Maintaining service speed, in times of staff shortages
The hospitality industry is a highly competitive and dynamic environment. Hospitality operators must constantly innovate and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of their guests. One of the most important aspects of the success of a hospitality business is the speed of service. Fast and efficient service can contribute to guest satisfaction and business profitability. But how do you organize this, especially in a time of staff shortages and high numbers of guests from home and abroad?
In this blog, we discuss why speed of service is so important in the hospitality industry and how hospitality entrepreneurs can ensure fast and effective service.
Importance of speed of service in the hospitality industry:
Speed of service is one of the most important factors in the hospitality industry. Guests come not only for good food and drink, but also for fast and efficient service. Guests often have a limited time to dine or lunch, so it is important that they are served quickly. Moreover, in today’s society, guests have less patience and less time to wait for their orders. If a catering establishment does not meet guests’ expectations, they may choose to go to another establishment where service is quick enough.
Fast service can help increase sales. If guests are satisfied with the speed of service, they are more likely to return and spend more. In the long run, this can lead to an increase in sales and profitability for a hospitality business. Slow service, on the other hand, can make guests less likely to return or spend less, which can lead to a reduction in sales and profitability.
Prompt service can also help reduce wait times and lines. Long waits and queues can lead to dissatisfied guests and can damage a catering establishment’s image. Guests do not want to stand in line for a long time or wait for their orders. Fast and efficient service can solve this problem and ensure that guests are satisfied with the experience.
How do you ensure fast and effective service?
1. Invest in technology
Modern technologies and tools can improve service efficiency and speed up order processing. Guest call systems, waiter call systems and kitchen call systems are just a few examples of technologies that can improve the speed of service. For example, a POS system can additionally help streamline the ordering process and reduce order placement errors. Order terminals can also be used to place orders directly from guests’ tables, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency. Mobile apps can also allow guests to pre-order and pay, reducing wait times and increasing the speed of service.
2. Create an efficient workflow
An efficient workflow is also important to improve speed of service. Hospitality business owners must ensure that their staff is well organized and efficient. Creating an efficient workflow starts with designing the workspace in a way that promotes efficiency. For example, hospitality entrepreneurs should ensure that the kitchen and bar are well laid out and that there is adequate space for staff to move and work. Establishing clear procedures and protocols for placing orders and serving food can also help improve the speed of service. Obviously, by introducing a guest call system, you provide additional peace of mind and efficiency in the ordering process.
3. Train and develop staff
Staff training and development are also essential to improve the speed of service. Hospitality operators should train their staff on best practices for providing fast and efficient service. This includes training staff in the use of technologies and tools that can improve the speed of service, as well as training staff in best practices for working in an efficient workflow. It is also important for hospitality entrepreneurs to develop their staff through ongoing training and continuing education. This can help staff improve themselves and develop their skills
In short, especially with summer approaching and with the expected increased flow of guests (from home and abroad), it is important to invest in wireless call systems right now. This way, as a business owner, you can optimally capitalize on the increase in turnover, in times of the current staff shortages.
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