Finding Part-Time Event Staff - Part #3

1. Offer peer awards to excite new workers. In addition to normal pay, give a bonus at the end of a kitchen shift or at the end of an event, determined by a vote of all the workers. The vote can be by voice, raised hands or paper ballet. The bonus can be given for any number of reasons. It could be for the person who saved the day, most outstanding, best idea, etc. It’s a powerful motivator—especially because it’s decided by staff members themselves.

2. Form a staffing committee. Larger caterers often put together a small group of staffers to work with management. This committee develops ideas to help staff do their work better or to hear suggestions to make the work experience good for everyone. Yes, this type of committee can open up the proverbial can of worms, so think it out before starting one. A simple suggestion box may accomplish some of the same results.

Tip: The greatest problem with part-time workers is that they sometimes accept a job and then fail to show up without letting the caterer know they changed plans. If they know that a reward awaits them if they work six consecutive jobs they have accepted, they tend to take their assignments more seriously.

Finding Part-Time Event Staff - Part 2

1. Recognize spouses or significant others. A caterer who wishes to have the highest level of attendance from staff should show appreciation for those who are left alone while their significant other or family member is working for the caterer. Remember them with a simple note or gift on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, an anniversary or other special days.

2. Use voicemail or emails to take incoming resumes. Caterers use ads that direct the person searching for new full- or part-time work to call a special number or email a special address. When using the phone, callers are told on a prerecorded message to leave information about their background. This makes it easy for a manager to review the recording and determine if the caller should get a return call for a face-to-face interview. Email is used in the same way.

3. Offer “buddy” job guarantees. Make it easy for friends or family members to work as part-time event staff together. Two brothers may apply for part-time event work and get accepted, then be sent to work two different parties on their first job. That doesn’t make much sense. Working with a friend or family member at the same events guarantees happier and more loyal staff.

4. Use a staff newsletter to communicate. A monthly newsletter sent by email or U.S. mail to all full- and part-time staff is an invaluable tool for providing correct information, schedules and news that pertains to the staff. Some caterers let the staff contribute to the newsletter. A newsletter also can neutralize dangerous gossip.

Finding Part-Time Event Staff - Part 1

1. Hold group “opportunity hiring meetings” instead of doing one-on-one interviews. Using a one-at-a-time interview process often drains the resources of the caterer. Inviting a larger group to attend a meeting where everything is explained and all questions are answered creates an advantage for the caterer. Some caterers use their own facilities if space permits, others tend to book space at a nearby hotel or use one of the venues they frequent for catered events. Radio ads, print ads and invitations to potential part-timers are used to put together a meeting. Internet sources like Craig’s List can be used to get the word out. During the meeting, the caterer explains what they are looking for, rules and policies that need to be followed by staff and the pay structure. Questions are answered. Those who wish to join the caterer’s staff identify themselves and are given applications that request personal information and the names of references.

2. Offer your current staff finder’s fees for securing new staff. Think of it as a bounty for bringing other quality people onto the caterer’s team. A current staffer can explain the good and not-so-good aspects of working for the caterer.

Oval Banquet Tables

Oval banquet tables are popular in the midwest. My consulting client this week Philip Switz of Catered Elegance in Bedford, Ohio uses them. They are able to seat ten (10) guests and do create a unique feeling for guests. By the way, Philip won two days of my consulting as he was the winner of the early registration contest for Alumni at Catersource.