The Holiday Rush and Beyond: Six Benefits that Keep Restaurant Teams Engaged

The holiday season is both an exciting and challenging time for restaurants. With customers streaming in for festive gatherings, teams work harder than ever to keep up, often feeling the strain of long hours and packed schedules. However, it’s also a prime opportunity for owners to show appreciation and set a tone of support and camaraderie that extends beyond the holiday rush.

At this busiest time of year, the following are six impactful ways to keep staff engaged, both during and after the holidays.

1. Flexible Scheduling for Better Work-Life Balance

Flexibility is often one of the most valued benefits in any workplace, but it’s especially meaningful in the restaurant industry, where irregular hours are the norm. Providing more flexible scheduling arrangements around the holiday season – such as shorter shifts or the opportunity to swap shifts – can be a big motivator. 

Restaurants can also offer a system that allows employees to save up hours throughout the year, in exchange for off days during the quieter seasons. This approach respects their personal lives and supports a healthier work-life balance.

2. Bonuses with a Twist: Experiences and Perks

Holiday bonuses are always a welcome way to show appreciation, but adding an experiential element can make them even more memorable. Instead of cash alone, consider giving the choice of a memorable experience, such as a gift certificate. 

Small yet thoughtful perks like these reward hard work and emphasize the importance of rest and renewal, helping to avoid burnout. Consider adding a “holiday surprise” that allows team members to receive a bonus and a gift specifically chosen for them, adding excitement and a personal touch.

3. Team Building Outside the Kitchen

Team outings create lasting memories and build camaraderie, and asking staff to vote on the experience can build anticipation and excitement rather than obligation. Whether it's a group dinner, an escape room adventure, or even a simple picnic at a local park, bonding outside the work environment encourages stronger relationships. And when employees have a voice in shaping these activities, they are more likely to engage fully.

Beyond just a single event, team-building activities can be built in, occurring monthly or quarterly to continually remind them that their efforts don't go unnoticed. Satisfied employees are more likely to stay long-term, making this a worthy investment for any restaurant owner.

4. PTO for Volunteer Days

The holiday season can be a time of reflection, with many feeling a desire to give back to others. Providing employees with paid time off (PTO) to volunteer for a cause of their choice is a meaningful way to support their personal values. This enriches their lives and positions your establishment as a caring community partner. This can inspire team members and boost their morale, leading to a more passionate and empowered staff.

5. Rewards Program for Consistent Effort

A defined program goes a long way in keeping employees motivated through the ups and downs of a demanding season. Rewarding team members for meeting or exceeding certain metrics, such as positive customer feedback, punctuality, or taking the initiative to go above and beyond, creates a culture of appreciation and performance. Prizes could include gift cards, an extra day off, or a chance to choose their preferred shift. When employees see their daily contributions are valued, they’re more likely to stay dedicated.

6. Earned Wage Access for Financial Flexibility

During the holiday season, restaurant employees often feel a financial pinch due to higher expenses and unexpected costs. Offering earned wage access (EWA) can help alleviate this cash crunch by giving staff immediate access to wages they’ve already earned but haven’t yet received in a paycheck. 

There are providers that allow employees to withdraw a portion of their accrued pay on demand, empowering them to manage urgent expenses without waiting for payday. This gives peace of mind and financial flexibility during a particularly demanding season, and it can make a significant difference in employee satisfaction and retention.

Cultivating a Positive Culture Beyond the Holidays

The holiday season gives restaurant owners an ideal opportunity to recognize the hard work of their employees. By extending impactful benefits, you can foster respect and gratitude that inspires your team to excel. But these efforts shouldn’t end when the decorations come down. Keeping staff engaged throughout the year with these practices will build loyalty and contentment that contribute to your business’ success, season after season.

In an industry as fast-paced and demanding as hospitality, investing in your team’s well-being is the best gift you can offer. And the advantages will ripple far beyond the holiday rush, creating an environment where employees feel valued and eager to grow alongside your business.