Catering can be a tough business, with pressurized conditions and a lot of responsibility falling onto those who work in the kitchen. That said, it can also be immensely rewarding and your workforce gets a real sense of satisfaction in a job well done. Attracting employees who are motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated while also paying attention to the strict hygiene and safety regulations can sometimes seem like an impossible task, but it can be done if you approach it from the right angle.
Brighter Workplace
One way of encouraging quality staff to join your organization is to ensure that you observe best practice in all areas of your business. Adhering to guidelines around food safety is obviously vital – but most people prefer to work in a pleasant environment so investment in your workspace will pay dividends when it comes to recruitment.
Failing to take care of your kitchen makes for a difficult and unappealing work environment for your staff. It’s hard enough coping with the pressure of preparing food to high standards against the clock, but doing so in a kitchen which isn’t up to scratch makes the job much more stressful and difficult. If you have a reputation for your quality, then good employees will be drawn to your organization. That means you will have people who take pride in their work and you won’t have to worry about every dish which leaves the kitchen.
Offer More than the Minimum
Another way to attract top staff to your catering business is to offer a decent employment package. You may have some takers for a role which only offers minimum wage and holidays, but if you can go just a little further it will pay off in recruitment terms. An employment package which includes not just generous pay but holiday entitlement above the minimum will set you apart from other employers and make your company more appealing to prospective staff. Keep abreast of what the industry averages are and try to match or exceed them if possible. This will give job seekers a sense of worth and increase morale amongst existing staff, making your workplace happier as a whole.
If you can only pay the minimum, make sure your staff know that they are valued. Make them feel they are part of the business and where possible, promote from within.
Work-life balance
Ensuring that none of your staff are working excessive hours is also a must. You must allow enough time for rest and recuperation in between shifts. They may have to work antisocial hours but if you make sure this is mitigated by allowing enough time off to achieve a reasonable work-life balance, it will help to foster loyalty and reduce staff turnover. The best way to attract staff is to treat your existing staff well and build your reputation in the industry as a caring and responsible employer.
Most people now search the web for vacancies so it’s a good idea to advertise online. You can find out more about catering recruitment at www.caterer.com and take advantage of the database of job-seekers there.
