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Winning Back Your Workforce: Motivating and Retaining Hospitality Talent

Show Your Employees the Appreciation They Deserve & Strategies to Retain Hospitality Talent and Keep Your Business Thriving

The hospitality industry is known for its issues with employee retention and staffing, and leaders and managers are often challenged with job dissatisfaction and burnout. Having a positive work environment can make a huge difference in the success of a company. Conversely, if an employee feels oppressed, pressured, or unhappy, this can have a negative effect on the entire organization.

A culture that encourages collaboration and trust among employees can create a conducive environment that allows them to have a voice in the firm. To avoid a culture of internal competition and tattling, focus instead on establishing a “family” wherein people are supported by one another.

Encourage Incentives that Lead to Growth

One of the most effective ways to establish a positive work environment is by allowing employees to vote and create incentives. For instance, staff members can come up with ideas that can help improve the company's operations. If the proposal is accepted, the employee will receive a reward. This type of initiative can help build a healthy competition environment.

Almost a third of the workforce is composed of millennials, who typically seek jobs that let them grow and learn. When they invest in a potential opportunity, they typically want to know how they can advance in their careers.

Make sure to be open and let workers know what their future holds if they decide to stay with the organization. Ask them where they want to go and enable them to get there. Everyone can have their own goals in mind and have a consistent expectation of what needs to happen.

Most employees enjoy being challenged. A manager can introduce new tasks and praise those who complete them. You can also create programs that encourage learning and taking on new assignments. For instance, you can reward staff members for completing courses or adopting new responsibilities.

Being engaged and dedicated to their careers can help employees feel like their work matters. In turn, they'll work harder for the company.

Boosting Morale & Productivity 

Studies have shown that employee recognition can affect the performance of a company. When people feel loved and appreciated, their bodies release the chemical oxytocin, which can trigger a physiological response. According to researchers, employees with high levels of this hormone are more likely to perform well and be trustworthy.

Being able to acknowledge the work of staff members for a job well done can boost their productivity and loyalty. It can be as simple as saying "thank you for your hard work" or a public shoutout.

A formal recognition program can also be created, such as a mix of monthly and thank yous that acknowledge excellence among staff members. A positive work culture can be established by having other employees praise one another for their efforts. This type of positivity can help boost employee morale and make the workplace more welcoming.

Allow for Independence

One of the most common factors that can contribute to employee turnover is micromanagement. This type of behavior shows that you don't trust your staff members to complete their jobs. A simple way to prevent this issue is to establish a clear understanding of the daily tasks that each member has to complete.

Treating your staff members like children can lead to failure, so you should always treat them with respect and understanding and take care of the minor issues that can affect your operations. Make sure that they're aware of issues that they can bring to you, and in a supportive manner. A trusting environment can only be established by preventing micromanagement and over-management.

Providing flexible schedules can be challenging in hospitality, as your staff members cannot show up at any given time. Nevertheless, one may still listen to their specific needs and schedules and accommodate them whenever feasible.

Being able to provide a supportive environment for your staff members can help boost their morale and make them work harder. In the long run, this will benefit everyone because they'll want to stay with you.

Retention Objectives

A well-rounded approach to hiring and retaining top talent is very important for hospitality companies, which involves offering a variety of perks and benefits and having a competitive pay rate.

As stated earlier, one of the most effective ways to stand out from the crowd is by creating a positive work environment. Hospitality jobs can be demanding and have long hours, which is why it's important that employees feel appreciated and supported. As more people are choosing to work with flexible schedules, more candidates are being drawn to companies that can accommodate them.

Online recruitment and targeted advertising can help improve the efficiency of hospitality organizations. Utilizing tools such as Better Talent helps connect hospitality businesses with ideal candidates. These services cut down on time and increase the productivity of the organization by minimizing the hiring process. People are often finding employment through recruitment platforms in the hospitality sector, which is a favored method as it results in faster hiring and improved efficiency.

When paired with strong leadership, these methods can help companies land top talent. They can also help develop a team that can improve customer satisfaction and drive growth.

One of the most important factors that employers consider when it comes to retaining top talent is training and development. This can be done through various forms of workshops and online courses that can help employees improve their skills and become more engaged in the company.

Power of Leadership

Companies can create a more positive work environment by investing in the development of their leaders. Those who are trained in conflict resolution and communication skills can handle issues that arise within their teams. An inclusive and respectful atmosphere can help motivate individuals to give their best.

Leaders can identify areas of their team members' growth and help them reach their potential by providing them with opportunities to improve their skills. Employees are more likely to remain with the organization if they see a clear path to advancement.

Rewarding and recognizing contributions can help strengthen an employee's loyalty. A simple gesture like offering a small reward or acknowledging an individual's achievements can make workers feel treasured. Acknowledgements from supervisors can also help keep staff members motivated and secure in their jobs.

The long-term success of a company depends on its ability to have strong leadership. Managers who provide their teams with the necessary support and guidance can inspire their members and develop a work environment that promotes loyalty. By integrating recognition programs, pay, and development initiatives, businesses can create teams that cater to their customers' needs and enhance their experience.

Dealing with Promotions

If you are thinking about promoting an employee, don’t be afraid. Although a raise in salary is a great incentive, it does not mean that the employee's motivation is solely about money. In management positions, the boss' acknowledgment and respect is often the most important factor that motivates employees.

If an employee is ready to take on a new role, you should not hesitate to promote them. They will be well-respected by their peers and understand your company's operational capabilities, which will ensure that they will not negatively affect the rest of the team.

You may have heard of a boss who is mean to his employees and makes them feel miserable. Being able to understand their feelings is not always easy. However, it is important that you try to be as understanding as you can. If you notice that one of your employees is struggling, ask them what their problem is and try to help them get some advice.

To show your employees that you care about them, try to step inside their shoes. If one of them shows up late because of a flat tire, you don't have to make them feel bad about it either.

Try to avoid getting too involved in the personal lives of your staff members. Each individual has their own unique situation and may prefer to spend time with their family instead of working extra hours. 

As a manager, it may be hard to accept when your employees have slip ups. However, by showing empathy and understanding your staff, you can hopefully make them feel better and that they are appreciated and taken seriously in their place of work.

Importance of Customer Relationships

The connection between the experiences of employees and customers in the hospitality sector is very important, which can be influenced by the various factors that affect the quality of a guest's experience.

Staff members are more likely to go the extra mile to meet the needs of their customers when they feel supported and appreciated. This results in better customer service, increased loyalty, and favorable word-of-mouth publicity.

Positive experiences for guests significantly affect job satisfaction and morale among employees. When staff members witness how their actions can improve the experience of guests, this lifts their spirits and makes them feel proud of their work.

Being acknowledged by satisfied customers can help motivate and encourage staff members to deliver exceptional service. A favorable experience for guests can also help boost employee morale and reduce stress levels. When guests are satisfied with the service they receive, staff members experience less conflict and friction during their interactions, which results in a more pleasant work setting overall. 

Rise in Advanced Technology & How it Contributes to the Workspace

Human resource technology is a broad category of hardware and software that businesses use to manage various tasks related to their employees. These include recruiting and onboarding new staff members, training and development, and talent sourcing. It enables HR professionals to make better decisions and effectively allocate their resources.

Various technologies such as AI, virtual reality, robotics, and contactless tech can help the hospitality industry achieve its goals, such as increasing revenues, enhancing talent acquisition, and reducing expenses.

The right software should be easy to use and intuitive for any employee, even those who may not be tech-savvy. Having the necessary flexibility is also important to ensure that the company can grow. Even though the same industry may have the same requirements, your company's unique needs should be met with the right software. This can be done through the development of a customized version that fits your business' needs.

Every day, companies such as hotels around the world collect and analyze various data points to improve their operations and make informed decisions. The right software can help them manage this data and make informed decisions.

What’s the Deal With Shift?

One of the most effective ways to improve the retention rates of hospitality staff is through the use of digital signage with top notch companies out there such as Shift. This type of technology can help address various pain points and create a more positive work environment.

Digital signage can help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the work environment by providing important updates and messages to all employees, especially those not at the desk. It eliminates confusion and helps everyone be on the same page regarding the procedures and policies.

Many employees, especially those who are not at the desk, tend to miss out on important information that is shared through traditional methods. Having digital displays in common areas can help keep everyone informed regardless of when they are working. The effects of Shift can be seen in various ways, such as increased employee retention and revenue which was up to a 50% approximate increase. Case studies highlight how it can help boost employee motivation, recognition, and engagement.

Trusted by industry-leading enterprises
An Invaluable Tool
"At Wingstop, we're always looking for innovative ways to meet our Team Members where they are. The integration between Schoox and Shift has truly elevated how we engage our restaurant teams. By embedding our Flavor Lab LMS into the Shift platform, we've made it easier than ever to spotlight training completions, share key updates, and celebrate performance—right in the flow of their day. Training is now more visible, more accessible, and even a bit competitive—and that's exactly the kind of energy that drives results at Wingstop."
Izzy Martinez

Manager, Operations Integration
Wingstop Corporate

Foster a friendly, competitive environment
“The affordability of [Shift] is incredible, and the sky is the limit for the effect it’s having on our culture... I feel really confident our work environment improves for our team members when they feel as though they’re being highlighted and appreciated. You can hear it as you walk through one of our stores. There’s somebody being wished a ‘Happy Birthday,’ or somebody saying, ‘I didn’t know that about you.’”
Jason Zieman

Owner/Operator

An Invaluable Tool
“Since we began using the Shift platform, we’ve seen a significant boost in team engagement across all our locations. The ability to connect with our teams through contests, goal-setting, and localized opportunities has been truly impactful. What stands out even more are the personal engagement features—like shoutouts and the ever-popular pet photo posts—which have created a fun, inclusive environment that keeps our team coming back to the platform. These features have helped build a strong sense of community and excitement around our internal communications. Shift has become an invaluable tool for enhancing our team culture, and we’re thrilled with the positive response from our staff. It’s more than just a platform—it’s become a part of our daily routine.’”
Sara Kokx

Senior Manager of Training and Development, Patton Wings, Buffalo Wild Wings

Easy to use!
“We have been using QR campaigns to gether submissions from employees... so we can showcase what's going on at each facility. This has dramatically increased our company-wide culture & communication. The platform is easy to use with branded templates that allow quick announcements. We're really happy with [Shift] - nothing but positive feedback from facilities too!"
Spencer Trefzger

Director of Marketing Avamere Living

More effective suggestive sellers
"[Shift] enables our cashiers to be more effective ‘suggestive sellers,’ with sales leaderboards on our back-of-house TVs. Our cashiers naturally want to be at the top of the leaderboard to be recognized and rewarded, which results in them selling more than they typically would.”
Russ Lo Bello, COO

Burger King Franchisee, COO Phoenix Organization

It's a very powerful tool
"It's a very powerful tool. It can work either for a single restaurant owner or for a multi-unit owner and also for a restaurant group... I see it as a more modern, contemporary tool to communicate with your employees. Our Gen Z and Millenial employees especially love to interact with our [Shift platform]."
Jose Vazquez Barquet, VP

Subway

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