Employee Management: Have Fun!

People like to have fun!

Adding some fun , some humor, to the work place makes it more enjoyable. This actually increases productivity and moral. People want to come to work more if they have fun while they are there.

Of course, all safety and sanitation policies still need to be followed. But there are many ways to add fun while still keeping the employees, residents, and food safe.

I was talking with a manager a few days ago who said someone she worked with had brought in a rubber rat and hid it in someone's desk drawer. That person put it in someone else's desk. Now the joke is who is going to get it next? It's silly, but it adds fun!

For Halloween, why not do something fun? It can be as simple as having a treat basket in your office.

Employee Management: Respect

Everyone wants to be treated with respect.

One of the best things you can do is to always treat your employees with the respect that they deserve, simply because they are fellow human beings.

Listen, and try to understand their point of view. It doesn't mean that you have to do what they want you to do, but listen, and then explain why or why not.

Simple courtesies such as "please" and "thank you" also go far.

Treat your employees with the same level of respect that you want to receive yourself.

Employee Management: Recognition

Everyone enjoys recognition! It can be simple, but as long as it is sincere, people will remember!

A company I used to work for had a program called "I was caught doing something right." Any facility, regional, or corporate employee could give a button with this phrase on it when they found someone doing something well.

I happened to give a button to a young dietary aide in a facility where I was consulting. I don't remember now what he did, but I gave him a button. A couple years later, I happened to be in the same facility. This young man in the kitchen runs up to me and said, "I remember you! You gave me this button!"

Not only did he still remember, he still had the button!

Never underestimate the importance of recognition!

Employee Management: Walk Your Talk

Those of you that have been in management for awhile probably remember the axiom "walk your talk." It is still good advice today!

It is not enough to merely talk about what you want your employees to do. It is also necessary to model proper behavior. If it is not important enough for you to look professional, why should your staff? If it is not important enough for you to wash your hands, why should your staff?

Setting the standard for your staff also means adopting that as the minimum standard for yourself.

A similar axiom is that actions speak louder than words. Your "walk" will motivate your employees much more than your "talk" ever will.

Employee Management: Train and Follow-up

Training is essential. It is necessary not only to train employees on what to do and how to do it, but also why. If employees understand why they are to do something, they are more likely to do it and do it well.

Follow-up is also important. Observe them at work to see if they truly understand what to do and how to do it.

For example, there is a restaurant my husband and I go to frequently. The food is good and generally so is the service. The last time we went there, however, the server could have done better.

Obviously, she had been told to talk about a new appetizer the restaurant was featuring. She started talking about it, but then didn’t really know what to say, and finished by saying it was “interesting” but she didn’t really like it! Needless to say, we didn’t order it!

After training on the new appetizer, the manager should have done some role-playing with each server to see how each would promote the new item.

Employee Management: Give Them the Tools They Need

Employees cannot do their jobs if they do not have the necessary tools. For example, employees serving meals cannot accurately portion the meals if there are 3 items that require a #8 scoop, and there is only 1 #8 scoop available in the department! Or, the department cannot be cleaned and sanitized if the chemicals and cleaning equipment are not available.

Not having the necessary tools to do the job is extremely frustrating for employees. This negatively effects moral and can bring the productivity of the entire department down.

The best way to determine if the employees have the right equipment to do their jobs is to ask them!

Employee Management: Setting and Communicating the Standard

One of the most important methods to get the results you want from your employees is to set the standard and communicate it to them! Too often we think everyone has the same standards as we do, and that is not always true. Everyone has different experiences. What was perfectly acceptable for a past employer may not be acceptable to you. But your employees will not know that if you don’t tell them.

And don’t just “tell” them what to do. Also “show” them. Tell them exactly what you expect from them. Show them what “clean” means to you. Show them what “attractive” plate appearance means.

It will be less frustrating for you and your employees if they know exactly what you expect!

Employee Management

Managing employees can be exceedingly challenging and extremely gratifying all at the same time! It is frustrating when they do not do what they are paid to do, but it is so rewarding to watch employees grow and develop professionally.

Some of my best memories are of seeing former employees years later and having them tell me that I made a difference in their careers!

This month’s blog is a variety of ideas and suggestions on managing employees.

As always, comments and your ideas are very welcome!

National Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week

Next week, the week of October 4-10, is recognized as National Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week. In 1985, the U.S. Congress declared the first week in October as a national time to recognize the important role that foodservice staff have in the health of residents, patients, and employees of healthcare facilities.

Without foodservice employees, our facilities would not function!

Next week is an excellent opportunity to recognize and thank your employees for their importance as part of your team.