Keeping Your Team Happy: The Power of Giving Everyone a Break

Hospitality employee retention is one of the biggest challenges in the hospitality industry. High turnover disrupts operations, requires constant retraining, and affects service quality. It also affects the team's morale. Covering shifts or having to train a constant stream of new employees is time-consuming and draining. A stable team brings consistency, which is critical for providing a reliable guest experience. Reducing staff turnover in restaurants takes more than paying them a good salary; it’s about creating an environment where work-life balance is respected.

The impact of work-life balance

Work-life balance is increasingly recognised as key to retaining team members. A 2022 survey in Poland found that 47% of employees wanted flexible working hours to improve their work-life balance, with 38% emphasising the importance of employer's commitment to well-being. Bonuses, career development opportunities, and healthcare support followed. Across Europe, work-life balance remains a top challenge in the accommodation sector, alongside salary and working hours. Globally, reasons for employees quitting their jobs include lack of career development (41%) and workplace flexibility (25%).

These trends highlight the growing importance of hospitality employees’ well-being, which means it should also be important to your hospitality businesses. The industry's nature—irregular hours, high pressure—makes achieving this balance challenging. However, there are many businesses that developed great practices in this matter - and you can do it, too. Employees who feel supported in their professional and personal lives are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.

Non-financial ways to reduce staff turnover in restaurants

There are ways to improve your employees' work-life balance without requiring additional financial resources:

Flexible scheduling: Allow team members to swap shifts or choose their hours where possible. Flexibility goes a long way in helping employees manage personal commitments.

Encouraging time off: Ensure employees take their breaks and use their holiday entitlement. Rested employees perform better and are less likely to burn out.

Wellness initiatives: Offer wellness programs like yoga sessions or mental health days. Supporting overall well-being boosts morale and productivity.

The power of giving everyone a break

Giving employees time off, especially on major holidays, can have a huge impact on morale. While remaining open on days like Christmas might generate additional profit, the long-term benefits of a rested, motivated team are greater. Ensuring regular breaks and time off prevents burnout and supports retention, while also acknowledging that employees have lives outside of work.

Open communication and transparency

Open communication is crucial. Regularly share business goals, challenges, and successes with your team to build trust. Encourage feedback and create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing work-life balance. Honest discussions about operational decisions, particularly during busy periods, show respect for your team.

Find more tips here.

Practical steps for implementing work-life balance

Incorporating work-life balance doesn't require drastic changes. Start small with flexible scheduling, wellness initiatives, and transparent communication. In our previous blog, we discussed mental well-being; both mental health and work-life balance are interconnected and critical to a happy, productive workforce.

Staff retention strategies in hospitality that prioritise work-life balance are a long-term investment in employee retention. By supporting your team’s personal needs, you’ll create a loyal, motivated workforce that drives your business's success.

Our expertise in hospitality services

For tailored guidance on improving work-life balance within your hospitality operations, our team is here to assist. We're dedicated to helping you foster a positive environment that keeps employees engaged and your business flourishing.

Our team brings a wealth of experience from directing operations in diverse hospitality settings, including commercial kitchens, luxury resorts, private islands, and luxury homes worldwide. We've been involved in developing and enhancing operational procedures across departments, such as food and beverage, guest services, grounds and animal care, housekeeping, and bar management. 

Learn more about our services here, or reach out to our team at hello@gezelle.co to create a balanced, high-performance work environment that stands out in the hospitality industry, or to discuss any other services we can help you with.