By Jane Kuhl, HR Consultant & Industry Columnist
Turnover has always been one of the biggest challenges facing restaurant operators. Quick-service restaurants average 130% annual turnover, and full-service restaurants aren’t far behind at nearly 100%. Every lost employee costs more than just the shifts they would have worked—it drains profitability, strains the rest of the team, and weakens guest satisfaction.
The good news? There are strategies you can put in place right now to address turnover—and set your restaurant up for lasting success.
Three Quick Wins You Can Implement Today
1. Improve scheduling predictability
Unpredictable schedules create stress for employees and are a top reason they leave. Post schedules at least two weeks in advance, allow shift swaps with manager approval, and avoid last-minute changes whenever possible. A stable schedule builds trust and makes it easier for employees to stay.
2. Recognize and reward employees
Recognition doesn’t need to be expensive to be impactful. Create a “Team Member of the Month” program, celebrate milestones like work anniversaries, and offer small incentives like gift cards or a choice of shifts for exceptional work. Feeling appreciated is one of the strongest drivers of retention.
3. Optimize job ads for applicant attraction
The right messaging in your job postings can double the number of applicants. Adding the simple phrase, “We provide access to healthcare for our part-time employees and their families,” gives you a competitive edge. Ads that mention healthcare receive 2x more applicants—helping you fill open shifts faster.
Two Foundational Strategies for Long-Term Success
4. Build a strong, inclusive team culture
Employees stay where they feel connected. Invest in team communication through daily huddles or regular staff meetings, encourage managers to build relationships with their teams, and host events that bring people together. Culture doesn’t change overnight, but it creates a foundation that employees don’t want to walk away from.
5. Provide meaningful benefits—even for part-time employees
Until recently, offering healthcare access to uninsured, part-time employees wasn’t easy or affordable. That’s changed. Through innovation and technology, ful.CashPay now makes it possible. This turnkey solution gives employees unlimited virtual care, discounts on prescriptions and doctor visits, and expert guidance on public healthcare programs—all for less than $10 per employee per month.
For restaurant operators, this is a game-changer. You can now offer a benefit that helps retain staff and attracts more applicants without the cost and complexity of traditional insurance.
Why These Strategies Matter Now
These five strategies work together to reduce turnover immediately while building a stronger business for the future. Quick wins like better scheduling and recognition boost morale today, while foundational strategies like culture and healthcare access create lasting loyalty.
Before ful.CashPay, restaurant operators had limited options for supporting their uninsured, part-time employees. Now, technology and innovation make it possible to solve a key pain point for your workforce—one that directly impacts your profitability and your ability to provide great service.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Small changes implemented consistently can break the costly cycle of turnover. If you haven’t already, start by downloading the full guide with all 10 retention strategies to explore even more ways to improve employee satisfaction and retention.
Want to see how ful.CashPay fits into your operation? Schedule a 20-minute meeting today to learn how this turnkey solution can help you attract more applicants, keep your best employees, and build a sustainable business for the long term.