It goes without saying that pubs and bars are typically known for being lively and jovial places where people can gather together. The flow of orders and drinks are constant and employees must be prepared to change directions at a moment’s notice. The list of duties and responsibilities bar staff need to juggle during their shifts can feel endless.
However, there are a few standard practices that managers should establish in their bar in order to promote an efficient and positive atmosphere for both staff and customers. In this article, our main objective is to raise awareness about precisely which bar staff duties and responsibilities should be required for your team and how you should define them.
5 Primary duties and responsibilities for bar staff
There are many duties and responsibilities that bartenders shoulder each and every day. Human Resources and management play a crucial role in, first of all, ensuring these duties are correctly defined and communicated to each member of the staff; and secondly, confirming that they are carried out effectively and efficiently. Read on to learn about 5 must-haves for your establishment.
1. Ensure bar station and equipment are kept clean
One of the best rules of thumb for hospitality venues is to clean as you go. If bar staff makes this rule a habit, clean up, organisation and overall appearance will become much easier to handle whenever a steady stream of customers files in after a long work day. Moreover, if equipment behind the bar is cleaned and stored properly, the likelihood of potential accidents occurring will be reduced.
2. Provide a pleasant atmosphere
A smile and a kind word can go a long way, especially in a restaurant or a bar. Of course, good reinforcement starts with management exhibiting positive attitudes and practices towards employees. In fact, studies have shown that employees who feel positively about work are more likely to exert more effort and naturally be more productive. This type of environment will help staff create a pleasing atmosphere for customers which could ultimately translate to higher customer satisfaction.
3. Establish a streamlined process of serving drinks, cleaning up and washing glasses
A shift as a bartender is one of the most intense roles in the hospitality industry. Employees will be shifting their focus in a myriad of different ways from taking orders and serving and pouring drinks on tap to washing and storing beer and wine glasses whenever they have a spare moment. It is important to assist in developing an efficient system to streamline this process as one of the most important duties of bar staff. This will help reduce the number of spilled drinks or dropped glasses, which could result in more serious injuries.
4. Use till, tablet or register to take orders and payments
Alongside multitasking by serving drinks and entertaining customers, bartenders must deliver the bill and collect what is owed. And, by doing that, it is no secret that bartenders spend as much or almost as much time on their feet as servers and waiters. Equip your staff with the proper tools to succeed such as anti-fatigue floor mats, stand/sit chairs or stools, and proper, well-fitting footwear to help carry them through their shifts. These mats or sit/stand chairs can assist them as they continue to stand and take payments after customers finish their meals or drinks.
5. Comply with health, hygiene and safety standards
As it is standard protocol, restaurants, hotel bars and pubs must comply with the current health, hygiene and safety standards. These measures will keep everyone safe and help businesses to move forward in an orderly and efficient way. Bar staff must be aware that they are responsible for drying or labeling surfaces with proper signage immediately after cleaning, especially wet or damp floors where the surfaces may change (ie: from ceramic tiles to wood floors). In addition to that, we remind you that Shoes For Crews specialises in providing high-quality slip-resistant work shoes for hospitality workers to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Maintaining good physical health – a key way bar staff can fulfill their duties
Working behind a bar can be one of the most taxing professions but also one of the most rewarding. In order to combat workplace stress and pressure, staff should focus on maintaining good physical health so that they can fulfill their duties and responsibilities on the job more efficiently.
Employees can achieve this through making sure they get enough sleep each night, eating well and prioritising physical exercise during the week. Employers also play a key role primarily by supplying staff with proper meals, flexible schedules and as well as high-quality and supportive footwear to promote good foot health. Shoes For Crews can assist employers in meeting this objective through our comfortable and supportive styles that help teams maintain adequate support and reduce fatigue.
Whether your staff is running, walking or standing for long periods of time, Shoes For Crews offers a wide range of supportive athletic shoe styles for every role. These styles will get bartenders through even the most intense rush hours. All of our Athletic designs have a cushioned, removable insole that adds extra comfort and are engineered with our proprietary slip-resistant technology.
We have emphasised the importance of defining proper duties and responsibilities for your staff as these tasks will directly affect your employees’ well-being and personal safety. But there is something else you can do for your team. Help reduce the risk of slips and trips in your workplace by ensuring your team is fitted with supportive and protective work footwear. If you would like more information about specific styles or features, we encourage you to get in touch with us.
