In the latest episode of our podcast, we tackle a topic that has been a hot button issue in the restaurant industry: employee loyalty in restaurants and labor shortages. As discussed at the recent MURTEC Executive Conference in California, the problem is not merely a lack of workers. It’s about the conditions, hours, and rewards that come with these jobs. Many industry executives are realizing that the issue is not isolated, nor will it be easily resolved by economic, political, or social changes.

The crux of the problem lies in the fact that the restaurant industry is facing what could be termed as an “I don’t want to work this job with these hours, with these demands, in these conditions for this reward” issue. This ConStrata Minute sheds light on why the problem persists and what can be done about it. We explore the often-overlooked aspect of employee loyalty, which is crucial for any business’s success.

Loyalty in the workplace is not what it used to be. Employees today are more loyal to their career trajectories and opportunities than to any single employer. They are willing to be loyal to you, the employer, as long as you can deliver on promises of career growth and financial enrichment. This episode highlights a Forbes survey where a staggering 82% of employees claimed loyalty to their employer, yet 59% admitted they would leave for a better offer. Clearly, loyalty is not unconditional.

So, how can businesses in the restaurant industry retain their talent? One solution is to provide a clear and beneficial career path that enriches employees both professionally and financially. This could include offering equity or profit sharing, which aligns employees’ interests with those of the business. By doing so, you can ensure that your workforce is not just a revolving door of employees coming and going but a committed team working towards common goals.

Loyalty isn’t dead; it’s just looking for reciprocity. Employers need to invest in their employees if they want them to invest back in the business.