The fast-casual food service industry is notorious for high employee turnover. And since the pandemic, finding quality workers is harder than ever.
Whether you are opening your first new pizza franchise, or you’ve been in business for a while and know you need a change, these tips are for you. Here are some ideas on how to hire and retain great employees:
1. Get organized first
Don’t rush into hiring, and don’t start doing interviews without first getting organized. Take the time to plan out exactly what positions you need to fill, and how to use your human resources efficiently. Be clear in your job descriptions about tasks, pay, promotional opportunities, and any perks.
2. Hire to cover your schedule
Most casual restaurants rely on a mix of full-time and part-time staff. Also, there is often a need for temporary or seasonal staff. Make sure you have your core team you can count on for more hours and managerial tasks, then fill in the schedule with part-time and swing shift help. Also, have some backups, in case people don’t work out. This keeps the workload reasonable for everyone.
3. Look for positive attitudes
Hiring for competency is one thing, but remember the kind of energy and culture you wish to cultivate in your store. Look for candidates who may have fewer skills, but who show interest in learning, have good attitudes, and show kindness to others. You’ll end up with a happier and more satisfied team in the end.
4. Be open to ideas
When you run your own franchise, you do have some wiggle room when it comes to how to connect with your community and how you market yourself. Be open to suggestions from your employees, and find ways to involve them in making your store special. This will help them feel they have a personal investment in the success of the whole team.
Want more tips on how to hire great staff for your pizza shop, or want more information on opening a Rosati’s Pizza franchise? Reach out to us today!