If you needed a taxi and given the choice between a qualified driver and one who had not passed their test, but was much cheaper, which one would you choose?
I’m guessing the qualified driver every time.
The same goes for your customers. If they enter a pub or restaurant and the staff are just not up to it, no matter how cheap your products are, they’re unlikely to bother visiting again.
Investing time and money into staff training means that your employees can work more efficiently and productively and more importantly, leave your customers with a lasting positive impression.
Nurture employee loyalty
Staff turnover in bars and restaurants is notoriously high but, investing in your staff is a good way to show them that you care about them and, perhaps they would be more likely to stay. It actually costs more money to regularly recruit than it does to train them properly.
If staff are left with zero training other than their induction, there is a danger that they become set in their ways, bored and may seek work elsewhere.
Support them to do a better job
Even your top staff can become stale and seem like they’re working on autopilot. The danger is that they can start to see customers as general public, rather than individuals with individual needs who are looking for an individual experience.
Offer your staff the chance to learn additional skills and new techniques. Learning something new can add energy to a team. Laws are always changing and so is technology and keeping on top of legal responsibilities is key to staying open.
Keep on top of legislative change
The hospitality industry is highly regulated, and staff have responsibilities to keep on top of, but don’t always understand that it can make or break a business. Rather than just going through the guidelines, why not show your staff and your customers that you take your legal responsibilities seriously and invest in food safety qualifications.
Many customers will make their decision of where to eat based on your food hygiene scores and other customer reviews. Study and understand what is required of you and look at the many ways that you can offer training to your staff. If time is a factor, try on-line training courses.
Your staff really are your business and if you invest in their training, they in turn will make you more money, keep your customers satisfied and make the environment a good place to work in.
Key Brand Associates offers training for any type of hospitality business, from 2 staff to 50,000 staff. Get in touch to find out more.