The benefits of employee training videos are clear enough - they’re more engaging and convenient - but how do company owners and business managers make sure it’s the best training practice for their restaurant? Here are five ways restaurants can make new hires more successful through video training.
1. Keep videos consistent
All restaurants have a core code of conduct or other certain sets of rules which apply to all employees. Video training segments focused on this vital information keep hosts, bussers, and cooks alike on the same page in terms of team expectations.
2. Make sure video content relevant… and real
Outside of core values and expectations, new hires need specialized topics and information about their role on the team. Videos should show them precisely what they need to make it through their first shift.
Yet it shouldn’t be glossed over in any way; challenges should be demonstrated and addressed. Simulating challenges is a key ingredient to success; interactive visual learning even helps train surgeons who require successful outcomes in order to remain employed in their field.
3. Break up long videos for better comprehension
Attention spans differ, but all people learn better when they consume a short video and have a moment to digest the information before moving on. If all information is presented together in one long piece, they will invariably check out at some point.4. Use microlearning to create videos for on-the-job training
In the spirit of keeping things relevant and digestible, microlearning offers hires the opportunity to learn on the job, not in the break room. For instance, offering a video on folding napkins or food safety while the hire is encountering this task will increase retention, improve skills and foster independence in the workplace.
Furthermore, hires that do remain can revisit these techniques at any time without disruption. The ability to review material without separating from the task at hand or alerting other staff that they need review encourages workers to seek solutions instead of winging it.
5. Save money with cloud-based videos
Digitized, cloud-based information can cut costs associated with constantly printing and distributing materials in an industry with high turnover rate. Additionally, on-the-clock staff will spend less time providing guidance to a new hire, and more completing their own tasks. In some cases, restaurants who previously paid an established staff member to cover extra shifts in order to handle new hires have saved costs with mobile video learning.
Employee training videos have evolved dramatically since the 1980s. By breaking industry information down and making it more accessible to all hires, restaurant staff can enjoy an increase in confidence, skills and quality of service.
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