To outsiders, weekend shifts and evening rotations might seem like a tough challenge for companies trying to create a cohesive team. But for select employers in the hospitality business, non-traditional hours pose few roadblocks to a culture where employees feel invested in their jobs and in each other.
"Managers are very accommodating with schedules. This makes life a lot easier if you ever have emergencies," one employee says. "Everyone treats you like family. This makes work less of a burden and more exciting."
Organizational pride also runs high at Brinker International. Ninety-seven percent of employees say they are proud to tell others they work for Brinker restaurants like Chili's and Maggiano's Little Italy. The company helps cultivate a sense of ownership among its workforce by sending 80 general managers from its top-performing restaurants to a resort for five days, while lower-level managers get bonuses and the company throws parties for their hourly employees. Companywide, salaried team members are eligible for bonuses and profit sharing each year. Plus, team members describe a social atmosphere encouraged by group outings and incentives like gift cards.
"We work very hard to ensure our restaurants have everything they need to provide a great dining experience, and when the work is done we always take time to celebrate and connect with our co-workers," one employee says.
The Cheesecake Factory also sets itself apart from many in the hospitality industry by offering frequent in-person and online training, including courses administered on tablets in each restaurant. All told, this averages 151 hours of training annually for part-time employees and 327 hours annually for those working full time. As is the case at other outstanding companies, the seven-day-a-week challenges in the hospitality industry are no match for a restaurant employer committed to creating a positive place to work each day.
As one Cheesecake Factory team member puts it, "My work schedule is flexible. My managers are friendly with all the personnel. And my co-workers are cooperative. I feel as part of a family."
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Written by Great Place to Work
Written by Great Place to Work
Written by Great Place to Work
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