The labor shortage issue in the food and beverage industry has begun to surface after the lockdown is over. The reopening of restaurants, increased seat limit, and the possibility of hosting events have somewhat become new challenges that restaurateurs need to keep up with.
Finding the right staff for the task was already a challenge in itself. Now, the increase in staff rotation made the situation even worse. We are looking to discuss how Mamak uses technology to solve the imminent issue.
The reasons for the ongoing staff shortage in the food service industry
After lockdown is over, restaurants begin to open again. However, many have seen a 20% reduction in staff. Covid-19 pandemic restrictions significantly reduced people’s interest in working in the food and beverage industry. Many are looking for a more stable employment condition, moving away from the hospitality business.
How can the labor shortage affect your restaurant?
The impact of a pandemic plays a significant challenge to the profitability of your business. So what are the consequences of lacking enough employees working in your restaurant?
Extended waiting time
Having less staff should increase waiting time and negatively impact customer service. Time is one of the most crucial factors in customer satisfaction.
Dissatisfaction of guests
When your staff is overloaded with handling the customers, they will be exposed more to making mistakes. A pressured staff, especially during busy hours, can significantly impact the overall customer experience in your restaurant. If you want to retain your customers, their satisfaction plays an important role, and overworked staff can make that goal diminished.
Increased staff rotation
A good working environment is essensial for an excellent corporation. Staff dissatisfaction resulting from overwork or unpredictable schedule changes are all factors that encourage them to change employers. Even if you find an energized staff that works long hours, they usually can maintain their performance for up to three months before getting exhausted and losing focus.
Effective methods of solving restaurant labor shortages
Streamline your menu
During the pandemic, many restaurants in Malaysia cut their menus to just a few most favorite dishes. This strategy may simplify your restaurant’s work, as the demand was reduced too.
Shorten or adjust restaurant opening hours
Shortening your restaurant opening hours may temporarily impact your revenue, but many views it as a wise choice during a crisis. When you wish to retain the staff you already have, do adjust your opening hours to suit the current number of your staff.
Communicate changes with your guests
Remember to notice your loyal customers to the changes you are planning to introduce. Important information should be accessible easily on your website or social media.
Focus on deliveries
Home delivery is continuously growing, so consider integrating the service as one part of your restaurant system. You can use a third-party courier to handle the task, while your kitchen staff will do most work, reducing the front staff’s workload and increasing revenue potential altogether.
Let technology give you a helping hand
You can implement a QR code menu to get those four benefits with less to no side effects. Many restaurants are looking for a tenacious system that is always ready to take the order and pay with minimal supervision during these times.
Mamak has started stepping up their system with a well-designed QR code menu that helps solve your restaurant staffing shortage and more benefits altogether.
WhiteBean will help you design and integrate the best system that suits particularly to your restaurant. Start discussing which features you want to implement with our QR Code experts today.
Image Credits: CHUTTERSNAP