The Staffing Crisis: How to Train Your Team So They Never Want to Leave

The Revolving Door Problem

The restaurant industry has one of the highest turnover rates of any sector. We often accept this as "just how it is." But it doesn't have to be. Replacing an employee costs thousands in hiring time and lost productivity.

1. Start with a Proper Onboarding

Throwing a new hire into a Friday night rush with no training isn't "trial by fire"—it's setup for failure. Create a structured 3-day training plan. shadowing your best server, tasting the full menu, and understanding your service standards before they touch a table.

2. Feed Them Well

This sounds simple, but a good "family meal" goes a long way. If your staff is hungry, they are hangry. Providing a decent pre-shift meal shows you care about their basic needs. It also helps them describe the food better to customers!

3. Clear Paths for Growth

Does your dishwasher know how to become a prep cook? Does your server know how to become a shift lead? If they don't see a future, they won't stay. Outline clear milestones for promotions and raises.

4. Use Digital Tools to Make Their Life Easier

Nothing burns out a server faster than fighting with a clunky POS system or hand-writing tickets. Tools like SmartMenuScan allow guests to browse efficiently, meaning fewer questions for the server and smoother tables. When the job is less stressful, people stay longer.

Conclusion

Treat your staff like your internal customers. If they are happy, your guests will be happy. It is that simple.