We have spoken to hundreds of business owners and thousands of their employees over the last twelve years. In that time, we’ve learnt a thing or two about the importance of maintaining happy and engaged staff.

Here are our top five tips to help you keep your hospitality staff happy in the workplace.

1. Nurture a team environment

Organise team bonding events that bring your staff together outside of work. This could be a mid-winter Christmas dinner, an Amazing Race style scavenger hunt, or simply after work drinks. Ask your staff what they would enjoy doing and if possible take the event off site.

2. Communicate

Keep your staff informed about what’s going on with the business. This doesn’t need to be a comprehensive report, but might include what’s coming up on the calendar, any good or bad things that have happened over the last week, and any changes that are on the horizon.

This type of involvement will help your team to feel more motivated about their work and how they are contributing to the business.

3. Take an interest

Get to know your employees better on a personal level. Take an interest in their studies, ask about their family, their goals and how they are finding things at work. This helps to nurture a ‘work family’ environment –important considering most of us spend more time with our workmates than we do with our own family.

4. Listen

 Communication is a two-way street, so take the time to listen to your staff. Give them an opportunity to air their opinions about how they think the business is going, what they think works well, and how things could be improved. Be engaged in the conversation and take notes. Well engaged staff will always be able to give great suggestions on improving your business.

5. Say thanks

Make sure you acknowledge your staff on a regular basis for the work they are doing. This doesn’t have to be attached to an award or gift – simply saying ‘thanks for your hard work’ is enough. It’s a good feeling for staff to know that they’re making a difference.