Last updated on Jul 22, 2024

Your cafe is facing staff shortages. How do you ensure your team stays motivated and energized?

In the hospitality industry, particularly in your cafe, staff shortages can be a significant challenge. Ensuring that your team remains motivated and energized is crucial for maintaining a high level of service and a positive work environment. The key is to address the issue with compassion, understanding, and strategic action that supports your staff both personally and professionally.

1 Empower Staff

Empowering your team during times of staff shortages can be incredibly motivating. Give them the authority to make certain decisions, which can lead to a sense of ownership and pride in their work. This also helps to build trust and demonstrates your confidence in their abilities. Encourage them to contribute ideas for improving operations or customer service, and implement the feasible ones. When your team feels heard and valued, their motivation to excel even in challenging times is likely to increase.

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Derrick Rogers (L.I.O.N)

Disgracefully and intermittently retired, open to short returns and collaboration.
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Simple, begin with the three R's. Reward, recognition and respect. Once they are in place make sure your working environment is attractive, clean and safe. Empowering your team to make the magic come alive will weld them in a common goal.

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NikFahmi NikFauzi

PhD student
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Recognize and Reward Contributions: Regularly acknowledging the staff's hard work, creative problem-solving, and commitment to excellence, through both formal and informal recognition programs, reinforces that their efforts are valued and make a meaningful impact. By empowering the staff these ways, we can cultivate a culture of trust, ownership, and pride within the company structure. This, in turn, can boost morale, improve retention, and inspire the staff to go the extra mile, even during challenging times.

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Ben Ewings

I am a Warehouse operator with 7years experience I always try my best and i am also a steward I enjoy this because this gives me great social skills and attention to detail
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Give them pay rises and maybe a bonus for doing the job of two people because of short staff issues also entice new workers in with a higher wage than your rivals if this is not done be sure to watch the business crumble as staff leave in droves simple maths business always say they have a tight budget but is it really in reality as workers get squeezed as comparations quadruple their value

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Gasper Agacy

"Experienced GM at the forefront of delivering exceptional hospitality experiences"
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Open Communication:Keep the lines of communication open Recognize and Appreciate:Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team Flexible Scheduling:Offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your team’s needs Cross-Training:Equip your staff with the skills to handle multiple roles Incentives and Perks:Provide incentives such as bonuses,extra breaks or meal perks Team Building Activities:Foster a sense of camaraderie with team-building activities Professional Development:Offer opportunities for learning and growth Lead by Example:Show your team that you’re in this together By implementing these strategies,you can help ensure that your team remains motivated and energized,even during challenging times

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2 Flexible Scheduling

Flexibility in scheduling can be a lifesaver for your staff. Understanding that they have lives outside of the cafe and accommodating their needs as much as possible can reduce stress and prevent burnout. Offer options like shift swapping or split shifts to help them manage their time better. This flexibility can lead to a more balanced work-life integration, which is essential for keeping your team energized and committed.

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3 Recognition Programs

Recognition programs are a fantastic way to keep morale high. Regularly acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team members. This could be through an 'Employee of the Month' award, personalized thank-you notes, or public recognition in team meetings. Celebrating their achievements makes them feel appreciated and can boost their enthusiasm to continue performing well, especially when the team is running thin.

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Judy Madavo

An HR specialist who focuses on Strategic Advisory work| Restorative Coaching & Mentoring in chaotic workplaces
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I have found myself once keeping my team motivated during shortages. It was challenging but achievable with the right strategies. Here are some approaches I adopted 1. - Keep the staff informed about the situation and any steps being taken to resolve it, involving them in brainstorming solutions. 2. - I regularly acknowledged the hard work and efforts of the staff celebrating small victories and show appreciation 3. - Show understanding and support for the increased workload and be flexible with scheduling. 4. - Implement a reward system for those who go above and beyond. 5. - Encourage collaboration and mutual support among staff members. Also Show investment in their career growth.

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4 Training Opportunities

Investing in your staff's professional development can be a game-changer. Offer training opportunities that allow them to upskill and take on new responsibilities. This not only prepares your team for a variety of roles, making up for the shortage, but also shows that you are invested in their growth. Employees who feel that they are learning and growing are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their job.

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5 Team Building

Team building activities can strengthen the bond between your staff members, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Organize regular team outings or in-house events that encourage teamwork and communication. When your team has strong relationships, they're more likely to work together effectively and support each other through staffing challenges, which keeps energy levels high.

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6 Supportive Leadership

Lastly, supportive leadership is essential in motivating your team. Be present, listen to their concerns, and provide the necessary support to help them overcome challenges. A leader who shows empathy and works alongside their team can inspire loyalty and a strong work ethic. Ensure that you're approachable and that your staff feels comfortable coming to you with issues, which can help maintain a motivated and energized team despite staff shortages.

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Tim George

Enabler of Excellence
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I treat my teams like family. I support them in their long term goals, help them in the short term. I keep their needs foremost in my mind when scheduling and assigning tasks. I do not get visibly upset with my teams. I try to project a paterfamilias air and motivate from that place. Discipline also also comes from that place. When everything works, your team is more worried about letting you down, than being disciplined.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Miranda Chimbo

Human Resources Manager | MSc in Business Psychology, MBA, HND in, HRM ND in Business Management
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Open Communication 1. Transparency - Being transparent about the current situation and the steps you are taking to address it 2. Feedback- Encouraging open dialogue and feedback. Also listening to your team’s concerns and suggestions.

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Your cafe is facing staff shortages. How do you ensure your team stays motivated and energized?

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3

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1 Empower Staff

2 Flexible Scheduling

3 Recognition Programs

4 Training Opportunities

5 Team Building

6 Supportive Leadership

7 Here’s what else to consider

Hospitality

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