very stressful. When that happens, an employee can get down fast, so you’ve got to know how to properly get them back up again. Here are some quick tips:
-Make sure your employees know they can talk to you. If they have an issue, knowing they can reach out without feeling embarrassed is important, especially if they are struggling with a process needed to do work.
-Give praise and constructive criticism. I’ve gotten both from past managers, and I’ve been lucky that they were willing to talk to me and make sure I knew that they appreciated my hard work, even if I was struggling.
-Know your staff, their interests, and their lives outside of the restaurant. Also, encourage camaraderie as well by offering opportunities to get out and do things together.
-Offer incentives, whether it’s a parking space, a free meal, or maybe even an informal opportunity to learn more, like an apprenticeship.
Remember, your business is only as good as the staff you have and your ability to manage that staff. So keep them up and you’ll do well.