Creating a Culture That Attracts and Retains Top Talent Where Everybody Belongs

bartender waiter workplace culture talent
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Atosa USA
  • Texas Pete
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • Imperial Dade
  • Day & Nite
  • RATIONAL USA
  • RAK Porcelain
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
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While there was a moment of hope and with vaccinations we still may be near the end of the pandemic, the main concern across the restaurant industry is still surrounding labor. As we talk to our customers, whether staff was furloughed, or changed industries, or operators just shut down, labor is still the main issue for the industry right now. With the persistence of the Delta variant, staffing challenges may persist in the industry for some time.

While industry pundits are pointing to extended unemployment benefits, I think there are a lot of other facets to this issue. At risk of speculating, I think the biggest factor right now dissuading employees from working at restaurants is the uncertainty surrounding the industry. A lot of people are worried about restaurants closing or being restricted again, and without the security of steady, consistent work, people are hesitant to return. If restaurants and related businesses are to remain viable and successful, it’s time for owners to get creative and with obvious financial limitations the incentive to work is going to have to be more nuanced.

At the forefront of any kind of solution to labor challenges needs to be dedication to a positive, inclusive, and diverse workplace. People work in this industry for the environment and culture. They want to be around people and surrounded by co-workers they can call friends. Central to that kind of space needs to be a commitment to diversity and inclusion. While the industry is fairly diverse, there is a lot of work to be done to make it more inclusive. We have to put a lot of effort into removing the barriers that may prevent people from having fair opportunities based upon their personal identity.

Our company has been built on what is now approaching the acquisition of almost 40 companies. They are far flung geographically with the addition of new locations in California and Connecticut this summer. We’ve taken the approach as we look at inclusion, that we are knitting a tapestry. To do that successfully, we need to let the culture and personality of our people shine through.

With a commitment to a positive workplace, recruiting and retaining talented, driven employees that want to work. At Imperial Dade, we’ve sustained consistent growth by focusing on an evolving culture that values employees and provides them with the opportunities they need to succeed and grow as well. We are consistently promoting from within and our people have come to understand that if you work hard and learn you have the opportunity to advance in the company. Our focus is to cultivate a workplace of belonging. If people feel that they belong, then they’re going to thrive.

  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • Day & Nite
  • RAK Porcelain
  • RATIONAL USA
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Texas Pete
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • Atosa USA
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • Imperial Dade
  • AyrKing Mixstir

That kind of a commitment can only transform a company if it comes from the top. We challenge our leadership to ask themselves if they would want their best friend or close family member to work in our environment. The answer needs to be yes. People want to feel a sense of camaraderie when they work and, above all else, they really want to feel heard. It’s up to owners, executives, and general managers to cultivate a workplace where those needs are met.

Another part of retaining talented and loyal employees is encouraging creativity and innovation. At Imperial Dade we really focus on storytelling. When an employee hears about a customer’s problem and they have the ingenuity to solve it, they deserve to be publicly congratulated. That’s not only to recognize the employee but to share knowledge and demonstrate that if you problem-solve, you’re appreciated.

With all the difficulty and turmoil of the past year and a half it’s time to take care of employees, listen to them, value them, and cultivate an environment of workplace positivity. It really comes down to belonging. When it comes to diversity, and employees in general, it’s not about numbers. It’s about people. When people feel wanted and know they belong they will thrive and for the industry to recover we need everyone to thrive.

  • Atosa USA
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • McKee Foodservice
  • RAK Porcelain
  • Texas Pete
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • Imperial Dade
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • Day & Nite
  • RATIONAL USA
  • DAVO Sales Tax