Moving Beyond Hourly Wages Toward Supporting Employees as Whole Individuals

Staffing and retention is often cited as a main pain point by restaurant operators. So what can they do to compete for talent, hire effectively and retain staff in the long-term? One industry insiders says pay increases are just part of the package as operators are increasingly leveraging benefits to differentiate themselves.

"Our compensation data indicates a shift towards more comprehensive benefits and total compensation packages, moving beyond traditional hourly wages and annual salaries," Alice Cheng, CEO and founder of Culinary Agents, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. "This trend emphasizes the importance of supporting employees as whole individuals in today's competitive job market."

Cheng advises that to create a culture where the hospitality industry is viewed as a legitimate career, operators can take the following key steps:

Build a positive company culture. Actively foster a supportive work environment and openly share its benefits to attract and…