Running a restaurant is a lot like juggling—keeping customers happy, managing orders, and staying on top of trends. But at the heart of it all is your staff. Without a reliable team, even the best menu or smoothest online food ordering system won’t keep things running. Retaining employees can feel tricky in such a fast-paced industry, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely doable. Let’s dive into some practical ways to hold on to your team and build a positive work environment.
1. Celebrate Success with Restaurant Awards
Everyone likes to be recognised for their hard work, and your staff are no different. A simple shout-out for a job well done goes a long way, but you can take it further with awards. You could introduce fun internal awards like ‘Top Shift Hero’ or ‘Most Loved by Customers.’ These little gestures boost morale and show your team that you notice their effort.
Getting involved in industry events, like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), is another great motivator. When your staff know they’re working for a restaurant that’s up for an award, it gives them a sense of pride. It’s also great for your business image. Recognition helps you build a solid team that sticks around. After all, who wouldn’t want to say they’re part of an award-winning restaurant?
2. Show Them a Future They Can Grow Into
Many employees quit because they can’t see a future with their current job. Without a clear career path, it’s easy to move on to the next opportunity. You can fix this by offering your team room to grow. Show them that their hard work can lead to bigger things, whether it’s promotions or cross-training.
Maybe a waiter today could become a shift manager next year. Or a kitchen assistant can work their way up to a chef role with the proper guidance. You can also boost motivation by nominating your team for awards like ARTA—because when they know they’re part of a recognised restaurant, they’ll be even more excited to stay.
3. Create a Positive Work Environment
Working in hospitality can be demanding, and the pressure can lead to burnout. That’s why creating a positive work culture matters. A good environment helps your staff enjoy their time at work—and happy staff are far less likely to leave.
Simple things, like daily check-ins with your team or giving them a say in decision-making, make a big difference. Encourage feedback and act on it. Maybe someone suggests tweaking your online food ordering system to make things smoother—listen to them. Small gestures of trust build loyalty.
Organising team activities, such as a staff dinner or a game night, helps strengthen bonds. Employees who enjoy being with their colleagues are more likely to stay.
4. Use Technology to Make Life Easier for Your Team
Restaurant work can be intense, especially during peak hours. Technology can help reduce your staff’s workload by making operations run more smoothly. For example, an online food ordering system can streamline orders and payments, reducing chaos at the front desk.
EPOS systems also speed up service and minimise mistakes, taking some pressure off your team. The less your employees stress about small tasks, the more they can focus on delivering outstanding service. When things run smoothly, your staff stay happier—and happy staff stick around longer.
5. Offer Fair Pay and Perks That Matter
Competitive pay is a must if you want to keep good staff. In an industry where wages are often low, offering a bit more than the standard rate can make a huge difference. But pay isn’t the only thing that matters. Benefits like flexible shifts, performance bonuses, or even a wellness programme can make your team feel appreciated.
If your restaurant sees a big boost in sales thanks to your online food ordering system, why not share a bit of that success with your employees? A small profit-sharing scheme shows that you value their contribution. When your team feels like they have a stake in your success, they’re more likely to stay loyal.
6. Give Your Team a Voice
People are more committed to jobs where they feel heard. Get your staff involved in decisions, whether it’s menu changes or service improvements. Let them pitch ideas—they’re on the floor daily and often know what works best.
If you’re preparing for an industry event like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, bring your team in on the planning. When employees feel involved in your restaurant’s big moments, it deepens their connection to the business. A little ownership goes a long way in keeping staff engaged and happy.
7. Help Your Team Achieve Work-Life Balance
Working in hospitality often means long shifts and unpredictable hours, which can be taxing. Burnout is real; if your employees feel overwhelmed, they’ll start looking for the exit. That’s why offering a good work-life balance is crucial.
Make it easy for staff to swap shifts or take time off when needed. Use scheduling software to avoid last-minute changes and make sure everyone gets their fair share of weekend breaks. You can also mix things up a bit—have staff rotate roles to keep things fresh. A waiter might enjoy the occasional break by helping with online orders using your online food ordering system. It’s a small change, but it can make the job feel less repetitive.
8. Celebrate Milestones and Long-Term Loyalty
Don’t wait for your employees to quit before you show appreciation. Celebrate their milestones—whether it’s a work anniversary, birthday, or a team achievement. A simple token of appreciation, like a thank-you card or a gift voucher, can make them feel valued.
You could also introduce loyalty bonuses or long-service awards. Publicly recognising these moments, maybe at events like ARTA, boosts team spirit and shows you care about your staff’s journey with you. Employees who feel valued over the long term will stick around longer.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your staff isn’t just about offering a pay rise here or there. It’s about building a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and part of something bigger. Recognition, whether through internal awards or industry recognition like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, helps create that sense of belonging.
At the same time, using tools like an online food ordering system makes life easier for your team, while offering perks and career development shows them they have a future with you. With the right balance of care, communication, and technology, you’ll retain your team and create a thriving restaurant that keeps customers coming back.
In the end, happy staff lead to happy customers—and that’s a win for everyone.
