Owners of restaurants AND bars always say good "communication" is super important. But here's the kicker: over half (57.9%) of UK hospitality job ads don't bother explaining what that actually means. So venues are bleeding cash thanks to staff constantly leaving and revenue getting lost in the shuffle. This isn't just about a few wrong orders; it's a massive, morale-crushing problem that hits your bottom line hard. Want to fix it? Start talking to each other!
The Brutal Truth for Restaurant AND Bar Owners
Running a successful restaurant AND bar in the UK? It's like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. You're fighting tiny profit margins, wrestling with crazy rules, and always hustling to wow customers. But here's what kills you: your team – your foundation – gets wrecked by rubbish communication. Think missed orders, messed-up shifts, and angry customers, all because people can't connect.
The result? Everyone's stressed, from customers to your staff. Team members feel ignored, worthless, and, yeah, they quit. Then you're stuck on a hamster wheel of hiring and training, which sucks up your time and makes service inconsistent. And forget about building a solid team that actually cares.
Plus, who has time for "communication training" when you're drowning in day-to-day chaos? Owners assume people either have it or they don't. Huge mistake! Hospitality is unique: it's fast, it's intense, and it needs specific communication skills that aren't always obvious.
Numbers Don't Lie
booteek Intelligence analysis of nearly 300 independent UK hospitality job postings and found something shocking. Nearly 60% wanted "communication skills," but only 18% bothered to say what that even looked like. It's like saying "must be good at stuff" – totally useless!
We also dug into 10,000 venue reviews and saw a clear link between bad reviews and communication failures. Almost a third of the negative comments mentioned communication problems: confusing menus, unhelpful staff, slow responses. Bad communication = unhappy customers = less money. Simple.
But here's the good news: booteek Intelligence data shows that venues with decent communication training see staff turnover drop by 15% in just six months. That's a huge return! Invest in your team's communication, and you'll build a happier, more productive workplace.
The Communication Connection
Communication isn't just talking; it's listening, understanding, and knowing how to respond. For a restaurant AND bar, that means clear instructions, actually hearing what customers want, and calming down tense situations with a bit of empathy. It also means creating a place where people feel safe to share ideas and worries.
It all starts with clear expectations. Don't just say "good communication needed." Spell it out: "must be able to explain menu items clearly" or "must know the POS system inside and out." That way, everyone knows what's expected.
And don't forget internal comms! Regular team meetings, clear shift briefings, and easy ways to connect (messaging apps, notice boards) keep everyone on the same page. Let people speak up, too. Ask for their opinions and let them help solve problems.
Building Communication in Your Team
- Role-playing rules. Act out common customer scenarios (complaints, allergies, etc.). Let your team practice in a safe space. One person plays the grumpy customer, the other practices listening and finding solutions.
- Get feedback. Set up a system for regular feedback, both good and bad. Weekly one-on-ones, peer reviews, or even a suggestion box can work. Ask simple questions: "What went well this week?" and "What could be better?"
- Listen up! Train your team in active listening and non-verbal cues. It's key to understanding customers and each other. Do a workshop on body language, teach them to read customers and colleagues.
The Loyalty Mindset Shift
Thinking about communication differently means a total shift in how things work. Forget the top-down, boss-knows-best approach. Go for collaboration and inclusivity. Make people feel like they belong, and they'll take pride in their work. When they feel heard and valued, they'll be more engaged, motivated, and, yes, loyal.
That loyalty means fewer people quitting, lower hiring costs, and better customer service. A stable team can handle anything, provide great service, and build relationships with regulars. It's a win-win!
By investing in communication and creating a culture of open dialogue, you're not just making more money; you're creating a better place to work. And that makes for happier customers. Open dialogue equals retention, plain and simple.
So What Should You Do?
It starts at the top. Owners need to lead the way: listen to their team, give good feedback, and create a culture where communication is prized. That might mean training managers, holding regular team meetings, or setting up a communication channel for sharing stuff.
Think quick daily huddles before service to chat about specials, problems, and key points. Or create an online forum where people can share ideas and ask questions anonymously. The goal is to have multiple ways to communicate and make everyone feel comfortable jumping in.
The bottom line? Build trust and respect. When people feel safe to speak their minds without getting yelled at, they'll be more engaged, motivated, and loyal. And that leads to a better workplace and a more successful business.
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