Have you taken the time to check in with your staff?

These are crazy times for all of us, and we each have our own challenges to face in our personal lives. Your staff is an essential part of the success of your business, so it is vital that you stay in-tune with each member of your team.

They may need something from you, but aren’t comfortable asking.

Perhaps one of your servers is struggling to balance their child’s virtual learning with their current work schedule. Adjusting the schedule is easy enough, if you have proper staff. I have found, in my restaurant, that the team is very understanding of each others needs, and typically I will get volunteers to swap shifts when needed.

They may not be clear on operational changes, or COVID safety procedures. Not everyone will read the State Guidelines, though we are required to have them posted. It is very important that you take the time to review the current regulations, and your specific policies to maintain compliance, with your staff. Emphasize the need to keep the employees and guests safe.

Again, they need to feel safe and comfortable when they are at work. Insecurities in your job can be a huge roadblock for performing at your best, so lets just squash those feelings, and help our teams succeed!

Ensuring your staff feels comfortable and safe is the best way to create loyal employees, who will be just as invested in your success as you are. Many companies have an “Open Door” policy, but don’t actually utilize it for all it can be. Employees who can openly ask questions, will in turn have the correct information to give guests and co-workers. Additionally, you are more likely to get feedback from guests if they can see your staff is comfortable with you.

More so than ever before, this is not a time when you want false information floating around within the four walls of your business. Whatever your staff knows as fact becomes fact to your guests, whether you want them talking about it or not. Be clear, and be kind.

Everyone stay safe, and be resilient! We will all get through this.