Can’t Keep a Crew? How to Fix Staffing & Turnover in the Food & Hospitality Business
Can’t Keep a Crew? How to Fix Staffing & Turnover in the Food & Hospitality Business
From the team at 5 Wards Services | www.5wardsservices.com
You post the job. You get applicants. You hire. And two weeks later… they’re gone.
If you're running a restaurant, café, food truck, or event venue, you know that staffing is one of the biggest ongoing challenges. Good people are hard to find, and even harder to keep.
Let’s look at how to attract better candidates, set expectations early, and build a culture that keeps people around.
Why Turnover is So High in This Industry
The food and hospitality industry faces unique staffing pressure:
Unpredictable hours and split shifts
Low pay and high physical demands
Limited onboarding or training
Seasonal spikes and burnout
Toxic management or poor communication
But most turnover isn’t about the work…it’s about the environment. People quit jobs that feel chaotic, thankless, or disorganized.
5 Smart Fixes to Reduce Turnover and Build a Dependable Team
1. Write Better Job Descriptions That Set Expectations
Generic postings = generic hires.
Be clear about:
Exact hours and shift needs
Pay range, tips, and bonus structure
Required experience (or willingness to train)
What makes your place different (e.g., positive kitchen culture, small team, flexible hours)
Example: "Looking for a line cook who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen with a supportive crew. We believe in prepping smart, finishing strong, and getting home on time.”
2. Streamline the Hiring & Onboarding Process
People who apply want to work, now. Don’t let 10 days go by without a reply.
Respond to applicants within 48 hours
Set interviews quickly (use phone/video if needed)
Have a 1-day orientation template ready
Assign a “buddy” for their first shift
A smooth onboarding sets the tone for how you operate.
3. Offer Flexibility and Fairness in Scheduling
Modern workers want flexibility. Offer:
Shift swapping tools
Advance schedules (at least 1 week ahead)
The ability to pick up/drop shifts with approval
Consideration for family or school obligations
Happy teams stay longer, and recommend others.
4. Create a Culture of Respect and Recognition
Culture isn’t pizza parties, it’s how you treat people daily.
Say thank you after every shift
Praise publicly, correct privately
Set clear expectations and follow through
Give feedback and ask for it, too
Even small gestures, like a handwritten thank-you note or free drink after a slammed shift, build loyalty.
5. Build a Referral Pipeline from Your Best Workers
Your best hires often know more great people. Reward them.
Example Program:
$25 if their referral makes it through training
$100 bonus after 60 days
Monthly raffle for anyone who refers
Promote it on social and in staff meetings.
Good People Are Out There, But You Need a Better System
Hiring doesn’t have to be a constant fire drill. When you refine your job post, speed up onboarding, respect your crew’s time, and recognize their effort, the right people stick around.
At 5 Wards Services, we help independent food and hospitality operators build systems that support the team and the business. Our content library includes onboarding templates, referral flyers, training plans, and job description examples—customized for your size and style.
