In keeping with the theme of labor shortages, a guide to hiring during the holiday season seemed like a must. Business at restaurants typically increases this time of year, so you want to be prepared for the customers that will be walking through your doors. Many of these people could be new customers and you don’t want them to leave. You might be wondering how, in a time of labor shortages, you are expected to find extra hands? Here are a few ways that can help you find, and keep, help during this holiday season.
Be Upfront About Your Hiring Needs
There are many people who look for jobs around the holidays for extra spending money. You want to make sure you are hiring people who are specifically looking for seasonal work. During the next interview, ask what their goals are, why they applied to that specific job and make sure they understand that it is not a long-term position. The more upfront you are, the more likely you are to land employees who will stick around through the entire season.
Use Pre-screening Assessment
Just because you are hiring for seasonal work, does not mean you want to hire just anyone who strolls in. When someone is filing out the application, ask a few questions that can help you decipher between the applicants that you want to interview and ones that you know right away will not work out. These pre-screening assessments can give you more information about the person’s knowledge or skill level as well as help you weed out people you are clearly not looking for. This will help you narrow down your candidates and have a better chance at quality applicants, while saving you time from interviewing as many people.
Make It Worth It
Be prepared to pay your employees well. You can’t expect to hire people to work the holiday season and not pay them a decent wage. If finances won’t allow you to pay as well as other restaurants in your area, look at different ways you can make your establishment more enticing. Make sure your work culture is inclusive to your seasonal hires, and find ways to make it fun. See if you can throw in a few competitions where you award the winner with a gift card, a small bonus, or whatever works for your business!
Be Flexible
Scheduling can be difficult, especially during the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep in mind that everyone comes from different backgrounds, religious beliefs, generations and has different family dynamics. Someone might really want to work Christmas day because they don’t have any plans and are anticipating the generosity of customers on this day. Consider giving your employees some say during this season. Having an easy to use labor scheduling app can be a lifesaver. Employees can trade shifts, cover shifts and fill in any gaps with just a few clicks on their phones.
This holiday season, you don’t have to drown in exhaustion trying to keep up with the demands while being short staffed. Follow these tips and create a space that your employees can enjoy!
