Work-Life Balance

The ability to attain Work-Life Balance in hospitality is the ultimate sweepstake. We know this is the only solution to keep our top people and attract leaders into our industry. No one seems to be immune to the dilemma in spite of their size, years in business or market segment. Why can’t a business model be created to adapt to the market’s demand for more life to balance all that work?

Here are some key ideas towards a new business model:
1. As part of your start-up exercise, create a staff schedule with full-time salary staff working five days, up to 10 hours a day with two days off.
- Identify the number of full-time and part-time staff required to accommodate this schedule
- Create a set schedule for your f/t staff; weekly schedules are senseless, treat your staff like adults!
- Rotate opening and closes evenly

2. In the start-up pro forma statement, build in the following line items:
- Training (starting and ongoing)
- Development tools & programs required
- Incentive (bonus programs aside from money, i.e. education, team building field trips and dining)

3. Be honest in the interview process regarding expectations and scheduling.
- Things change but not at the expense of your people

4. Set goals together with your people and time allowance to complete tasks. Truth is people perform at a higher level with a sense of urgency and clear objectives.

5. Communicate your company’s purpose and beliefs ongoing, your people need to be reminded and inspired daily.

6. Care about your people, no one should make sacrifices for your goals if you don’t care about theirs.

7. Advertise that you are a WORK-LIFE BALANCE employer – if your customers supported recycling, green initiative, local farming and sustainable products; they will support this idea.

Before you say, “This is impossible!” think about companies who were change-agents in their industry because they believed “Everything is possible!”