Building Systems That Retain Good People

While there’s no one-size-fits-all hiring strategy, one thing remains true whether you’re at the local bar and grill or at an upscale Michelin star restaurant: hiring is always a bit of a leap of faith, said Derek Clayton, corporate chef at Vitamix.

“Work history, experience and skill set matter, of course, but I’d argue attitude and fit matter more. Can we work together in close quarters, under high stress, for long hours? Can we communicate well when things get busy? Skills can be sharpened, but the right mindset and willingness to be part of a team are what really make a hire stick.”

One of the key ways to retain staff is to have consistent systems in place for the training and onboarding process that translate into better  kitchen flow and guest experience, Clayton pointed out. 

“Consistency is everything. Guests come back because they trust what they’re getting. If that smoothie, soup or sauce tastes different every time, you lose that trust pretty quickly.”

If…