Attracting Stars is only half the staffing battle. Being able to keep those stars is also critical to your profitability.

With unemployment inching up each of the last three months while the labor participation rate remained steady, we are seeing an increase in the employee turnover. The turnover rate in the Fast Casual Restaurant segment is running between 110% to 130% overall while Fast Casual management turnover is running from 35% to 40%.

Full-Service restaurants, although out-performing Fast Casual, are also seeing an unsustainable  non-retained rate at 70% to 80%.

Headhunters are working hard to find talent to fill openings for their clients. At Patrice & Associates of Rochester Hills many cold calls to clients result in finding talent ready to move. But, sometimes the team of recruiters will run into someone that absolutely refuses to consider moving from their current employer.

One Restaurant General Manager that will not entertain headhunters is Tony of Buffalo Wild Wings, just celebrated his 5th anniversary. He has stayed there longer than the average GM because his boss is “a fair, honest person and makes sure I have a quality of life.”

Victorino, a Sous Chef at a New York steakhouse is another talented employee that is not interested in talking with headhunters. Like Tony, he points to his boss as a reason to stay longer than the average tenure. “One of the things [that keeps me here] is a great environment and my head chef keeps me learning constantly.”

This admiration of one’s boss is not the only way dedication works. Building a great team creates retention for all levels of an organization. Travis is the Executive Chef of a California hotel. “We really have built a great culture here. The beautiful location, competitive wages and benefits all come second to the wonderful staff we have hired and the culture of hospitality and helpfulness for our staff and our guests.”

These comments represent many others. Creating an excellent culture does not cost an employer profits, it builds profits. And any leader can do it!

Low- or no-cost ways to show employee appreciation

Many managers feel the only way an employee will feel appreciated is through money. Raises. Bonuses. Contest prizes. Although these are valued, they are not the only way to show your employees you value their efforts. We’ve witnessed incredible, but inexpensive or free ways to share the love of you team from big companies like American Express and TJX Companies to small Mom and Pop organizations.

Patrice & Associates of Rochester Hills provides many non-fee services for their clients. One is to help you show team and individual appreciation without incurring much cost. To learn more, contact Rick Weaver at 248-802-6138  or rick@getmaximpact.com .

5 steps to make your team feel appreciated

Renown leadership expert Brian Tracy knows the importance of making team members feel appreciated. He recorded a video in which he shares 5 easy steps to making your team feel appreciated. Through these steps you will drive employee engagement, which increases loyalty and productivity. To view the video, click here .

What recruiters have heard

We asked the recruiters at Patrice & Associates of Rochester Hills what they have heard in their candidate contacts. Here are just some of the highlights.

“It’s a great company to work for and I’m enjoying learning and moving through the ranks!”

Kendall, Assistant Manager, Love’s Travel Centers

“Get me outta here. I’d look for a job on my own, but I’m working 7 days a week”

Name withheld, General Manager, National Pizza Chain

“The growth opportunities since I’ve started got me from manager to GM”

Jose, General Manager, Velvet Taco

About the Editor

This newsletter was compiled by Rick Weaver. He is a headhunter and owns a management and executive search firm with over 200 recruiters working across the United States and Canada. Contact him via emailing rweaver@patriceandassociates.com or by calling him at 248-802-6138.