The modern workforce is evolving, and understanding its generational makeup is key to effective hiring and retention. With the rise of Millennials and Generation Z, restaurants need to adapt their strategies to attract and keep top talent.
Understanding the Modern Workforce
The current workforce is comprised of five main generations:
- Traditionalists (born 1925-1945) make up 1% of the workforce.
- Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) account for 23%.
- Generation X (born 1965-1980) represents 32%.
- Millennials (born 1981-2000) are the largest group, at 38% of the workforce.
- Generation Z (born 2001-2020) currently makes up 6%.
Millennials and Generation Z now form the majority of the working population, which means a shift in traditional hiring and retention methods is necessary.
Hiring Smart, Not Spendy
To attract this new generation of workers, consider hiring strategies that are more creative and less about a large budget. Instead of relying solely on traditional job boards, you can:
- Host an “Open Kitchen” hiring event to give potential employees a real feel for the environment.
- Use “Day in the Life” social media takeovers to show what it’s like to work in your restaurant.
- Slightly gamify the application process to make it more engaging.
These approaches can help you connect with the next-gen workforce where they are most active.
Keeping the Talent
Hiring is only half the battle. Once you have a great team, retaining them is crucial. The more you invest in their professional development, the more they will help your business grow.
A happy team provides a powerful return on investment (ROI) that goes beyond just a paycheck. By focusing on thriving with your talent, you can build a team that will help your business succeed.
Tapping Into Tech-Savvy Talent
For many business owners, keeping up with the latest digital trends can feel like a full-time job in itself. But what if you already have the solution right on your payroll?
The younger generations, particularly Gen Z, grew up with a smartphone in their hands. They speak the language of social media, digital marketing, and online engagement natively. Instead of trying to force them into a rigid box, lean into their strengths.
“You have some of the best help right in your dining room for technology. Embrace your millennials and genx staff to guide you and help you bring your operation into the next generation.” Vanessa Snyder, Gordon Food Service Digital Solutions Specialist
Here’s how you can do it:
- Social Media: Appoint a young, tech-savvy employee to manage your restaurant’s social media accounts. Let them run with it. Give them the freedom to create engaging content, like behind-the-scenes videos, photos of new menu items, or fun “Day in the Life” stories. This approach not only leverages their skills but also helps your brand feel authentic and relevant to a younger audience.
- Online Presence: Ask them to audit your restaurant’s online presence. They can offer insights on everything from your Google Business profile to your Yelp reviews and help you respond to feedback in a way that resonates with customers.
- Problem Solving: When you run into a tech issue, ask them for help. They’re often able to troubleshoot problems quickly, from setting up a new point-of-sale system to figuring out why your Wi-Fi is acting up.
By empowering your young employees to take the lead on these tasks, you’re not just getting a job done; you’re showing that you value their unique skills and perspectives. It’s a win-win: they feel trusted and invested in the business, and you get a more dynamic and effective online presence without needing to hire an expensive consultant.
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