Employee retention has always been a challenge in the quick service restaurant industry. It might not seem like a big deal because you often find other workers to replace those that you lost. However, employee turnover is costly for quick service restaurants and it can lead to customer dissatisfaction.
Why Employee Retention is a Challenge
So why is employee retention so challenging for the quick service industry? There are a few explanations, but one of the most common reasons is that quick service restaurants offer low wages and few advancement opportunities. This can lead to a higher number of employees looking for other opportunities where they can earn more or advance in the company.
Another reason is the nature of the job. Quick service restaurants are often considered to be a low-skilled, entry-level position. This can lead to employees feeling like they are not valued. On top of that, the work can be repetitive and monotonous, leading to employee dissatisfaction.
Why Employee Turnover is Costly
We mentioned that high employee turnover can be costly. First and foremost, the hiring and training process can be expensive. Being in a constant cycle of hiring new employees and training them costs you both time and money. Turnover often leads to even more turnover so that cycle can spiral out of control very quickly to the point that it seems all you are doing is hiring and training.
This high turnover leads not just to employee dissatisfaction, but customer dissatisfaction too. Customers can tell when employees aren’t happy with their job. Employee dissatisfaction can lead to lower quality customer service, which makes customers unhappy.
How to Improve Employee Retention Rates
As you can see, it’s an awful and costly cycle you can get stuck in. Improving employee retention rates not only saves you time and money, but it creates a more positive working environment and leads to higher employee and customer satisfaction. This in turn makes your workers much more productive and increases your profits.
So how can you get out of the hiring cycle and improve your employee retention rates? Here are some tips to help you decrease high employee turnover in your quick service restaurant.
1 | Consistent and Adequate Training
A great way to improve employee retention is to train your new employees consistently and adequately. When new employees understand what is required of them from the very start, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and less likely to quit. Be sure to provide clear guidelines that will help new employees feel more comfortable in their new role and more invested in their work.
2 | Offer Professional Development Opportunities
When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are much more likely to stick around. Show your employees that you care about their professional development by offering opportunities such as training programs or tuition reimbursement. This proves to employees that you are invested in their future and that there is potential to move into a management role. This means they are more likely to stick with the company long term.
3 | Communicate Regularly
Good communication is the foundation of any great business. Not only do you want to make sure that employees are getting company news they need to know, but you also want to make sure that they feel heard and that their concerns are being addressed. Regular verbal and written communication offers employees the opportunity to provide feedback. Be willing to listen to that feedback and let them know you value their input. And don’t forget to give praise and recognition when it is deserved, and to address any concerns promptly.
4 | Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits
Finally, invest in your employees by offering competitive benefits and pay. While it might feel like more money going out up-front, your investment will pay off in the long run. Employees who feel valued and receive competitive wages are less likely to leave the company in search of higher paying opportunities.
5 | Use QSRSoft!
Finally, use QSRSoft’s portfolio of solutions! We make it easier to run great quick service restaurants! With QSRSoft, we give you the tools to improve your employee retention rates, including tools designed to engage and motivate your staff, enabling effective communication, as well as back office solutions such as HR tasks, scheduling, timekeeping, and even employee satisfaction.
Learn why QSRSoft is used and approved by Fortune 500 Companies nationwide plus why small businesses love our solutions!