Managing High Turnover in Remote Restaurants
Running a restaurant in a remote location presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to staffing. While the initial attraction to an exotic or picturesque location can help draw in employees, the reality of living and working in a remote area tends to set in after 6-12 months, leading to a high turnover rate. This is particularly difficult in an industry already known for its fast-paced environment and high employee turnover.
To manage this situation effectively, restaurant owners and managers can implement a few key strategies to minimize turnover and create a more sustainable working environment.
1. Understanding the Root Cause of Turnover
In remote locations, employees often leave not because of dissatisfaction with the job itself but due to the challenges of living in isolation. Boredom, loneliness, and limited access to entertainment or conveniences can take a toll. As a manager, it’s essential to recognize this and address these factors during the hiring process.
2. Hire the Right People
Not everyone is suited for long-term work in remote locations. Consider focusing your recruitment efforts on candidates who are more likely to enjoy the lifestyle that comes with living remotely. Mature workers or individuals who enjoy solitude and nature may be a better fit than younger candidates looking for a more vibrant social life. Additionally, hiring people on short-term contracts, such as seasonal workers or foreign travelers, can help set clear expectations from the start.
3. Provide Support Beyond the Workplace
To improve retention, offer support that extends beyond the restaurant. This can include subsidized housing, transportation assistance, and access to local activities. Partnering with local businesses or offering perks such as free meals, discounted memberships to local attractions, or entertainment options like streaming services can help employees feel more connected and satisfied with their surroundings.
4. Systemize Operations
Turnover is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to disrupt operations. By systemizing tasks such as food prep, cooking, and cleaning, you can ensure consistency even as staff members come and go. Clear instructions and well-organized processes allow new hires to get up to speed quickly, minimizing the impact of turnover on the business.
5. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
While remote living challenges can’t always be solved with money, offering competitive wages, healthcare benefits, and other incentives like paid time off can make the job more appealing. Consider implementing a bonus system for employees who stay for the entire season or beyond, which can help encourage longer-term commitment.
6. Create a Positive Work Culture
A supportive and enjoyable work environment can make a significant difference in employee retention. Promote a “work hard, play hard” culture, where employees feel valued and part of a team. Recognizing and rewarding hard work, fostering a sense of camaraderie, and maintaining open lines of communication can make your restaurant a place where people want to stay.
How Interviewy Can Help
Managing turnover in remote restaurants becomes much easier when you have the right tools at your disposal. Interviewy, a recruitment automation platform, offers a unique approach to hiring. With Interviewy, you don’t pay until you secure interviews, reducing the financial burden of hiring for hard-to-staff positions.
For restaurant owners in remote locations, this means less time spent searching for candidates and more focus on keeping operations running smoothly. By helping you connect with qualified candidates quickly, Interviewy allows you to concentrate on building a team that fits your unique needs, making it easier to manage the challenges of high turnover.
