How to attract and retain Gen Z talent in the restaurant industry

A sincere vision can go a long way. Although Gen Z workers are passionate about social and environmental problems, being honest and faithful to your vision is vital. A smooth line won’t get you very far; transparency and vulnerability will. Also, don’t be surprised if your Gen Z workforce is the first to point out your mistakes.

The restaurant and food services industry is in high demand, but competition will only grow. Making your restaurant a wonderful place to work does more than assist you in overcoming the staffing crisis; it also increases the likelihood that Gen Z customers will frequent your establishment.

Who is Gen Z talent?

Many young individuals work in restaurants during their time in college or for a brief while after graduating as they consider their options. Maybe that’s how you first learned about hospitality back when? The time is now to dazzle young workers with the breadth and diversity that the hospitality industry offers if you want to recruit the next generation of rising restaurant stars. 

Indeed, many millennials are becoming obsessed with the business and pursuing jobs in it, not the least of which is that they are frequently, especially food and beverage sensitive. Daring restaurant concepts also thrill them, whether it’s a simple coffee shop start-up or a burger restaurant franchiseand they’re happy to share special dining occasions, designs, and artisanal cuisine online, not to mention making the reservation also through online means. So, you can’t go wrong in developing an online reservation system for your restaurant. 

Keeping millennial customers happy and attracting them are two of your biggest concerns if you own a restaurant. To keep the talent you already have and empower them to help you fill any new staffing needs, you may have to maintain up-to-date with the expansion of your brand. There may be some special considerations specific to the type of restaurant you operate.

Here are a few strategies for luring and keeping young talent in the restaurant sector:

The Millennial generation sometimes seeks to escape a bad employer, toxic work environment, or stuffy culture. Many people feel overworked and paid inadequately for the work they undertake. Even though they are usually content with their current circumstances, other Millennials want to “level up” to a better one. Employers who view keeping high-potential employees on board as a competitive advantage must be aware of this desire to “level up” and offer options to those workers.

Gen Z wants to behave maturely.

Gen Z is more inclined to leave high-stress situations. One of the most challenging environments to operate in is a kitchen. Sometimes, conversation in the kitchen might be considered harsh, bullying, or unpleasant. For instance, Gen Z employees typically take being screamed at as harsh personal criticism. They detest feeling criticised, overpowered, or uncertain. However, they do like direction, mentoring, and criticism. Great bosses and leaders will help you succeed.

To recruit and retain personnel, flexibility and culture are crucial components.

Pay seems to have the most significant impact on an employee’s performance in a fast-casual restaurant. However, flexibility and culture are crucial elements required to draw in and keep personnel. According to research, employees who feel their work fits your brand’s culture are more likely to be hired as quality personnel. They are the ones who are most motivated at work. Never neglect to monitor the career goals of your present employees. Over time, you will attract and keep better personnel if you are passionate about assisting them in achieving their professional goals.

Restaurants with Table Service

Customers can make appointments in advance for sit-down dinners at table service restaurants, which provide a more formal environment. The majority of customers are more affluent and statistically educated. Employees frequently seek these three things, which necessitates a little extra planning to attract and retain them to this type of restaurant brand:

Earning possibilities

Most restaurant employees who work in a table service environment are there for prospective earnings. They are looking for a location where they can provide more excellent customer service and work hard to earn higher tips.

Build a brand that sends a crystal-clear message of quality. 

The brand culture of these more upscale locations is what drives consumer purchasing. Your spending drives your employees’ opportunities. You may also take note that as long you create an opportunity to make your employees learn from you, who knows maybe in that aspect you may tap their potential and inspire them to maybe even build their own food business, be it a pizza franchise or some sort of a donut shop franchise, which in short means that everything can be just possible.  

Bring in flexible work hours.

Millennials won’t stick around only to keep a job. They won’t think twice about leaving a job that doesn’t offer a flexible schedule if they are unhappy with it. Because of this, it’s crucial to give these younger employees more flexible schedule options.

You’ll understand how tough restaurant hours may be, especially on the weekends and holidays. Workers should, however, be able to request contact and shift swaps quickly.

Pay that is open and performance-based

Employees in the millennial generation desire clear expectations for duties and potential compensation, in addition to seeking meaningful employment. It can be annoying and unfair for a superior to make more money while doing what appears to be less labor. Misunderstandings can be avoided by defining each function, its assigned responsibilities, and the accompanying pay grade

The Summary 

There can be an impact on team culture, benefits, salary, and employee performance. Peak performers are more confident and draw other people who are similarly secure. You will remove more weaknesses if your employees are weak. Encourage the best work possible from every employee, and always pay those who deserve it fairly. As a result, there will be more qualified hires, a reasonable turnover rate, and good employees for the restaurant brand.

Leave a Comment