Steps your business can take to hold on to workers

TIM Foster, of the Yummy Pub Company, agrees that the biggest challenge for many small businesses is finding staff. But he says it’s possible if businesses are prepared to go the extra mile. He says: ‘We kept all our staff during lockdown and we’ve just recruited a further 23 team members.’

Tim’s approach is to have one-to-one talks with each employee about their career goals and what they want out of their time with the company.

He says: ‘We asked everyone what they wanted to do with their lives and put a career road map together for each of them. We also cross-train all our staff so they can develop their career skills. Hospitality is a brilliant sector to work in and there are lots of jobs available, but some companies don’t see that they have to change.

‘We see other pubs saying employees will only get one Sunday off a month. Staff are not going to put up with that any more.’

He adds: ‘We pay at the top end of the scale and we look after our staff. We make sure they have a work-life balance by having sufficient time off.

‘ It’s difficult turning customers away or reducing our opening hours, but if we push our teams too hard by making them work all hours and then they leave, we’re in trouble.’

Recruitment specialist Lee Morris says businesses can keep staff by promoting from within rather then hiring people over the heads of employees.

Staff retention can also be boosted by offering better working hours and changing business practices.

‘Many food-led venues are stripping down their menus so it’s easier for staff,’ he says. ‘Others are closing on Mondays and Sunday evenings so staff don’t feel overrun.’

He has one final message to small businesses looking to protect their companies from acute staff shortages: ‘Review salaries, see what rival companies are paying locally and look at employee hours and benefits.’