There are so many tasks that need to be completed in one shift for a restaurant worker, no matter their title. In addition to the non-stop work, restaurants can be potentially hazardous places with the risk of slipping, tripping, or interacting with sharp objects very high.
We at Shoes For Crews have compiled a list of ways to improve productivity in restaurants across the United Kingdom. One of the fastest-paced work environments requires managers to balance creating a positive workplace and making sure customers are satisfied.
Inhibitors to productivity in the food service industry
First, it is important to touch on the challenges restaurant workers face that can hinder their productivity on the job. Several sectors have been affected by the added strain of the pandemic, but 25% of hospitality businesses have seen a decrease in workers from the EU since 2021. The workers who remain in the industry need to be protected against daily stresses. Below is a list of a few of the most common challenges known to affect productivity:
- Lost time on repetitive tasks
- Distracting, disorganised environments
- Tired and sore legs and feet
Having the right footwear can help your team glide through their shifts with significantly less stress. And specially-designed shoe styles help prevent chronic aches and pains like sore, stiff feet and legs.
Keep reading to learn more ways to improve productivity in restaurants like yours.
Tips for enhancing workflow and productivity in restaurants
Servers and cashiers interact with customers the most while kitchen workers and cooks spend their time prepping orders. What everyone has in common is that the majority of restaurant staff spend all day on their feet. And it can take its toll because standing without sitting down for just a few moments is tiring.
Rotation shifts at weekends
A motivated, enthusiastic employee is going to be more productive than someone who is only working for a wage. The key to avoiding burnout and frustration is labour management. On one hand, too few employees can stretch your team members too thin and cause them to feel exhausted and unmotivated. On the other hand, schedule too many employees and you’re paying people to stand around during quiet shifts.
It’s all about striking the perfect balance when it comes to management. One way to do that is to rotate shifts at weekends. Due to the physically and mentally demanding nature of the job, restaurant staff could benefit from one to two days off in a row. If that is not possible, make sure you can at least rotate more employees during the weekends to provide some extra rest.
When your employees can rest their tired feet, their work shoes will also get a break and end up lasting longer!
Open communication and feedback
Good communication is at the heart of every successful and smooth-running restaurant. Without it, your business can experience setbacks and difficulties. Be consistent in posting the timetables at the same time each week and keeping the lines of communication open with employees for changes. Receiving feedback will also help you, as management, understand what improvements need to be made.
Actively listen to your team, especially when it comes to replacing their uniforms and shoes. It might be time to upgrade your staff’s slip-resistant footwear for either the kitchen or the main floor.
Digitalisation and automation
It may be hard to believe that some restaurants and cafés still handwrite their employees’ timetables. Or servers still take down orders with a pen and paper. Automation can save you time and money, resulting in positive outcomes for both your employees and customers..
If repetitive tasks are removed from the workday, servers will be able to focus on more high value tasks such as attending to guests. This will result in an improved customer experience and a more enthusiastic team.
Investment in high quality, stylish footwear
When you invest in slip-resistant restaurant shoes, you’ll ensure that your team can work more safely and comfortably. We have specific styles that are designed with waiters and waitresses in mind. Both hot and cold liquids can spill onto the floors of restaurants and onto shoes. With durable, water-resistant outsoles, proper footwear will keep workers’ feet dry and safe. This means they can navigate their shifts with foot support and easily avoid workplace dangers – all with a smile.
Hospitality workers are on their feet for long periods of time which can lead to fatigue, foot pain and other injuries. Additionally, many jobs involve moving around a lot, which can increase the risk of trips and falls.
Our mission is to help workers safely go about their day without strains or pain. We create comfortable, long-lasting styles your employees will want to wear around the clock.
Have you found these ways to improve productivity in your restaurant helpful? Do not hesitate to contact us if your team needs comfortable yet durable footwear for the workplace. We would be happy to show you more slip-resistant restaurant shoe styles to help your team look and feel good!
