After restaurants bring in new hires, one of the initial priorities is to provide them with training. However, is that the end of the process? Not in today's economy. To stay competitive and reduce churn, continuous learning is essential for employees. Gone are the days of training once and considering it complete. The restaurant industry is rapidly evolving, and employees must constantly learn and adapt. For restaurants to succeed and keep up with the latest trends in the industry, it is better for employees to go through continuous learning rather than be trained once and be done with it forever. Times are changing, the industry is transforming faster than ever before, and employees need to learn to keep up. Here are some reasons why continuous learning is far better than just new-hire training:
Advancements in technology have completely transformed the restaurant industry.
With the advent of the digital era, learning has been revolutionized, allowing individuals to access reference materials at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere, through mobile devices. The rapid influx of new applications, social media platforms, and communication technologies has completely transformed the way people engage with information, altering their thinking patterns, social interactions, and consumption habits.
Because of this, restaurants must also change with the times, and quickly. No longer is it good enough for employees to go through one training at the beginning of hiring, and then be more or less left to their own devices.
Boosting employee happiness and job satisfaction.
It's well known in the customer service industries that staff satisfaction has a direct impact on customer satisfaction. Happy and fulfilled staff members will naturally provide a better experience for clients, encouraging client satisfaction and repeat patronage. But how can business owners and leaders improve staff satisfaction?
As humans, curiosity is ingrained in our nature, and we have an innate drive to learn and grow. No one wants to feel trapped in a stagnant job, but when employees have the opportunity to continuously expand their knowledge and develop themselves, it creates a sense of fulfillment in their work. This sense of fulfillment permeates into their work ethic and how they interact with clients, ultimately enhancing their overall satisfaction.
Employees experience a heightened sense of fulfillment when they have the freedom to shape their own learning journey. They can dictate the speed at which they progress through the material, decide when and how they review the information needed to excel in their roles, whether it's a step-by-step guide for deep fryer maintenance or a rundown of the latest seasonal menu. By empowering individuals to learn in their unique style and at their preferred pace, they become true owners of the knowledge, applying it effectively to deliver exceptional work that resonates with clients.
Developing a culture of continuous learning will empower your team to thrive.
Technological innovations have brought about significant changes, particularly in the rate of change. While change is inevitable, not all changes are beneficial. When faced with a situation where an employee or team is not performing well, it is much more efficient to modify their working methods rather than resorting to hiring new employees or replacing the entire team. Instead of the traditional approach of firing and hiring, offering continuous training to existing employees can address any issues in a more cost-effective manner.
Moreover, employees who are given the opportunity to learn and improve themselves continuously will be happier and more motivated to keep learning, to work harder, and to cooperate with each other. Excellence breeds excellence, and a team where each member is continuously engaged and growing will create a virtuous cycle that will improve the entire atmosphere of the restaurant. Restaurants are run by a team of people, each doing their part. When they are all growing, getting along, and working well together, the entire restaurant benefits.
Continuous learning is becoming more and more necessary in a rapidly changing world. This is true not only for individuals, but for businesses as well. Every team is as strong as the sum of its parts, so why not continually improve the expertise and skill of each member of your team? It will not only make them better employees, it will make your restaurant stand out head and shoulders above the rest. For more information about using continuous learning to keep your employees engaged and productive, check out our latest ebook: How Restaurants are Using Modern Learning to Drive Innovation.
