Poor communication and low engagement
Poor communication can suffocate morale by creating confusion, uncertainty, misaligned expectations and team conflicts.
The dynamic nature of restaurant operations makes regular communication essential but very challenging. Digital platforms allow restaurant managers to integrate communication into their workflow, automating distribution and ensuring the information reaches employees. This consistent communication reduces errors, maintains standards and helps create a more cohesive team environment.
Many operations fall behind in their efforts to engage employees and identify problems that lead to turnover. Why? They rely on traditional engagement tools that aren’t built for how real front-line workforces operate.
For decades, annual surveys have been the go-to approach. These surveys are deployed via corporate emails and generate low participation rates. By the time senior leadership reviews the results, the window for timely intervention has closed. Beyond those delays, the intermittent nature of the feedback (once a year at best) allows pressing issues to fester.
A better approach builds engagement into the regular workflow, such as implementing pulse surveys directly within the restaurant’s time-tracking or scheduling system. This approach allows for quick, targeted touchpoints that encourage quick, honest responses and provide immediate insights. With this real-time information, managers can learn about and address issues before someone quits. What’s more, this kind of proactive engagement and acting on feedback cultivate a supportive environment.
Increasing employee touchpoints during the onboarding period, in particular, helps build relationships, correct misunderstandings and establish a positive working environment for long-term retention.
Recognition is often an undervalued aspect of communication. Establishing ongoing recognition programs makes employees feel valued and boosts morale. Digital tools enable managers to acknowledge good work instantly and regularly. Some systems can even analyze performance data to suggest recognition opportunities.
