Image from Plano Magazine
Employee retention remains a serious problem in the restaurant industry. Black Box Intelligence (formerly TDn2K) has published many studies and articles on why restaurants continue struggling with recruiting and retaining employees as well as how these difficulties have a direct effect on operational performance. This isn’t an isolated problem for a handful of companies, either. Turnover rates continue to rise for both hourly and management employees all across the industry.
However, some restaurants have figured out the secret to successful employee engagement and retention. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, a 2018 Best Practices award nominee, knows that the secret to retention lies in top-notch employee relations. Here are their top six ways to focus on team member well-being:
1. Superior Healthcare
The 2017 Corporate Compensation and Benefits Survey from Workforce Intelligence (formerly People Report) revealed that healthcare costs are rising for both employers and employees. Many low-wage employees are turning to cheaper alternatives for healthcare but are subsequently seeing less coverage. To answer for this, Del Frisco’s offers 100 percent company-paid medical insurance to managers and hourly employees with a tenure of two years who work at least 25 hours on average per week. Additionally, the company provides a TeleDoc service to team members in consideration of the fact that many are working hours that prevent them from visiting a doctor when they are ill.
2. Saving for the Future
It’s never too early to start planning for the future. Del Frisco’s encourages and supports its employees in establishing financial stability and a prosperous future, which is why after just one year of service, all employees are eligible for the company’s 401K program. Additionally, the company matches the employee’s monthly contributions by 25 percent.
3. Delicious Dining
Del Frisco’s also understands the importance of encouraging physical health and nourishment for their employees. Thus, team members are treated to an in-house meal during every shift, provided by their very own talented chefs. What better way to develop a passion for your company than to enjoy its high-quality food every day?
4. Emotional Support
Emotional challenges are an inevitable part of life. To provide aid and support during times of hardship, Del Frisco’s offers the employee assistance program at no cost to all employees, as well as their immediate families. The programs offers confidential guidance and resources for personal issues, ensuring employees can maintain their mental and emotional health in the workplace and in their personal lives.
5. Leadership Development
Professional development has become a highly desirable job benefit for employees. There are a number of skills that workers need to further their advancement in their careers. Del Frisco’s meets this need by offering the Partners in Leadership Accountability Training program to their restaurant managers and support center team members. This leadership workshop teaches associates a number of soft skills in a collaborative group environment that benefit them personally and professionally.
6. Crisis Fund
The Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group FEED Employee Support Fund was created to offer financial assistance to employees affected by catastrophes in their lives, ranging from natural disasters to medical emergencies. Team members dealing with emergency situations or extreme hardships are eligible to receive monetary donations from the company with no requirement to pay it back.
Through these programs and benefit offerings, Del Frisco’s ensures that all of its team members are cared for and appreciated every day. Furthermore, creating such an open and supportive environment has a tremendous impact on the business overall. Explains Senior Manager of Brand Marketing Josh Heckmann, “All of our efforts really speak volumes to who we are as individuals and as a collective team. I think everything we do, no matter how small, has an impact on retention, guest counts and profitability, especially in the information age.”
Liked this article? You should definitely check out “How Community Involvement Makes Donatos a Top Player in the Restaurant Industry,” to see how restaurants are changing the game for employees & their communities.
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