From staff shortages to staff success

Staffing challenges in the Australian hospitality industry continue to grow. The days of simply posting a job ad and waiting for applications are long gone. The pandemic created a perfect storm, with a significant loss of talent as many people left the sector for more stable work.

This challenge is also an opportunity. It's important to proactively build a workplace that people want to be a part of.

The key to success lies in a multi-pronged approach that focuses on attraction, retention, and creating a positive, productive work culture. 

Attracting the right people

Forget the old-school, demanding job descriptions. Today's job ads need to be marketing tools that sell your business as a great place to work.

• Highlight the benefits: Instead of a long list of demands, focus on what's in it for them. Think about offering a flexible roster, paid overtime, or career development opportunities. An ad that leads with "We're looking for a passionate chef to join our supportive team" is far more appealing than one that says "Chef required, must have 5 years' experience and be able to work weekends."
• Showcase your culture: Use your ad to give potential applicants a glimpse into your workplace culture. Do you have a collaborative team? Do you value a healthy work-life balance? Use language that reflects these values. This helps attract candidates who are a good cultural fit from the start.
• Consider sponsorship: If you’re in a regional area and set up to sponsor applicants, make this a key feature of your ad. Many talented international workers on graduate visas are looking for pathways to permanent residency and will be drawn to this opportunity.

Retention is key

The "endless hamster wheel of recruitment and retraining" is a drain on your time, energy, and finances. The best way to avoid this is by focusing on keeping the staff you already have.

Retention starts with a positive workplace and is cemented with smart investments.

• Beyond the paycheck: While competitive pay is essential, a great work culture is what truly makes people stay.
• Treat people with respect: This seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Coach your managers to provide constructive feedback, not bark orders. Never correct or discipline a team member in front of others. Acknowledge that everyone plays a necessary role in the business's success.
• Invest in training: Show your employees you value them by investing in their skills. Provide a thorough induction and ongoing training. A trained, confident team is a productive team. This is a win-win: your staff feel valued, and your business runs more efficiently.

The right tools for the job

Your equipment plays a huge role in staff satisfaction and productivity. No one wants to work with faulty gear.

Upgrading your equipment isn't just a cost, it's an investment in your staff and your bottom line.

• Modernise your kitchen: A functional, modern kitchen is a powerful incentive. A chef working with a fully operational, high-quality oven or fryer is a happy chef. It shows you care about their work environment and their ability to perform their job well.
• Smarter equipment saves time: Consider a commercial dishwasher that can clean a rack of dishes in under two minutes. This simple upgrade could mean your team finishes their closing duties half an hour earlier. That half an hour adds up over time, not only saving you money on wages but also demonstrating to your staff that you respect their time. They'll appreciate being able to get home sooner and will be more likely to stay.

Upgrading your equipment is a smart business decision, but it can be a big upfront investment. SilverChef offer flexible financing solutions designed for the hospitality industry, helping businesses like yours get the equipment they need with low weekly payments.

Proactive and smart choices to grow a stronger team

By rethinking your approach to recruitment and retention, you can transform your business into the local 'employer of choice.'

It’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and equipped to do their best work.

For over 35 years, SilverChef has been a dedicated partner on the hospitality journey, helping thousands of businesses grow and succeed. Get in touch with the team today if you’d like to discuss equipment upgrades, kitchen fit outs or your flexible financing options.