And the additional expense is justified with a decrease in training expenditures. One are where restaurants have excelled in meeting the needs of employees has been in a department that is often overlooked that of group needs. The teamwork issue is a bit more difficult. With so many different attitudes, ideas, and motivations, it becomes difficult for the restaurant manager to pull everyone together. However, one way that the industry excels is in the extensive use of games and contests.
Contests can develop the teamwork element, build excitement, and boost profits.
However, with savvy employees, new approaches have to be used if they are to work. Contests also give management the opportunity to focus improvement issues. For example, Katzinger s Delicatessen, a deli chain in Ohio, wanted to reduce food costs to below 35 percent. The chain s management told employees that if the costs could be reduced, they would distribute one-half of the savings among the employees. The plan was wildly successful, with each employee having a great time and earning in excess of 500 dollars.