How to inspire teen workers at your restaurant - SmartBrief

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How to inspire teen workers at your restaurant

2 min read

Food

SmartPulse — our weekly reader poll in Restaurant SmartBrief — tracks feedback from restaurant owners and managers about trends and issues.

Last week’s poll question: What do you think about teenage workers at your restaurant?

63.95%: Teen workers at my restaurant should be considered individually.
27.91%: Teen workers at my restaurant need a little guidance.
8.14%: Teen workers at my restaurant are self-starters.

Teens hold entry-level jobs that often put them in direct contact with the customer. Here are five steps to motivate your young workers and reduce the turnover rate:

  • Scheduling success. Use Google Docs or a social network for scheduling. Set up a private Facebook group to post specials or new menu items, and HR info. Here, you also can start a conversation with your teen workers, and they could even trade shifts.
  • Be social. Ask for assistance with your social media strategy, whether it’s having a teen tweet for you, or look at the bigger picture, having a younger team member toss his or her 2 cents in could be a boon for business.
  • How to win on weekends. Instead of going out, teens usually end up working on the weekends. Make it fun, with incentives or theme nights.
  • Idea box. Ask teens to submit ideas or complaints anonymously. They might tell you more than you’d know otherwise.
  • Create a mentoring program. Assign new hires buddies or other workers who can help them learn the ropes and grow with the company.

What are your tips for managers with teen workers? Share in them in the comments or on Twitter.