Navigating the coordination of restaurant team members amidst a busy workday can pose a challenge for leaders — especially since shiftwork has evolved so much over the last five years.Â
Let’s dive into the details of how restaurant leaders can handle shift meetings throughout the workday, including the advantages of integrating technology and strategies for effectively engaging non-native English speakers.Â
For decades, restaurant managers would meet with their team before a shift began to go over important news and provide encouragement for the workday ahead. Nowadays, shiftwork has evolved as restaurant operations have become better at forecasting staffing needs.Â
Fast forward to today, pre-shift meetings have transitioned into more dynamic and efficient sessions and mid-shift meetings have entered the arena to catch late clock-ins up-to-speed on the latest happenings at the restaurant.
While this shift in meeting time can be tricky for managers to handle, there’s good news: technology can help. There are many ways to communicate with staff before their work begins and after, including operations apps. No matter how you decide to handle pre-, mid-, and post-shift meetings, your main mission should be flexibility and accommodation in communication practices. Your people are your most important asset — communication is key in keeping your staff operating efficiently and happily.
The era of digital tools has revolutionized how restaurant leaders interact with their teams. From scheduling apps to employee checklist software, the restaurant tech stack has grown in recent years. The good news? Technology can foster effective communication among staff members.Â
Tools like training software, operations apps, and scheduling platforms have the ability to deliver immediate updates in regards to quick menu changes or turnarounds, as well as ensuring that everyone is on the same page during the workday.Â
One of the great joys in the restaurant business is working with a diverse crew. However, this can come with communication challenges. Recognizing and accommodating linguistic diversity in everyday communications makes for smoother operations day-in and day-out.Â
There are a few key ways to communicate effectively with non-native English speakers:Â
Use clear and concise language.
Post visual aids.Â
Communicate via technology that has translation capabilities.Â
Encouraging active participation from non-native English speakers.
Having an inclusive work environment boosts morale and performance. Take the extra streps needed to make sure all team members understand and feel heard.Â
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a well-functioning restaurant. Here are some invaluable tips for optimizing interaction with staff members throughout the workday:
Before the shift begins, get your team together to share new information and reminders on how the shift should go. During the pre-shift, make sure to:
Set clear objectives. Outline specific goals and expectations for the shift to align everyone’s focus and goals.
Foster open dialogue. Encourage team members to voice concerns, ideas, feedback, and questions during pre-shift meetings to promote a collaborative atmosphere.
Use encouraging language. A pre-shift meeting should invigorate your staff before the workday begins. Be encouraging and upbeat.
As new team members begin their workday mid-shift, you may choose to host mid-shift meetings. During these meetings you’ll want to:
Remain accessible. Managers and supervisors should be readily available for any queries or assistance that may come up during service.
Use mobile communication. From team newsfeeds within a teamwide mobile app to text messaging, technology can make the mid-shift meeting quick, easy, and always accessible.
Conduct staff check-ins. Do quick check-ins with staff members periodically throughout the shift to gauge progress, address concerns, and provide support as needed.
Once the work shift has ended, there may be a few topics you want to update the team on. Here are a few key tips when hosting a post-shift meeting:Â
Conduct quick debrief sessions. Reflect on the day’s operations with the team, celebrating successes and identifying areas for improvement.
Provide constructive feedback. Offer personalized feedback to individuals, highlighting strengths and areas for growth to promote continuous development.
Most importantly, express gratitude. Recognize the hard work and dedication of staff members, fostering a sense of appreciation and camaraderie.
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Effective communication lies at the heart of a harmonious and efficient workplace environment. By embracing innovative communication methods, understanding the needs of diverse staff members, and implementing best practices throughout the workday, leaders and managers can foster a cohesive team dynamic that thrives — even amidst the busiest of days!
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