5 Best Ways to Attract and Keep Restaurant Staff When You Can't Offer High Pay

Hiring and keeping staff in the restaurant industry isn't always easy—especially when you can't offer the highest pay or the most dazzling benefits. But a great team is the heart of any successful restaurant. So how do you attract and keep good people on board? Here are five friendly tips to help you out.

1. Be Upfront About Pay and Expectations

Honesty is the best policy. Make sure the pay range is clear in your job postings, and discuss it openly during interviews. This way, applicants know what to expect and won't feel misled later on.

• "I see a lot of turnover. I would like to offer a more upfront view of what to expect without ruining the interview."

By being transparent, you save time for both yourself and potential hires. It helps find folks who are okay with the pay and ready to be part of your team.

2. Highlight the Perks You Do Offer

Maybe you can't offer big bucks, but what about the other good stuff? Do you have a friendly work environment, flexible schedules, free meals, or opportunities to learn new skills?

• "You can play up the perks... have flexibility with work times, etc."

Emphasize these benefits in your job postings and interviews. Sometimes, the little things make a big difference in attracting the right people.

3. Make Training Easy and Supportive

Starting a new job can be tough. Make it easier by providing helpful training materials and a supportive environment. Even simple, easy-to-follow manuals or a buddy system can go a long way.

• "Make sure you have training videos and manuals that are easy to reference... so others can help answer questions."

A smooth onboarding process shows new hires that you care about their success, which can encourage them to stick around longer.

4. Create a Positive Work Environment

People are more likely to stay in a job where they feel happy and valued. Foster a workplace where teamwork is encouraged, and managers are approachable.

• "Usually the work environment in my department is great so there are positives about the position."

A positive atmosphere can sometimes outweigh lower pay, especially in the close-knit world of restaurants.

5. Use Feedback to Advocate for Change

If you're noticing high turnover due to pay, collect that information. Use it to make a case to upper management about adjusting wages or improving benefits.

• "Keep count of the number of applicants you screen that are qualified but don't move forward because of pay... You can use that data to build a case."

While change might not happen overnight, showing concrete data can help push for improvements that benefit everyone.

Hiring in the restaurant industry has its challenges, but by being honest, highlighting your strengths, supporting your staff, and advocating for better conditions, you can build a team that's loyal and committed. Remember, it's not always about the highest pay—sometimes, it's about creating a place where people love to work.