5 Essential Internal Communication Techniques For Restaurants

Internal Communication January 10, 2023

Priyanka Bhadani

Writer

Introduction to Internal Communication

The restaurant industry is known for its lack of employee retention, in which it has a 73% annual turnover rate. According to a study, 62% of respondents say they did not enjoy their job due to communication-related reasons. As a result, many will leave to find a new workplace where communication is valued and their opinions are heard. Restaurants can combat this trend by ensuring strong internal communication. With the right techniques, the company culture will improve and employees can work effectively as a team.

5 Internal Communication Techniques for Restaurants

Internal communication refers to the interaction and flow of information between members of an organization. Businesses that have effective internal communications are able to promote transparency and openness. Productivity is also enhanced because employees will feel valued and welcomed to share their thoughts and creativity. In turn, retention will boost and restaurants can protect their bottom line. In order to obtain some of these benefits, eatery operators and owners should consider implementing the top best practices for internal employee communications.

1. Maintain an Open Communication Policy

Restaurant managers should keep all communication channels open for their staff members. That way, employees can easily interact with supervisors and management teams when they have questions or concerns. This will ensure that any problems are resolved promptly and mistakes can be minimized from the start. Managers can make themselves more accessible to employees by sharing their contact information.

Restaurants can also use tools for internal communication, such as instant chat messaging, mobile apps, and management software. For example, eateries can use an employee scheduling system and contact staff through built-in chat features. Managers should also keep their office doors open for staff that needs to share quick information. By making room for transparency, employees will be comfortable in speaking up and engaging with the company.

2. Promote Team Building Interactions

Restaurants will operate successfully when the back of house and front of house teams work together. Management should promote team building activities for all their employees to interact and get to know one another. For example, the restaurant can host after-work events outside the establishment. They should also create a space in the restaurant for staff to go to during their breaks and chat with others. These interactions will give employees an insight into how they can communicate with their colleagues.

In turn, they will be able to effectively relay information when necessary during work. Additionally, restaurant owners should use employee communication tools to make it easy for both teams to share information while at work. For example, they can sync their point-of-sale (POS) system to the back of house kitchen display. This way, all orders from the server team will be clear for the cooks to read and prepare.

3. Utilize Multiple Communication Channels

Employees may prefer certain communication channels to others. Restaurants should make sure that their information is accessible in different formats. This will also help reinforce messages and news since it is shared via diverse media channels. Some communication methods businesses can utilize include the following.

Meetings - This is the best form of communication because it ensures all staff heard the announcement. Restaurant managers can hold a meeting before or after shifts to share company news and updates. It is important to take this time to address any questions or comments before the meeting ends.

Newsletters - Newsletters can be sent out via email or print. These bulletins should include any news or process changes. Managers can also use newsletters to highlight top employees to boost readership and make the content engaging.

Mobile Apps - Restaurant software systems have mobile app and notification features. Users can customize the app to send real time alerts whenever management shares new information or updates.

Training - Restaurants should have an onboarding center that has all key information about policies and processes for new hires to read. Managers should also have one-on-one meetings with all their employees to have face-to-face interactions. This ensures all information is accessible and communication is clear.

4. Streamline With Employee Scheduling Software

Employee scheduling can be confusing, especially when communication is unclear. Restaurant businesses can prevent this by using the latest employee scheduling software. On these apps, employees can input their availabilities and the software will help managers avoid scheduling conflicts. Staffers can also send in time off requests or swap shifts with their colleagues.

The system will also send notifications to employees when a new schedule is published. Typically, users can tailor their alerts to remind them when they have an upcoming shift, management request, or schedule changes. This accessibility will boost transparency and ensure employees do not miss a shift.

5. Create a Process for Communicating Changes

Changes will often occur in a restaurant. This includes menus, operating hours, special events, and holidays. The establishment will need a clear process for communicating these adjustments to staff to avoid confusion. For example, managers can inform staff during meetings or send announcements using an online messaging app. Whichever channel it may be, restaurants must make sure teams know where to access these updates.

Key Takeaways to Internal Communication

Internal communication is the exchange of information and interactions between members of an organization.

Internal communication is important for restaurant businesses because it will improve transparency and can help reduce turnover.

The top internal communication methods that managers should utilize include having multiple channels of communication, team building, and implementing employee scheduling software.