4 Ways to Raise Staff Morale

Employees can be a tremendous source for new customers, referrals and customer retention. However, not every employee invests their time into promoting the business they work for. What separates employees that simply show up to work, from those whom invest their time and energy into building relationships that ultimately result in more customers?  The employees that bring down the most customers to their bar are motivated by more than money. They are fired up, proud and passionate about the bar they work at. This attitude does not happen by accident. Employees that have a positive attitude towards the bar they work at become that way as a result of the work environment the owners create. Keeping staff morale high is a strategy that is no different than a recipe for baking a cake.

• Throw a Staff Party – Regular social gatherings with your staff are a must to get them excited about working for your company. Keep in mind that most restaurant and bar workers are party animals, and half the reason they work in the industry is to partake in the festivities. Regular staff gatherings deepen bonds between coworkers, and increase the comfort level people have with their workplace. It also creates excitement, a sense of identity and belonging, which automatically leads to staff feeling more comfortable about bringing their friends to your venue. If you want to raise the energy level of your staff, one of the easiest ways to do it is to throw a party of legendary proportions, and show them a hell of a good time.

• Lead by Example – Nothing inspires employees more than seeing the owners bussing tables, picking up a piece of garbage off the ground, or cleaning up vomit. When employees see the highest person on the chain getting their hands dirty, it sends a clear message across the entire team that no one is above any job, and leads to higher levels of respect. Nothing kills morale more than a condescending leader asking their subordinates to do tasks they themselves would not do. If you want your employees to refer like crazy, the first step is to earn their respect by showing them that there is not one task that you ask your employees to do that you are not willing to do yourself.

• Always Have Something New – For employees to become a source of referrals, you need to constantly give them something new to promote. Think about the task you are asking of your employees – you want them to bring customers down to your bar, but for what reason? What is the occasion? What is special about your venue? What’s the compelling reason someone would go out of their way to invite people to your bar? Many owners don’t do much more other than just open the doors, turn on the lights, balance cash outs, and pour drinks when they ordered. If you want your staff to be promoters, you need to constantly be throwing events with unique entertainment, product offerings, and the right social environment. DJ’s, product launch parties sponsored by vendors, bands, comedians, celebrities – all add spice to what would otherwise be just another night at the bar. The unique experience is what will drive employees to scour their networks, go out of their way to meet people they don’t know, and invite everyone they know to your events.

• Hire slow, Fire Fast – Nothing sours a team more than a negative employee. Negative employees hate their job, barely perform the requirements of their positon, and do not invest time into helping the business they work for. Worst of all, they discourage other employees from promoting, and sabotage any attempts the owners make to promote and market events. For that reason, as soon as you recognize a negative employee on your team, terminate them immediately. No three strikes, no trying to “change them”, just fire them. Then once they are gone and you are choosing their replacement, take your time to find the right person. Whenever possible, go through your personal network. Increased quality labor will usually emerge from people you know and trust. Then once a suitable candidate has been identified, check their references and be sure they are a solid person. A mediocre marketing message from an outstanding individual has more impact than a great message from a negative person.

CONCLUSION:

So remember, it's never too late to raise staff morale. Another option is to further educate your staff. Read more information on bartender school here. 

*Originally posted on nightclub.com