Treat Your Employees Like Customers (Ep. 160)

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OblkAEH8AXg

In this episode, the Restauranttopia team explores how to attract, engage, and retain top talent by treating employees like valued customers. From creating a standout workplace culture to leveraging marketing strategies in recruitment, discover actionable tips and insights to build a loyal and motivated team in today’s competitive labor market.

Treating Employees like customers: Episode 160

Episode Highlights:

• Shifting Mindset: Treat your employees as you would customers—market to and retain them effectively.
• Culture Matters: Employees value workplace culture and want to work where they feel supported and valued.
• Marketing to Talent:
  • Highlight your business's strengths during interviews.
  • Use targeted platforms (e.g., Indeed, Facebook) to attract the right candidates.
• Retention Strategies:
  • Daily interactions ("table touches") to build relationships.
  • Recognize achievements—small gestures like quality uniforms or hats matter.
  • Offer loyalty rewards and stay-on bonuses.
• Flexibility & Structure:
  • Accommodate employees' work-life balance needs.
  • Set clear expectations and deliver on promises.
• Autonomy & Growth:
  • Empower employees to own their roles.
  • Provide feedback and incorporate their ideas.
• Consistency in Leadership: Combine respect with approachability to build strong teams.

Pro Tips:

1. Recruiting: Spend strategically on platforms like Indeed and experiment with creative approaches like including job ads in to-go orders.
2. Retention: Regularly ask employees what they enjoy or dislike about the job and make improvements.
3. Scheduling: Use scheduling software to create flexibility while maintaining operational efficiency.

Actionable Steps for Restaurateurs:

1. Evaluate and improve your workplace culture—ask your team for honest feedback.
2. Update job ads to reflect your business's unique values and environment.
3. Implement a recognition program to celebrate employee achievements.
4. Invest in tools to streamline scheduling and improve flexibility for employees.
5. Follow through on promises to build trust and loyalty within your team.