4 Reasons You Need Team Feedback In Your Restaurant…and How to Get It

In the restaurant industry, getting informative feedback is essential to retain high standards and meet customer demand. However, restaurant owners don’t only need to go to their patrons for feedback. Some of the best insights into your business might come from the people who work there, day in and day out.

If you are new to the power of team feedback, you’re in luck! Learn why feedback matters and how it can increase your bottom line, below.

4 Reasons Why Employee Feedback Matters 

From improving employee retention to boosting customer service, these four insights show how valuing your team’s ideas and concerns can elevate your business.

1. They Can Be Your Eyes and Ears 

As a restaurant owner or operator, you likely get a sense of customer experience from online reviews. However, your staff is constantly engaged with guests and can offer unique perspectives to improve service. 

Check in with your front-of-house team and see where there might be room for improvement. For example, are diners looking for a particular beverage you don’t carry? Do they find the music volume too loud? Are they waiting a little too long for service? Is there a special that is a huge hit? The back-of-the-house crew can also give insight from a kitchen perspective. They might notice a dish gets 86’d frequently due to its popularity or have suggestions on how to speed up ticket times.

A positive customer experience is crucial to gaining loyal regulars, building brand recognition, and boosting revenue. Listening to your team’s feedback can help create a great experience for guests.

2. Opens the Door to Creative Problem Solving 

Restaurant staff work directly with customers and experience the daily operations firsthand, making them uniquely equipped to identify and solve issues that may not be visible to management. When management regularly checks in with team members and actively seeks their feedback, it creates an environment where creative, practical solutions can emerge.

This practice not only helps in addressing common issues more effectively but also empowers employees by showing that their insights are valued. In turn, it fosters a collaborative culture that benefits both the team and the overall customer experience.

3. Creates Strong Bonds and Trust

People want to feel valued and heard. Taking the time to gather employee feedback allows them to feel like they are a member of the team. It also helps foster healthy communication, which is key in any work environment. Honest dialogue can help prevent pressure cooker situations where small issues turn into big problems. 

For the service team, open communication lets their voices be heard, allows them to talk through any grievances, and gives them a sense that they matter to the company. This leads to more employee engagement and gives management insight into what their crew needs to be happy and productive.

4. Motivates and Retains Staff

As a restaurant owner, you know that having engaged, loyal employees is crucial to keeping customers happy and improving profits. In fact, a recent study revealed that an engaged workforce could earn 21 percent more in profit than non-engaged teams. Plus, a constant hiring cycle can cost restaurants thousands. Reports show the average cost for training across industries is $1,252 per employee.

Reaching out to your team and asking for their advice shows them you care and creates a more bonded environment. Feeling heard and valued can motivate employees to work harder for the restaurant and make them less likely to choose another establishment down the street.

Setting Up the Framework for Team Feedback

There’s no one way to build employee feedback into your restaurant operations. However, there are a few different ways to approach getting important information from your crew. 

• Regular Feedback Sessions: Schedule routine feedback sessions, like monthly or bi-weekly team meetings, to create a structured environment where staff can openly share insights.
• Feedback Training for Managers: Train managers on how to ask for, receive, and act on feedback effectively. Managers should be equipped with skills in active listening, empathy, and follow-up actions to create a positive and productive feedback environment.
• Face-to-Face: Meeting with employees in person can develop strong rapport and relationships. Designate specific times each week for open-door hours, allowing staff to approach managers one-on-one with feedback.
• Anonymous Surveys: Building trust can take a while, so having a low-pressure option for feedback could help. Create an online survey where team members can communicate their feelings without being concerned about negative repercussions.
• Follow-Ups: Whether online or in person, following up with employees about their thoughts and suggestions can further the line of communication. 

Get Restaurant Operations Tools from US Foods CHEF’STORE

CHEF’STORE offers an extensive range of business tools to help streamline your restaurant operations, enhance your brand, and foster greater employee engagement. Our resources are designed to support your success at every level. Plus, we carry a wide selection of the highest-quality products—from fresh produce and premium meats to kitchen essentials—all at competitive prices that maximize your budget.

Stop by one of our many locations today.