How to Staff Your Restaurant for the Holidays
The holidays are a joyous time for many, filled with family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But for restaurant owners, the festive season can bring a different kind of stress: staffing. With increased customer demand and competing schedules, ensuring you have a happy and efficient team during this time is key to success.
Don't let staffing worries dim your holiday spirit! By planning ahead, offering incentives, and creating a supportive work environment, you can navigate the holiday rush with a well-staffed and motivated crew. Here's your ultimate guide to making sure your restaurant is sleighing the competition (and keeping your customers happy) this holiday season.
Understanding Holiday Staffing Needs
The first step to successful holiday staffing is understanding what your specific needs will be. Dive into past data and analyze peak times and days. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and even days leading up to these holidays are typically the busiest.
Next, determine the necessary staffing levels for different shifts. Front-of-house positions like servers and bartenders will likely need more staff during peak dining hours, while back-of-house roles may require additional personnel to manage increased kitchen output.
Consider the impact of holiday closures or reduced hours. If you're planning to close on holidays like Christmas Day, you'll need to adjust your staffing accordingly.
Creating a Flexible Schedule
Knowing your staffing needs is vital, but it's equally important to be flexible with your employees' schedules. Encourage employees to submit holiday availability early. This allows you to create a preliminary schedule well in advance and identify any potential gaps.
Empower your staff by offering shift swapping or trading options. This allows employees to trade shifts amongst themselves to accommodate personal holiday plans. Implement a fair scheduling process that considers seniority, performance, and past holiday availability.
To help with the scheduling process, consider hiring seasonal staff to supplement your existing team. This can be a great option for college students on break or individuals looking for temporary work. Not to mention, it can help fill in the gaps for your upcoming busy holiday schedule.
Employee Morale and Appreciation
The holidays are a time for family and celebration, and some employees may have competing obligations. To keep your team motivated and engaged during this busy time, offer incentives for working holidays. This could include increased hourly pay, holiday bonuses, or even special holiday meals for staff working long shifts.
More importantly, show appreciation for employee dedication. A simple "thank you" or a handwritten note can go a long way in boosting morale. Consider small holiday gifts or team-building activities to create a positive and festive atmosphere.
Utilizing Scheduling Software
Restaurant scheduling software can be a powerful tool for managing your holiday workforce.
These platforms allow you to:
- Create and publish schedules electronically
- Track employee availability
- Facilitate shift-swapping
- Communicate efficiently with your team
Scheduling software can save you valuable time and ensure a more transparent and fair scheduling process, leading to happier and more engaged employees.
Tips on Managing Stress/Burnout
The holiday rush can be stressful for both you and your staff. When work gets chaotic, it could lead to employee turnover or unhappy workers. Here are some tips to help everyone manage stress and avoid burnout:
- Communicate openly and honestly. Let your team know your expectations and be transparent about potential challenges.
- Promote teamwork. A strong sense of team spirit can help everyone pull together during busy times.
- Offer flexible break schedules. Allowing staff to take short breaks throughout their shifts can help them recharge.
- Lead by example. Stay calm and positive under pressure. Your energy will set the tone for the entire team.
- Encourage downtime. Schedule some pre- and post-holiday shifts with lighter workloads to give everyone a chance to rest and recuperate.
By following these tips, you can effectively staff your restaurant during the holidays. Remember, a happy and motivated team will provide exceptional service to your customers, ensuring a successful and profitable holiday season for your restaurant.
Learn More Through Food Safety Management Training
Online training offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for you and your restaurant staff. Accredited providers can offer comprehensive programs that can be completed at employees’ convenience, making it ideal for businesses needing to train multiple team members.
Fortunately, Learn2Serve by 360training offers food manager training to get you certified. After you complete the course and pass your final exam, you will receive a printable food manager certificate to display at your establishment. This shows health inspectors that you have the knowledge required to keep your customers and employees safe. Sign up today!
