If you operate a food business, your employees are responsible for part of your success. Here are some employee perks to consider.
All businesses depend on hardworking employees, but a food business relies on them more than most. If you operate a restaurant or a cafe, then your employees are responsible for a large amount of your success. Your customers will rate your business based on how well they are served and how nice the food is. Both of these things will, ultimately, come down to your employees.
With that in mind, it makes sense to reward your employees for their excellent work. Not only that, but you need to ensure that you keep your employees for as long as possible. The food industry – particularly the restaurant business – is known for its huge employment turnover rates. Ironically, you can kill two birds with one stone and hold onto your employees while rewarding them with some perks.
Here are a few employee perks you may want to consider:
Free meals while working
Realistically, this is the least you can do for your employees. People in your business will work shifts, meaning they need to take breaks now and then. Sometimes, they want to get something to eat on a break. To save them the trouble of going out and buying their own lunch, offer them free food & drink from your business. They can order it straight from the kitchen, eat it while they rest, then get back to work. It’s a basic perk, but one that will help your employees as it can save them a lot of money!
Special employee discounts
Again, this is a straightforward perk that all your employees should receive. While they get free food during shifts, it’s unrealistic to offer this at all times. For example, if they come to visit with their friends, you can’t let them order loads of free food as it will deprive you of too much money. Instead, you can offer them an employee discount. This is a special discount that nobody else receives, allowing them to save money. It’s actually a genius idea as it encourages your employees to visit your business when they’re not working, which will basically stimulate your revenue.
Gift cards
Finally, consider offering a perk that doesn’t strictly relate to your food business. Gift cards are clever as your employees can use them to save money on certain purchases. Sticking with the food theme, you could provide gift cards for grocery stores or specific food places. One idea that’s popular around this time is ham and turkey gifts for employees. Believe it or not but Thanksgiving isn’t too far away, so you can provide a gift card to help your employees buy an essential piece of their dinner. Opting for the gift card perk is excellent because it offers more freedom in how your employees enjoy the perk.
Realistically, if you can afford to do so, you should provide all three of these perks for your employees. It encourages harder work as they feel appreciated and cared for, which will only lead to better reviews and ratings for your food business.