Investing in your employees can help increase productivity. Providing wait staff with health benefits, paid sick time, and paid vacation time may help your bottom line.
Staff members that work in the front of the house greeting customers and waiting on tables essentially function as your mouth piece. Their professionalism and dedication to customer service are an important part of maintaining a stellar business reputation. In addition to that, employees want to feel like they are a valued member of the team. Providing wait staff with benefits to keep them healthy is a key to retaining valuable team members.
Health programs reduce absences
An article by the National Restaurant Association states that, “A report in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that work health promotion programs may bring a 20+ percent decrease in sick leave.” This is proof that providing employees with health and wellness programs decreases absences. This is a comprehensive measure that allows for more continuity in the level of services that are offered at your restaurant.
Workers are likely to have dependent children
A study done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the “median age” of restaurant and food service employees is approximately “28.6” years of age. One must also consider that many folks in this age category are likely providing care for at least one child. According to Business Insider, “the majority of births are to women under 35, about 85% of the total in 2013.” Although this study focused on women, the fathers need to be considered as well. The tremendous responsibility of being a parent means that employees are more likely to be vested in companies that can provide them with health insurance to take care of their dependent children.
Reducing Stress reduces down-time
Upstate Medical University reports that, “Forty percent of worker turnover is due to job stress. It costs a company approximately $13,000 to replace the average employee.” That is why providing employees with paid vacation days is an asset to an employer. Furthermore, the article states that, “60 to 80 percent of on-the-job accidents are stress-related.” When people are overworked, stressed, or ill this increases the chances of injuries and down-time.
There are numerous benefits to providing staff with health and wellness services. Most business mantras circulate around the idea of giving it your all, but it’s difficult to do that if you’re trying to pour from an empty cup so to speak. The cycle of giving is reciprocal, and it is valuable to all parties.
For more ideas about increasing productivity, and creating an environment that your wait staff will appreciate contact us today.
