In September 2021, the National Restaurant Association found that nearly four out of five restaurants were understaffed. This has been the post-COVID 'new normal.'

How do we, as small businesses in the restaurant industry, manage being short-staffed?

Managing absences in a restaurant can be a challenging task. Absences can have a detrimental impact on the business, particularly unexpected absences due to illness. Call-ins are going to happen, so it’s unrealistic to try to eliminate sick days from any business.

We can't schedule more staff than absolutely required, but if one calls in sick, all we can do is hope another team member will be available to pick up the shift. Technology is filling in the gaps. It can help automate certain tasks in the restaurant, making it easier to manage absences. For example, online ordering systems, table management software, QR codes, self-serve wine dispensing, self-ordering kiosks, POS terminals, and the list goes on.

But how far can we go before the customer experience and personal interaction are lost? Human interaction is a critical component of the dining experience. Friendly and attentive team members can create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, and they can also provide recommendations and suggestions for food and wine pairings that technology may not be able to replicate. A smiling face, a warm greeting, and a friendly conversation can go a long way in creating a positive impression and building relationships with you, our customer.

While technology can improve operational efficiency, it should never replace the importance of human interaction in the service and hospitality industry.

That said, this 'new normal' is still an issue that must be addressed as we are still uncertain where all the workforce went. Many seem to have just vanished post-COVID — from managers to chefs to front-of-the-house staff.

We, at A Matter of Taste, appreciate your patience and continuous support as we navigate through the 'new normal' while allowing our team members to recover when they are unwell.

We look forward to serving you tomorrow!

With love,

The tam at A Matter of Taste