One Secret That Will Improve Your Workplace Culture

Did you know your restaurant has its own culture? Your workplace culture may be running wild, causing high employee turnover and an attitude of dissatisfaction with you as a boss. Here's what you need to know to keep your star performers on the team and increase job satisfaction.

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Why is the culture of your restaurant so important?

Over the past two decades, research has shown your employees value community and culture. [bctt tweet="When it comes to managing younger employees, a healthy company culture is more important than benefits." username="joinhomebase"] Over the past two decades, research has shown your employees value community and culture. When it comes to managing younger employees, having a healthy company culture is more important than benefits. Having a healthy, positive work culture will:

• Increase employee retention and satisfaction
• Impress future applicants
• Encourage higher rates of worker productivity
• Result in happier customers

The community and culture in a restaurant environment usually ranks near the top of these studies.

How can I get honest employee feedback?

It can be difficult to get honest employee feedback when you’re the boss. Employees -- especially hourly shift workers -- aren’t always willing to be upfront about their concerns. One of the best ways to do this is to conduct formal surveys on a regular basis. When it comes to surveys, there are a number of ideas on how these should be done. Whether you do them on paper or anonymously online, follow these tips:

• Use in-depth surveys, covering all aspects of the restaurant’s operation
• Make sure you ask the right questions
• Consider enlisting the help of an HR professional to write the survey
• Give employees time to fill out the survey; many professionals recommend two weeks
• Analyze the results carefully before making any operational changes

How can I use feedback to better shape our culture?

Analyzing employee feedback isn’t always easy. Don’t forget that it’s meant to be constructive criticism. Keep an open mind and consider as many of their ideas as possible.  Pay careful attention to their thoughts on training and onboarding programs, operating procedures, scheduling and benefits, and perks of employment. These are things you cannot possibly see from their point of view.[bctt tweet="What do your employees value? Use this info to reshape the culture of your restaurant." username="joinhomebase"] Once you have a good idea of your employee's values and concerns, use this information to reshape the culture of your restaurant. Now that you have a better understanding of what your employees want and need:

• Consider how you can reduce stress and alleviate any underlying friction
• Look for the potential causes of employee turnover, and address them
• Increase your focus on compliance regulation processes, if necessary
• Offer additional perks or rewards based on what your employees desires

Taking the time to solicit employee feedback can pay off in a number of ways. Their opinions will give you the opportunity to address serious issues and better shape your restaurant’s culture.