How to keep hospitality staff happy

Staff members who are happy in their jobs are more likely to stick with you for longer. And that’s not the only benefit, according to Warwick University’s Happiness and Productivity Study, happier workers are also 12% more productive on average than those who aren’t.  

In this article, Access Hospitality delve into the top four things businesses need to do to improve team happiness levels and boost staff retention. From career development to prioritising wellbeing.  

Consider your team’s mental wellbeing 

There is a perception that hospitality is an industry where people work long unsociable hours for low pay. Many operators have taken steps to change that perception and introduced flexible working, and/or shorter working weeks with elevated pay. 

Hospitality, nevertheless, does often require staff to work evenings and weekends and can be a fast-paced, high-pressured work environment. 

Employers, therefore, need to ensure staff take regular breaks during shifts and are supported to do their jobs well, which will help them feel looked-after, valued and content at work. Feeding staff during busy shifts, offering mental wellbeing advice and appointing a mental health and wellbeing ambassador are some of the ways hospitality employers can improve employee wellbeing. 

Celebrate achievements 

As we’ve said before, hospitality is nothing without its people, so when sales at your site are stronger than usual, or customers give glowing feedback about their dining experience at your restaurant, it will no doubt be due to the performance of your team. 

Make sure managers communicate these wins to the team and acknowledge individuals who may have contributed to the success. When employees know they are making a difference to the business, they will feel good about themselves, and recognition of hard work will further boost their good mood. 

To motivate staff to achieve and increase their chances of happiness, you could reward high performance with individual or team prizes such as gift vouchers or subscribe to a perks scheme that formally recognises achievements. 

Offer development opportunities 

A lack of career progression is one of the top reasons people leave the workplace. While training and development may not always offer a direct solution to this issue, chances for your staff to stay increase greatly if you offer development and the chance of promotion. 

Career development is a key component of workplace happiness because staff feel invested in and valued, which results in improved retention, so it is a win-win for all. 

Offering regular training and development to staff and promoting those who hit agreed targets improves retention because not only does it make the promoted employee happy, but it helps others see the potential career path offered by the business, so they are more likely to stick around. 

The importance of job satisfaction 

There are many components to consider when we think of job satisfaction; whether they’re directly related to aspects of the role itself, to the company or the people that you work with. These components will all have a different weighting on job satisfaction for each of your employees, based on what’s most important to them. 

By understanding how satisfied employees are within their role, you could improve employee engagement; helping you to retain your top talent, deliver exceptional guest experiences and work more efficiently to reduce costs – ultimately improving your bottom line. 

We all know that a happy workforce is a more productive workforce. Therefore, it’s essential to continue to promote a positive working environment and continue to monitor happiness and job satisfaction to ensure that you’re working as effectively as possible. 

How software can improve your employees' experience  

This article has summarised the importance of employee wellbeing and productivity and provides key strategies for businesses to improve team happiness levels at the workplace. Implementing these steps can help boost staff retention and create a happier and more productive environment.  

Technology can play a major part in improving your team's happiness levels. Simplifying onboarding and digitalising processes such as scheduling and training can positively influence employee engagement.

Advanced hospitality HR and workforce management software can reduce administrative chores, help implement and manage recognition programs and track training and development processes. Offering regular opportunities for skill enhancement through a hospitality LMS enhances your business and gives your employees a chance to progress in their careers.  

For more information on how our software can help you keep your employees happy with software, get in touch today to discuss your requirements or watch our 7 min demo video.