Corporate culture that lasts

How do you maintain a restaurant's high quality, service and profitability – when you lose key people? The answer is good corporate culture.

The employees are the backbone of a restaurant. That's where the expertise, experience and often also the identity reside. It happens that someone resigns, for various reasons. If you are not well prepared in such situations, major changes can happen. But – if you are well prepared, it is easier to bring in a new person in the same role.

Build a solid corporate culture

A company culture that is etched into the DNA of your restaurant will continue, even when a key person heads off on new adventures. Culture can be anything from how you greet customers, to how you handle a dissatisfied customer, to how you celebrate when things go well. Remind your employees of what your company culture should be like—it’s easy to forget.

A clear vision is key

In order for everyone to work towards the same goal, it is essential to have clear goals and visions. Have regular meetings where you go through the focus areas for the time to come, and remind everyone where you want to be next month, next quarter and next year. But – don’t fall into the trap of setting unattainable goals. It is better to set smaller goals that are feasible, and rather update the goals often.

Good communication includes insight

Meetings are not only good for keeping everyone up to date on what's going on, they're also great for team spirit. Meetings don't have to be long or heavy. On the other hand, they should include both criticism and praise. Are there any dishes or products that you should focus on because they're more profitable? Has there been any feedback from customers that you should listen to a little more? It's also important to give employees some insight into the financial side of things. There's no need to go into depth here, but give them a sense of whether things are going well or badly.

Development makes people become

A Swedish study shows that people who are allowed to develop in their role have less sick leave and are happier at work. The study was conducted on teachers, but the researchers still believe that this applies to other industries, too. There have long been theories that it is good to have employees in the company through the process, but it has actually been proven that having employees who stay in the company is more profitable. Ensuring that there is room for development is simply absolutely necessary. Develop and build on the employees. Even if they do not have the competence here and now, it does not mean that they cannot acquire it.

Create an environment filled with trust

Openness and trust are essential for employees to feel comfortable. The most important thing you can do as a manager is to listen to what your employees say. Make sure that feedback is received positively and actively use it to continuously improve your routines.

Don't forget to reward your employees

Some employees need praise and recognition to feel like they are doing a good job – take this into account and make sure to let them know when they are doing something good. A reward system may be appropriate to implement. The system can advantageously consist of financial benefits, but it can also be effective with time off, work trips and other benefits. Rewarding employees with trust is also nice. Delegate responsibilities – and give them the freedom to make their own decisions.

Source: forskning.no