Charting the Course: Balancing Humanity and Technology in the Restaurant Industry

Posted on by zippybeck

As we set our sights on the upcoming Restaurant Finance and Development Conference, a palpable sense of anticipation courses through the veins of the restaurant industry’s leaders. The air is thick with the aroma of change, a blend of uncertainty and opportunity, as CFOs and executives ponder the complex recipe for success in the coming year. The festive season looms, bringing with it reflections on labor costs, the puzzle of labor shortages, the allure of automation, and the relentless quest for robust earnings.

The Dawn of Automation and AI: An Inevitable Tide

Automation and AI are no longer mere specks on the horizon; they are the winds propelling the industry forward. From the humble beginnings of self-service kiosks to the futuristic visions of robotic chefs, technology has been entwining itself into the restaurant narrative with increasing tenacity. The future whispers promises of an unprecedented fusion of technology in daily operations, sparking both excitement and trepidation.

Humanity vs. Technology: The Delicate Dance

At the heart of this technological revolution lies a delicate dance between humanity and technology. The efficiency and cost savings of automation pirouette alluringly, tempting decision-makers with visions of streamlined operations and enhanced profitability. Yet, amidst this dance, we must not lose sight of the warmth and adaptability that define the soul of hospitality—the irreplaceable human touch.

People vs. Cost Savings: Navigating the Dichotomy

As the festive season casts its glow, the contrast between the joyous cheer of human interaction and the sterile precision of machines becomes starkly evident. Industry leaders find themselves navigating a dichotomy that is as challenging as it is crucial—the balance between people and cost savings. It is a strategic calculus that demands foresight, empathy, and a keen understanding of the industry’s heartbeat.

Your Compass Through the Tides of Change

In these transformative times, a trusted advisor is not just a luxury but a necessity. ZippyApp stands as a lighthouse amidst the stormy seas of change, offering guidance, expertise, and a steady hand. As the industry charts its course through the confluence of humanity and technology, ZippyApp emerges as an indispensable ally, helping businesses to navigate towards a future where technology enhances rather than eclipses the human spirit.

Embracing the Future with ZippyApp

As we look towards a horizon shimmering with technological advancements, the role of a trusted advisor becomes more crucial than ever. ZippyApp extends an invitation to join hands in embracing the future—a future where technology and humanity converge in harmony, ensuring that the restaurant industry continues to thrive as a beacon of warmth and hospitality in an increasingly automated world. Let’s chart this course together, steering towards a future that’s not only efficient but also rich with the human connection that lies at the heart of hospitality.

Embark on the Journey with ZippyApp

http://www.zippyapp.com

Crafting Inclusive Job Postings: Building a Future with Everyone in Mind

Posted on by zippybeck

This morning I came across this gem of a thought: “A team’s true strength lies in each member, and the power of each member is the collective team.” Isn’t it striking how such age-old wisdom still rings true, especially in our vibrant, interconnected world today? It got me thinking about the beauty of diversity and inclusion, especially in the job market.

Picture this: We’re drafting a job ad, one that feels less like a formal announcement and more like a coffee chat invitation. We all have those favorite spots in town – that cozy café or the lively store where stories, laughter, and memories intertwine. It’s the people there, from all walks of life, that give it soul. So, in that spirit, shouldn’t our job invites mirror that warmth and inclusivity?

But here’s a twist. While we want to get the essentials right, why not add a touch of humanity? A dash of humor, a sprinkle of real stories, or maybe a fun fact. Because at the end of the day, it’s our shared human experiences that connect us.

Speaking of connection, have you ever read a job ad and felt an instant click? Or perhaps, the opposite – an ad that made you think, “Hmm, not for me”? Words have power, and we’re on a mission to use them wisely, ensuring everyone feels that open-door vibe.

Now, onto growth and opportunity. Imagine reading an ad that doesn’t just list out tasks but paints a picture of a journey, an adventure. Something that ignites passion rather than just ticking off another job requirement. What are your thoughts on that?

And while we’re discussing work, let’s touch on balance and understanding. The world is a stage, and its scenes are ever-changing. How do you feel about workplaces that understand the rhythm of life and adapt?

  • Quick Pop Quiz 📌: When you’re eyeing a job ad, what’s the first thing that draws you in? A) The pay package, B) The role itself, C) The team vibe, or D) Future growth paths? Super curious to know!

Diversity isn’t just about numbers or quotas. It’s the symphony of voices, backgrounds, and experiences that make a workplace vibrant. If you’ve ever crafted or stumbled upon a job ad that beautifully captures this spirit, do share!

Feedback? Absolutely essential! It’s the compass that guides our journey. So, spill the beans – your insights, stories, or even a light-hearted joke. Let’s make this chat a melting pot of ideas.

The reality is for nearly every working adult is our jobs are more than a 9-to-5 routine. They are a tapestry of tales, dreams, and shared experiences. So, chime in, share, comment, and let’s make this dialogue a memorable one. Cheers to inclusivity and genuine connections!

#CraftingConnections #InclusiveHiringJourney


#InclusiveHiring #JobAdsReimagined

9 Steps for Peaceful Holiday Scheduling

Posted on by zippyapp

For hourly employers, ­­it is definitely not the most wonderful time of year. On top of the added stresses of hiring seasonal employees, creating seasonal schedules provides more of a burden. To minimize the risk of dampened morale, unhappy employees, and even legality issues, it is imperative to develop preventative measures to minimize scheduling issues. Here are 9 steps for peaceful holiday scheduling.

  1. Plan early. As mentioned in our previous Blog, always plan and be prepared for what is ahead. Holidays will always be an upcoming challenge for you. So will summer and back-to-school months. When you hire on a candidate, ask them what days, times, and holidays they would be willing to work. This can later avoid accusations of unlawful time off requests for religious-based lawsuits (Federal law states that you must make a “reasonable effort to accommodate employees sincere religious beliefs,” which means you must try and accommodate their time off requests for religious holidays). Also, be upfront and clear with your employees. Set clear expectations of black out days where no one gets to request time off.
  2. Don’t assume everyone wants to take time off. For some, like students back home from school break, the holidays allow for extra shifts, which equates to extra money in their pockets. Don’t assume your single workers don’t want to take time off, or that those with families want more time off. Most employees know their holiday plans in advance, so ask your staff to submit their time-off requests a month (at least) in advance so you can schedule accordingly.
  3. Release schedules for busy weeks well in advance. Create and give your employees their schedules early to allow flexibility for schedule adjustments – like shift switches and covers.
  4. Make note of seniority statuses. To be fair and avoid issues of demoralization, consider who has been at your company the longest and ask them what holidays, if any, they would like off.
  5. Consider who Has worked or is scheduled to work other holidays. Another fair tactic is to prioritize workers who have worked certain holidays previously, or is set to work a holiday already this season. This gives you reason to explain why one worker is getting the time off they requested over another.
  6. Be direct with seasonal employees. Your seasonal staff is there for just that – to keep you prepared for the holiday rush. Be upfront in your seasonal job descriptions and the number of hours, days, and times they are expected to work (we talk about this in more detail in our Guide to Seasonal Hiring).
  7. Try not to schedule consecutive shifts or coinciding shifts to the same workers. Not everyone wants to work all closing shifts, and especially shifts that coincide, like closing late one night and opening bright and early the next day. This is a great tactic to keep in mind for decreasing your turnover and retaining loyal employees.
  8. Alleviate the strain and spread out shifts. Breaking up long holiday shifts into smaller shifts evens out the strain. Also, utilizing shorter shifts is a way to monitor busy and slow times. Overstaffing and top-loading certain shifts can decrease profits, and make for unhappy employees (splitting tips with more workers means less money in their pockets too). Be flexible if it does get busier than you expect (you can utilize our “On Call” feature for times like this!) Or if it is slower than you expected, cut people and let them go home early.
  9. Incentive those who do work those holiday shifts. Incentives are a great way to attract, retain, and keep your employees happy. We are in one of the tightest labor markets we have seen in decades, and incentives make your brand stand out from the rest. A common incentive many companies offer during the holidays is time-and-a-half pay to those who work extra holiday hours/ shifts, but be wary as that can become expensive very quickly. You can also offer gift cards, more time off during regular seasons, priority pick on the next schedule, or even a small bonus to employees who work unattractive holiday shifts.

Do you have any holiday scheduling tips to share? We would love to hear from you! Comment your thoughts below.