Mind Food | Staff Retention

Any kitchen I have ever worked in has been a melting pot of nationalities. The food industry seems to attract a blend of cultures, ideas and cuisine. Right now, we are being put to the test.

-        600,000 temporary visa holders departed Australia last year.

-        Covid continues to disrupt travel.

-        Skilled migration is heavily down.

-        Many people are changing careers and every employer I speak with is asking the question ….

Where can I find staff?

The lack of skilled workers in the market is forcing employers to ensure they retain the talent they have. Good people are hard to find - and even harder to hang on to.

 In the current market, losing a key staff member is a huge blow in terms of daily operations, overloading existing staff, losing intellectual property and dropping the ball on customer service. Not to mention the loss in momentum and disruption to team dynamics.

Not thinking about retaining your current staff is like saying ‘Let’s win a grand final with a brand new team every year.

It’s delusional. You will not have the knowledge, depth or consistency.

So, what makes your business attractive to a potential team member? Sure, money is a key driver but countless studies over the years rate remuneration way down the list in terms of staff happiness.

 The key to staff retention is to have a clear strategy that addresses 3 areas:
Connection, Contribution and Progression.

Connection: People like to belong, to share the vision of the business and be involved in the journey.

Contribution: Sharing knowledge and being recognised is a key driver for engagement. The more we give, the more we receive.

Progression: Having a clearly defined pathway allows a longer term relationship to form between employee and employer. It’s a win-win.

Increased retention will make your overall offer more consistent and in food – consistency is king.
 
What are you currently doing to stand out as an employer of choice?

Stay Hungry

- Glenn