Though the Industry of Choice report is cheerily optimistic about filling positions, recruiting will remain an on-going challenge as other jobs compete for workers. Retail, too, is strong and actively hiring. It is hoped that more competitive wages, flexible hours and advancement opportunities will give foodservice the edge. To lure prospective workers, employers are putting more effort into hiring practices, learning from past mistakes and aggressively seeking to provide a better work environment. Ryan's Family Steak Houses in Greer, S.C., uses exit interviews to gauge levels of employee discontent.
Higher wages are another draw.
There are just too many opportunities in other fields that pay better. Restaurants are getting more creative and more aggressive in luring help. Companies such as Lettuce Entertain You in Chicago, Brinker International and Rainforest Cafe award bonuses for employee referrals. You is not exempt from the labor crunch. Though the group will add five more restaurants and 1,000 new employees to their stable of 3,500, they're not worried about staffing.