Staffing & Human Resources

It's time for a much smarter approach to how we manage employees. Traditionally, restaurants, cafes, hotels and clubs had plenty of applicants to choose from, and it was felt that high turnover was just 'part of the industry'.

Good staff are in short supply, worldwide, and there are many other businesses to compete with in the 'hunt for talent'. We need to update employment methods and tune in to the aspirations of a new generation.

Here are the strategies for finding the best and keeping them...

How to Download and Use Online Videos for Staff Training

There are hundreds of great staff training videos on YouTube and other sites. Here's how to share them around, using iPods and iPads - the technology used by and familiar to all your staff. . . . keep reading

Cyberbullying: Prevention Policy and Guidelines for Staff
With more ways to communicate and fewer inhibitions, it's easy for staff dislikes to escalate into cyberbullying. It's essential for businesses to have clear guidelines for staff on what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. . . . keep reading

Progressive Discipline & Warnings: How to Write them Correctly
Disciplining staff is hard enough without having to worry about whether the employee, who is bound to believe that they don't deserve the discipline, is disgruntled enough to seek an attorney or solicitor. . . . keep reading

Training Employees - 10 Keys to Successful Results

There are fundamental principles of learning that must be understood and put into practice if training is to be effective. Poor quality training results in extra expense, more staff frustration, and increased turnover - what a waste! . . . keep reading

#307 - Reducing the Drama of Staff Resignations
No-one wants good staff leaving, but if it's going to happen, let's make sure it's organised and with plenty of notice. They're more likely to do it the right way if they know what you want. . . . keep reading

#306 - 15 Ways to Check Staff Costs & Performance
You need figures that are easy to find, easy to interpret, and make sense to people they affect. Managers need them to measure the success of their decisions. Staff need to understand productivity, and how they contribute to business results. . . . keep reading

Sample Guidelines for Staff on Use of Social Media
There's no avoiding Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and a wide range of review websites. Staff and managers need guidance on what is acceptable usage - use this template to create a policy that everyone can understand and follow. . . . keep reading

#302 - Bad Language at Work: What Should the Rules Say?
Is it worse than before? Maybe - your rules may need to be updated so there are no injured staff or customers. Here's how to develop modern guidelines without creating a prison. . . . keep reading

#300 - Turning Slow Staff into 'Good Enough' Workers
Even with high unemployment, the supply of qualified workers is limited. Do you interview applicants you once ignored? They need more coaching and supervision - an added responsibility for middle managers. Clearly written systems and diagrams are essential. . . . keep reading

#297 - Using Downtimes to Boost Production & Cut Costs
Downtime is when staff cost nothing for the extra tasks you give them. That time of the day or week when you're fully staffed but there's a shortage of guests. How can you make it more productive? . . . keep reading

#293 - 10 Common Problems with Perfect Staff: Be Careful
Do you employ Ms or Mr Perfect? They do a great job, and because of this are often left alone and problems may start to arise. Putting more time into managing top performers can be a much better investment than constantly chasing problem staff. . . . keep reading

#289 - When You've Chosen the Wrong Person to be Manager
It's a worldwide problem: many people are in management roles and can't handle the responsibilities given to them. There are 10 Key Areas they need to manage in their Personal, Information and Decision-making roles - are your managers up to the task? . . . keep reading

Identifying Drug Problems in the Workplace

Employers are obliged to provide a safe, healthy workplace. But estimates say 15% to 20% of staff are abusing alcohol, drugs, or both while on the job. Identifying the problem is an essential first step. . . . keep reading

How to Create a Great Employment Page on your Website

Your employment information page is a vital part of your strategy to recruit quality applicants. Even a small business can make a big impact, especially as many of the large operators do it poorly. A great way to play 'above your weight'! . . . keep reading

#285 - Happy Yet? Creating More Pleasure at Work
This has been a tough year, and you've tried to keep smiling while customers feel nervous, unhappy and miserable. There are many ways to 'build in the fun' so it doesn't depend on having a comedian at the bar. . . . keep reading

#281 - Using 'criminally bad service' examples to Improve Performance
Bad news always attracts the most attention. So finding examples of very poor service can be an effective way to show staff the levels of good service you expect them to offer. Here's how to move beyond the usual Good/Bad service examples that no longer make much impact. . . . keep reading

#280 - When Staff Leave: Limiting the Negative Effects
There will always be staff leaving: this Checklist helps to minimise the disruption and expense, whether you're glad or sad that they're going. There are security considerations, the return of business property, and legal obligations for pay and benefits. . . . keep reading

#276 - How to Use Safety as a Recruitment & Marketing Advantage
Tough regulations and the employer's Duty of Care are here to stay. If you're doing the right thing, let's take advantage of your hard work and distinguish you from competitors who are trailing behind. . . . keep reading

#275 - Rudeness, Manners & Etiquette: what should staff know?
Staff understanding of the fine point of etiquette is often lacking. If schools and parents forgot to teach this, you will have to be coach, tutor and guide - here's what to cover. . . . keep reading

#271 - 9 Business Facts all Staff Should Know
Most staff weren't taught about business at school or in their last job, so they'll make up their own reasons to explain your insistence on efficiency or extra sales effort. A little education can yield excellent returns. . . . keep reading

16 Ways to Reduce Stealing & Stock Loss in the Bar

A strategy to cut bar costs must include measures to limit employee theft. This will involve strengthening policies and procedures, tighter control of stock and more secure cash handling. . . . keep reading

What Makes A Professional Manager?

No one can make or break a place like the manager. It needs more than a dynamic and outgoing personality - not everyone has what it takes. Use this checklist for staff appraisal, upgrading skills and recruitment. . . . keep reading

#266 - Avoiding Mistakes & Losses With New Staff
The first days and weeks can be difficult for new staff, even if they don't show it - and sometimes the best are the easiest to lose. For more success, first review your induction system - here's how. . . . keep reading

#263 - Building Staff Loyalty: 8 Practical Steps
Staff loyalty is based on 8 key elements - how well do they apply in your business? There's usually work to be done in several areas. . . . keep reading

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