25 tips to work smarter in hospitality

Feeling tired already? Did January feel like it was never going to end? Now is the time to take stock of what’s setting you back and make changes that will set you up for success for the rest of the year.

Put your ego to the side – you have a team for a reason, so don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to the people you hired.
Create job descriptions for each position within the business from chefs and kitchen hands to sommeliers and front of house. These should be issued to each employee during on-boarding. Everybody should understand their role in the business from day one.
Host regular training and education sessions to continue upskilling your staff – this can be anything from watching masterclass videos to attending market tours or asking a butcher to come in and break down an animal.
Invest in technology platforms that remove the stress of managing individual rostering and payroll systems and look for one that does it all. Bonus points for those that provide tangible data re: sales and food costs.
If you don’t know how to make the most of your tech platforms, don’t be afraid to contact the provider and request a meeting with a representative who can show you how to maximise your investment.
Review supplier costs regularly and don’t be afraid to jump ship when your profits dip. Negotiating is helpful, and so is knowing when to love them and leave them.
Determine the social platforms that work best for your demographic and commit to regular posts. Quieter suburban eateries that attract an older audience will fare better on Facebook than TikTok, while buzzy wine bars and aesthetic venues are ideal for the Instagram and TikTok algorithm.
Know when to take a break – you can’t lead your team when you are running yourself into the ground. It’s also important to keep track of staff and ensure they are taking time away from work.
Use your team members for recommendations when it comes to recruiting new staff. Hospo is a small world, and you can save big here on pricy LinkedIn and Seek job listings.
Remain agile and look overseas for inspiration on which food and drink trends are taking off. Get ahead of the curb by keeping your finger on the pulse. The early starters always do well.
Establish industry connections with fellow business owners and consider hosting get togethers. A support system beyond your immediate workplace is a must for building rapport and developing new ideas.
Set a time limit for regular but necessary admin tasks. While this isn’t feasible every day, setting a deadline to get the mundane out of the way will help you maximise your time and allow you to move onto the next task.