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WORKFORCE RESOURCES FOR RESTAURANTS
EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
We’ve heard from our members that staffing is the number one concern right now for restaurant operators. It’s time to think outside the box on how to tackle this challenge. WRA offers these resources for employee recruitment and managing a multigenerational workforce with some ideas you may not have thought about before. We will continue to add information and resources for recruiting—and retaining—great employees.
Let us know of other resources you have found helpful and we’ll add them to this portal.
Sponsored by:
For more information, contact:
Tracy Kosbau | Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations
RETAINING TOP PERFORMERS
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
WRA offers resources for restaurant operators looking to offer employee benefits that will attract and keep top performers including an exclusive health insurance program for members to provide health insurance for themselves and their employees.
Online Wisconsin Job Board
Job Center of Wisconsin – Take another look!
You’ve most likely heard about this state run online job board and may have used it in the past. Try it out. There are some new features you may not have seen before that will help you target potential employees who are a good fit for the jobs you need to fill.Check out the search resumes option and labor market information under employers. The Job Center also launched their new internship portal in July, 2017.
SUCCESS STORIES
TARGETED GROUPS
Restaurants are having success with looking beyond the typical employee and considering individuals from different target groups including seniors and veterans and those working with agencies who help remove specific barriers to employment.
- People with Disabilities
- Individuals who have been Previously Incarcerated
- Individuals on Assistance
- Veterans
- Seniors
SUCCESS STORIES
VETERANS
Veterans bring many valuable skills that are transferrable to the civilian workforce. Here are some programs that help veterans find employment after completing their service to our country.
SUCCESS STORIES
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
We’ve heard some great success stories with this program coming from the restaurant industry. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation works to place people with disabilities who are able and motivated to work.
SUCCESS STORIES
SENIORS
An often overlooked talent pool. As Baby Boomers reach retirement age, fewer work full-time and some shift to a new line of work. Foodservice may be an attractive job for older workers due to the flexibility the industry offers.
SUCCESS STORIES
FAMILIES
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has several programs focused on helping families get back on their feet. One of those programs is W-2, a time-limited program that provides temporary cash assistance and case management services to low-income parents and pregnant women. W-2 is a work program for adults willing to engage in work activities.
TECHNICAL COLLEGES
INSPIRING STUDENTS
Find students with culinary and hospitality management skills
Seventeen post-secondary schools in Wisconsin offer culinary and/or hospitality programs.
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
INSPIRING STUDENTS
We know all the great career opportunities the restaurant industry offers, but the next generation may not. These programs promote the foodservice industry to young people as a career option.
WORKFORCE SHORTAGE SIGNS
Just about every restaurant is facing the challenge of having enough staff to serve customers. WRA has created some lighthearted signs that ask customers to be patient as the restaurant may be short-staffed. Download these signs and post in your restaurant to let customers know that you are doing your best to serve them well.
Resources
Now Hiring Signs
We've created some spiffy & fun "Now Hiring" signs for restaurants to use for employee recruitment. Check them out!
- We're Hiring Poster
- Friendly Faces Poster
- "Are You Awesome?" Hiring Poster
- We're Hiring Chalkboard Poster
High Quality Poster
WORKFORCE INSIDER E-NEWSLETTER
This Workforce Insider Newsletter is dedicated to useful tips, resources
Other Useful Tools
WRA and NRA have developed some useful tools for restaurant operators.
Compensation Ladder (PDF)
Interview Guidelines (PDF)
Position Descriptions
Restaurant Industry Background and Stats
Get a little context with this background information and these industry stats.
Background on Restaurant Industry Careers
Restaurant Industry Stats
Restaurant Staffing Shortage in the News
The tight labor market, particularly in the restaurant industry, has been a popular topic for news media and trade publications.
Wisconsin Restaurateur
Workforce Woes: Staff Shortages Hit Critical Stage (PDF)
Working Hard to Build Your Workforce (PDF)
Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture (PDF)
Unique Local Programs
There are many local programs around the state that seek to provide career opportunities in the restaurant industry for targeted populations.
Job Boards and More
Check out these job boards and services that specialize in foodservice employment.
Best Practices for Employee Recruitment
Hear what other restaurant operators are doing to address the staffing challenge. You might find a good idea or two that you haven’t tried.
What your peers are saying:
Feedback from WRA members on what’s working for them:
- The best way we have found is to rely on current employees for references. We are very fortunate to have many long-term employees.
- Strategies for recruiting chefs have been peer-to-peer networking, social media, some digital advertising and word of mouth.
- Word of mouth has worked the best.
What's working best for your business?
Recruitment Articles from Society Insurance
Check out these blogs from Society Insurance for some best practices on employee hiring and recruitment.
- Hiring the Right Employee
- Legal Considerations for Employee Background Checks (Part 1)
- Should You Conduct Employee Background Checks? (Part 2)
- Learning How to Delegate
- 4 Onboarding Tips to Welcome New Hires
- How to Find Employees Using LinkedIn
Hiring a Multigenerational Workforce
There is no shortage of articles and expert advice on hiring and managing a multigenerational workforce. We’ve included a few interesting articles on the topic.
