HR Still Matters- for Employees

Your Menu for Keeping Your Restaurant Job

About Us The Industry-Education Council of Hamilton (IEC) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to advancing cooperation between business, education and government and championing innovative programs and services that help young people understand the world of work.

For more information, contact us: IEC Hamilton 225 King William Street, Suite 203 Hamilton, ON L8R 1B1  905 529 4483  info@iechamilton.ca  www.iechamilton.ca

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oung people choose to work in the restaurant industry for many reasons. Some use it as a part-time income source while they attend high school, college or university. Others take an entry-level position, hoping to get experience and find an opportunity for an advanced career in the industry. Some are in it for the money without any career plan attached to it.

In whichever category you fall, you might have also noticed that many young people find it difficult to keep their job in this industry. The turnover rate is very high and young employees seems to be affected by it more than their older counterparts.

To understand this issue in Hamilton’s context, we talked to some casual and family restaurant managers and their young employees. By analyzing what they’ve told us in light of commonly cited strategies for job retention, we’ve prepared this handbook.

This guide gives you some tips on how to keep your job, learn about career opportunities in food services and make the best out of your experience working in this sector.

Keep reading to know more about what restaurant managers look for in their best employees, your rights and responsibilities and how you can advance your career in this industry.

Enjoy reading and if you have comments, contact us at info@iechamilton.ca

Did you Know….? 

Forty-three percent of food service industry employees are between the ages of 15 and 24. Twenty-two percent of Canadians report that their first job was in the restaurant industry.

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Young people are the major source of staffing for the foodservice industry in Canada as they comprise 44% of the employees in the sector.

(Canadian Restaurant and Foodservice Association) 2

Understand what is expected of you Survey Says….

All managers in our survey told us that appearance (hair, neatness, visible piercing or tattoos etc.) is a very important factor in hiring and keeping employees.

What should you do?  Make sure you follow the company’s regulations.  If uniforms are part of your job, make sure you use them all the time. Keep them clean.

Look professional.  Communicate with your supervisor about what is appropriate and what is not.

Your Skills Restaurant managers are on the hunt for people who possess a combination of the following skills:      

People skills Interest in food and cooking Basic math skills Team player Ability to multi-task Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

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Be dependable and responsible Survey Says….

Most managers view their young employees as dependable and capable. They said there is a room for improvement in showing willingness in taking turns to do tasks that might be unpleasant.

What should you do?      

Understand your responsibilities and duties.

Make sure you are trained for the job you are doing.

If you don’t understand, ask your supervisor.

Respect your co-workers and customers.

Be on time.

Know your rights.

‘Most employees, including young workers, may not work longer than five hours in a row without getting a 30-minute eating period. If the employer and employee agree, the 30-minute eating period may be taken as two breaks within each five-consecutivehour work period. Meal breaks are unpaid unless the employee’s employment contract requires payment.

Employers do not have to give employees “coffee” breaks or any other kind of break other than the eating period.’

Employer Standard Fact Sheet, Ontario.

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Develop your work ethic Survey Says…

Managers told us young employees need to improve their work ethic and attitudes.

What should you do?       

Be punctual and dependable.

Respect your work and show willingness to learn.

Understand that your work might include doing unpleasant work.

Be energetic and creative.

Do things on time and accurately.

Respect customers and your co-workers.

Help others.

‘Young employees need to learn that attitude makes a huge difference in their quest for better jobs’ Restaurant Manager, survey respondent

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Watch out for cell phone use Survey Says…

Restaurant managers said one of the major distractions for young people at work is the inappropriate use of their cell phones.

What should you do?  Switch your cell phone off while at work.  If you have to call or text, do it during your break time.  If there is an emergency, let your supervisor know.

‘Work Ethic is a big problem. Walking out on shifts, poor attitude, attachment to technology (cell phones, iPods etc)’ Restaurant Manager, survey respondent

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Be Safe Survey Says….

74% of the young employees in our survey said safety issues are handled well in their restaurants. 26% of them suggested there is room for improvement.

What should you do?    

Know that it is your employer’s responsibility to make the workplace safe.

Make sure you are trained with Workplace Health and Safety.

Your responsibility is to always follow safety rules and regulations.

If you think the work you are given is unsafe, talk to your supervisor.

Did you Know….?

The top 4 dangers you may face while you work in a restaurant are:  Using knives  Working with hot substances or equipment in restaurants  Operating food slicers  Lifting objects (WorkSafeBC) 7

Have a career plan Survey Says….

32% of the young employees in our survey don’t know what they want to do in the future. Does your future plan include working in the restaurant industry for a longer period of time?

What should you do?      

Explore the career options in the restaurant.

Show interest in learning and knowing about the career you like.

Ask your employer if there are training opportunities.

Ask about the process for advancement and moving up in your restaurant.

Find a mentor.

Explore courses you can take to get the position that interests you.

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Hospitality and Tourism Specialist High Skills Major Program

If you are in high school and have an interest in pursuing a career in the hospitality and tourism industry, the school boards in Hamilton offer the Hospitality and Tourism Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program.

What is SHSM? It is a specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector.

Where can I find more information?

For more information, talk to your guidance counselor or SHSM coordinator in your school.

Did you Know‌.?

Many people assume that the only jobs in the restaurant industry are cooks, food preparation workers or food servers, but careers in the field of supervision, management, finance, business, public relations and human resources are highly sought after in this industry.

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Understand what is expected of you Be dependable and responsible Develop your work ethic Watch out for cell phone use Be Safe Have a career plan

Acknowledgement We thank all the restaurant managers and employees who participated in our survey. We would also like to acknowledge the following members of the advisory committee for their valuable input.  Charmaine Lefebour (Chef and Wife)  Chris Boucher (Mohawk College)  Joe Amorim (Swiss Chalet)  Murline Mallette (Liaison College)  Nancy Johnson (Johnson Associates)  Wally Stadnicki ( Employment Hamilton)