Attracting and Retaining Gen Z in Hospitality (spoiler: free staff food won’t cut it)

by 
All Gravy
Last updated:
July 8, 2024

Who is Gen Z?

First we need to establish what Generation Z, or Gen Z for short is.

Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this generation has grown up in a world where technology is as natural as breathing. They are digital natives, effortlessly navigating smartphones, social media, and instant messaging. This tech-savviness shapes how they interact with the world and sets high expectations for their digital experiences in the workplace.

Gen Z is not just about tech, though; they have big hearts and strong convictions. They care deeply about social justice, environmental sustainability, and ethical practices. Whether they're joining climate change movements or choosing brands committed to sustainability, they are passionate about making a positive impact and expect their employers to share these values.

Authenticity is key for Gen Z as well. They gravitate towards employers who value transparency, honesty, and uphold strong ethical standards.

By understanding and embracing these traits, you'll be better equipped to connect with and engage this dynamic and driven generation.

Gen Z is Changing the Employment Landscape as we know it

Generation Z is making a big splash in the hospitality job market, and their presence is transforming workplaces in exciting ways. By 2030, Gen Z and Millennials are expected to make up 58% of the global workforce and almost 100% in the tourism and hospitality sector.

As true digital natives, Gen Z expects seamless technology integration in their work lives. This means restaurants needs to adopt digital tools and platforms to meet these expectations. From user-friendly scheduling apps to efficient communication tools, the workplace is becoming more tech-savvy and adaptable, catering to the needs of this tech-loving generation.

Gen Z also values frequent feedback and a non-hierarchical work environment. They want their voices to be heard and desire clear definitions of what success looks like, along with a level playing field to achieve it.

This generation's passion for making a positive impact is also encouraging companies to align jobs with employees' values, create a sense of community, and ensure that work is meaningful and socially connected. As a result, workplace culture must become more transparent, inclusive, and aligned with broader social values, while making it a more engaging and motivating environment for everyone.

Why Your Restaurant May Be Missing Out on Gen Z Talent Pool

It's important for restaurants to understand why they might be missing out on this dynamic and tech-savvy generation.

Firstly, outdated tech and processes? Big no-no. Gen Z has been raised with the world of digital at their fingertips, and they kind of expect the same at work. So, relying on old-school paper schedules and manual time clocks? Major turn-off. Gen Z expects workplaces to provide modern, easy-to-use tech that makes their work life smoother and more enjoyable.

Next up, sustainability and social responsibility. These are big on Gen Z's radar. They're more likely to be drawn to businesses that step up and show they care about our planet and society. Restaurants that overlook this might find it tough to win over Gen Z employees who want their work to make a difference.

Training and development programs, or lack thereof, can be a deal-breaker. Gen Z is all about learning and growing professionally. So, if a restaurant doesn't have solid training and career development programs, they might lose out to competitors who invest their staff's development.

Lastly, let's talk money. Gen Z also looks for financial transparency and flexibility in their jobs.  Implementing systems that ensure worry-free financial management, like salary withdrawals and in-app transparency, can make a big difference. Additionally, showing how their efforts translate into earnings can motivate Gen Z employees to take on more shifts

Fun fact: Our data shows a 23% increase in shifts taken when employees immediately see the results of their work as well as an average of 20% increase in retention. Win-win situation, right?

Winning over Gen Z with All Gravy

Modern Communication Tools and Apps Similar to Instagram and WhatsApp

Gen Z loves easy, straightforward ways to communicate. That's we’ve designed our Chat & Newsfeed to mimic the mechanisms that Gen Z already know from well-known social media apps such as Instagram and WhatsApp. Restaurant employees can chat instantly, find all work info in one spot, and keep their work and personal online lives separate. Our system also automatically manages channels, ensuring that new hires are integrated smoothly from day one.

Comprehensive Onboarding and Training Modules

At All Gravy, we've tailored our onboarding and training modules to eliminate first-day jitters and ensure that new employees feel welcome and prepared.

Automated welcome messages and intuitive handbooks, tailored to specific roles and locations, provide all the necessary information in an easy-to-read, accessible format, so employees can start learning and provide value from day one.

Feedback Mechanisms and Employee Engagement Tools

We're all about keeping your team happy and heard! That's why we offer a suite of feedback and engagement tools designed to keep a real-time check on your employee satisfaction. Our automated pulse surveys and super quick eNPS surveys are perfect for gathering immediate insights, so your managers quickly can address any concerns and maintain employee satisfaction.

Plus, our whistleblower feature allows for anonymous two-way chats, creating a culture where everyone feels comfortable to speak their mind and contributing to a workplace that's transparent and rooted in trust.

Flexible To-Do Lists and Workflows, Made Easy

Our To-Do Lists makes life simpler for managers and your frontline employees alike. It's your one-stop spot to keep track of tasks, offer support when needed, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Plus, it keeps a record of past tasks for that added peace of mind.

Recurring tasks? No problem! Our recurring to-do lists are here to make routine duties a breeze. And the best part? They can be adjusted on the go to make sure you’re always on top of any changes.

Then there's our Workflows feature, your new best friend for creating standardized procedures for just about anything - be it a sudden equipment malfunction or incident reports. You can create templates for all the daily happenings that need your attention, capturing every important detail.

Your team can report issues and even attach images, and the right people will be notified based on their skills or availability, keeping everyone in the loop with status updates and comments. All this, while making sure sensitive information is handled with care.

Final thoughts: Adapt or Risk Losing the Next Generation of Talent

This generation is tech-minded, socially responsible, craves continuous learning, and values financial wellness. By focusing on these areas, you can make your restaurant attractive for the next generation of employees.

Appealing to Gen Z is at the core of All Gravy. We believe that modern technology should make work easier and more efficient, which is why we offer tools that streamline communication and scheduling. We also understand the importance of employee development, ensuring that employees have opportunities to grow and learn continuously with our training and onboarding modules.

Moreover, we prioritize financial wellness by providing transparent and flexible payday options, removing any financial stress and making sure that employees are rewarded fairly and promptly for their hard work.

By adopting these practices, you can create a work environment that not only attracts Gen Z talent but also keeps them engaged and committed. Adapting to meet the needs of this new generation isn't just beneficial—it's essential for staying competitive and building a thriving, future-ready workforce.

Case Study: How Le Bab Boosted Employee Engagement and Efficiency with All Gravy

Le Bab, a popular London restaurant chain with eight locations and around 100 employees, faced challenges in maintaining their strong company culture and effective processes during rapid growth. Ensuring that every new employee was as motivated and knowledgeable as the initial team was becoming difficult.

To tackle these challenges, Le Bab turned to All Gravy. Our platform provided an easy-to-use solution that helped structure onboarding and training while centralizing all communications across Le Bab’s restaurants.

Hear it from Le Bab below or read the full case study here:

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