Happy New Year! Are We Ready To Embrace New Staffing Challenges?

Happy New Year: Facing New Challenges in Restaurant Management

The start of a new year always feels like a fresh slate—a chance to reflect, set goals, and prepare for the opportunities and hurdles ahead. In restaurant management, the new year brings the promise of innovation, stronger teams, and new challenges to tackle. With Millennials and Gen Z now making up the majority of the workforce, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for adapting to changing expectations.

The Workforce Is Changing—Are You Ready?

The restaurant industry has always been about flexibility and resilience, but the growing influence of Millennials and Gen Z in the workforce takes that to a new level. These generations bring fresh ideas and energy, but also unique challenges that demand thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership.

What Challenges Are We Up Against?

1. Flexibility Is Non-Negotiable Traditional restaurant schedules with long, irregular hours don’t align well with younger workers’ desire for more control over their time. Gen Z and Millennials prioritize work-life balance and look for workplaces that offer options like flexible shifts or innovative scheduling systems.

2. Career Growth Isn’t Optional For many young workers, restaurant jobs aren’t just stopgaps. They’re looking for roles with real development opportunities. Without clear career paths and advancement options, they’re more likely to move on quickly.

3. Tech-Savvy Workers Expect Modern Tools This generation grew up with technology, and they expect their workplaces to reflect that. From digital scheduling apps to updated point-of-sale systems, restaurants that don’t invest in technology risk being seen as out of touch.

4. Values Matter More Than Ever Younger employees care about working for businesses that align with their personal values. Whether it’s sustainability, community involvement, or ethical practices, they want to feel like their work contributes to something meaningful.

5. Inclusion Is a Priority Diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than buzzwords for Millennials and Gen Z. They’re essential. Restaurants need to create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued to attract and retain top talent.

What Do They Expect?

To attract and keep these younger workers, restaurant leaders need to align their strategies with what matters to them most:

• Flexibility: Options for shift swapping, shorter hours, and part-time roles.

• Collaboration: A culture that values teamwork and mutual respect.

• Transparency: Open communication about expectations, policies, and company goals.

• Purpose: Opportunities to engage in meaningful work, whether that’s sustainability efforts or giving back to the community.

• Growth: Access to training, mentorship, and clear paths for career advancement.

Tackling 2025 With a Fresh Perspective

A new year is the perfect time to reassess and reimagine how your restaurant operates. Addressing these challenges may seem daunting, but they’re also opportunities to build a more engaged, motivated team. Here are a few resolutions to consider:

1. Modernize Your Tech: Invest in tools that streamline operations and meet the expectations of a tech-savvy workforce.

2. Prioritize Training: Offer programs that help employees grow their skills and see a future with your company.

3. Make Flexibility a Reality: Implement scheduling systems that allow for better work-life balance.

4. Foster Inclusion: Actively promote diversity and create an environment where everyone feels like they belong.

5. Live Your Values: Share your mission and make it a core part of your restaurant’s identity.

Let MarcJax Help You Build Your Team

At MarcJax, we specialize in helping restaurants find the right management talent to meet these challenges. Our aggressive 8% management hire fee makes it affordable and easy to bring in skilled leaders who align with your company’s culture and values. We’re experts in matching the right skill sets and personalities to ensure your team is set up for long-term success.

Let us know if we can help you start the year strong by finding the management professionals you need. Reach out to us to learn more about how MarcJax can support your hiring needs.

Cheers to a Bright Future

As we step into the new year, let’s embrace these challenges as stepping stones to success. By meeting the needs of Millennials and Gen Z, restaurant leaders can create stronger, more innovative teams and set the stage for long-term growth.

Here’s to 2025—a year of opportunity, resilience, and thriving teams. Happy New Year!