Managing seasonal staff during the festive season is crucial for restaurant owners to ensure smooth operations. As Christmas approaches, it’s important to address the challenges that come with hiring temporary employees and effectively managing their presence.
Challenges of the Holiday Season:
The holiday season brings increased patronage, but it also presents staff-related issues. Some employees may request time off, seek higher compensation, or even fail to show up for their shifts. To overcome these challenges and efficiently manage your seasonal staff, here are a few tips:
5 Strategies for Handling Seasonal Employees
Effective approaches for managing seasonal employees include proactive planning, clear communication, incentives, backup staff arrangements, and employee involvement.
Plan Ahead for Leave:
To ensure smooth operations, it’s crucial to know in advance which staff members will be taking leave and when. Establish clear leave application procedures and display a schedule where employees can check for potential clashes before submitting their requests. Consider setting a deadline for leave applications over the festive period, requiring all requests to be made at least two weeks in advance.
Share Schedules Effectively:
One of the most efficient methods of managing staff and ensuring everyone is on the same page is by sharing holiday schedules. Utilize an online planner, a piece of paper, or a whiteboard to allow employees to fill in their booked holidays. This way, everyone can easily identify potential scheduling conflicts and make adjustments accordingly.
Provide Incentives:
Working during the holidays can be demanding for employees who would prefer to enjoy their own festivities. Motivate your staff to work during this period by offering incentives. These incentives don’t have to be extravagant; simple gestures like a free meal, a bonus, or overtime pay can go a long way in boosting employee morale and dedication.
Manage Absences Effectively:
Once the leave application deadline has passed, review your schedule and identify areas where there might be a shortage of staff. Ensure you have backup personnel available to cover any absences, even if it’s just for one person. Having all hands on deck is crucial during the holiday season. If you don’t have enough staff, consider hiring temporary employees to fill the gaps.
Foster Employee Involvement:
Involving the employees who will be working during the holiday season in the schedule development process is essential. During your weekly staff meeting, communicate the plans and goals for the season, and actively engage employees in creating the schedule. Their input will be invaluable in creating a schedule that accommodates everyone’s preferences while ensuring adherence to it.
The festive season can be a busy and stressful period for everyone in the restaurant industry. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage your seasonal staff and focus on providing a memorable and exceptional experience for your customers.