The festive season is magical, but if you’re running a restaurant, you know it also comes with its fair share of chaos. The Christmas rush brings in a flurry of customers, from families wanting to enjoy special meals together to holidaymakers searching for that perfect Christmas experience.
Preparing for this influx means ensuring your menu is spectacular and that your staffing strategy is on point. A smoothly run team is key to delivering the magic of the holidays. In this article, we’ll explore some essential staffing tips that can help you delight your guests and put your establishment in the running for recognition.
Hire Early
The early bird catches the worm; in the case of holiday staffing, it means the best employees. Christmas is the peak season for many businesses, and finding quality temporary staff can be challenging. Start the recruitment process as early as possible—preferably in late September or early October. This gives you ample time to filter out the right candidates, train them properly, and get everyone comfortable before the busy period kicks off.
Also, don’t forget about retention. Reach out to any reliable seasonal staff from previous years. These individuals already know how your restaurant works and can be up and running with minimal training. The earlier you prepare your team, the less stress you’ll have when December rolls around.
Plan Your Menu With Them
Let your staff be part of the festive decision-making process, especially when it comes to the menu. This gives them a deeper connection to what they’re serving, and their input might provide insight that you’ve missed. Your chefs, servers, and bartenders all bring a different perspective to the table—literally. When they’re engaged in menu planning, they’ll also be more excited about the dishes, and that enthusiasm will undoubtedly rub off on your customers.
Consider running tasting sessions for the staff to make sure everyone’s well-versed with the festive offerings. They can’t sell what they don’t know, and if they can taste everything themselves, they’ll be confident enough to provide better recommendations to your guests.
Train Your Staff to Know The Menu Well
The more confident your staff are about what’s on the menu, the smoother the holiday season will be. Investing time in comprehensive training helps prevent common issues—no awkward stammering, no panicked glances towards the kitchen, and definitely fewer incorrect orders. Each member should be able to speak about the dishes in detail: what ingredients are used, which allergens are present, and what makes them special for Christmas. A well-trained team is your first line of defence against a hectic dinner rush.
Set aside time for menu walkthroughs and quizzes, and introduce some role-playing where your staff can practice handling different customer scenarios. Training should be fun, informative, and interactive. Remember, knowledgeable staff are helpful and instrumental in upselling those extra festive desserts and drinks.
Work on Staff Rostering
Scheduling during the holidays can feel like solving a complicated puzzle. It’s a balancing act of ensuring enough hands are on deck while keeping the well-being of your team in mind. If possible, use rostering software to help streamline the process and allow staff to view their schedules easily.
Remember, everyone wants some downtime during the holidays, so try to accommodate those requests where possible. Start by asking your team to indicate any preferred days off in advance, and be upfront about which dates are non-negotiable for work. Ensuring everyone feels heard will boost morale and encourage your staff to come in with a positive attitude.
Acknowledge Your Staff
It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of bookings and orders, but don’t forget to appreciate your staff’s efforts. A simple “thank you” can go a long way, especially during hectic times. Consider running small incentives during the festive period, such as recognising an employee of the day or rewarding outstanding performance with gift cards. Public acknowledgement can significantly motivate the team, especially when everything feels like a race against time.
Your staff are the backbone of your success. Keep them feeling valued, and they will do wonders in creating that magical experience for every guest who walks through your door.
Celebrate Pre-Christmas With Your Crew
Your team is spending a lot of time making Christmas magical for others, so why not do something for them too? Organise a pre-Christmas celebration—maybe a nice dinner, a night out, or even just some festive snacks after a shift. This is an opportunity for your team to relax, bond, and enjoy each other’s company before the madness begins.
An informal pre-Christmas gathering helps everyone blow off some steam and shows them you genuinely care about their wellbeing. Plus, a happy crew means a happier workplace and, ultimately, happier customers.
Say No to Overtime
The Christmas period can be demanding, and while the temptation might be to squeeze every ounce of work out of your team, it’s important to respect their limits. Long shifts, especially back-to-back, lead to burnout, and an exhausted staff member is more prone to mistakes.
Where possible, resist the urge to schedule overtime and instead work on optimising regular shifts. This might mean hiring extra pairs of hands, but it’s worth it for the well-being of your crew. A well-rested team means better service, fewer errors, and a more positive working environment. These factors can help your establishment stand out as a place where both customers and employees are valued.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season doesn’t have to be synonymous with stress—at least not for you or your staff. By planning early, involving your crew in menu preparations, and prioritising their well-being, you set your team up for success. The benefits will ripple outwards, not only in your team’s morale but also in the experience they provide your guests. A motivated, well-prepared staff makes all the difference in turning a busy festive night into a smooth and magical experience for everyone involved.
And remember, a well-supported crew is the secret ingredient to happy guests and creating an establishment worthy of recognition. Follow these staffing tips, and you’ll be ready to embrace the Christmas rush confidently—and maybe even take home one of those prestigious ARTA Awards. Here’s to a wonderful, rewarding, festive season for you and your team!
