Hospitality Experts Share The Secret to Job Satisfaction and Career Growth in 2024

Apr 10, 2024

The world of hospitality can come at you fast if you’re not prepared; even for seasoned restaurant owners. We sought advice from industry experts on ensuring employee satisfaction and career progression. Here are the top 3 actionable strategies you can use:

1. Turn those meetings into morale-boosters
We’ve all groaned at least once at the idea of an all-hands meeting but this is your chance to boost job satisfaction and morale. In the Future of Hospitality’s most recent newsletter on the topic, David Carruthers advises that the key is to encourage open dialogue and listen to the diverse perspectives within the team. You never know where (or who) the next big idea could come from.

In our article, ‘First Impressions Last: 5 Tips to Elevate Your Front-of-House Service in 2024‘ our Barcats experts shared the importance of meeting before a shift:

‘Pre-shift meetings might not be everyone's favourite activity, but they're essential for a smooth shift ahead. This is the best time to make sure everyone is aligned about the day’s goals while fostering camaraderie as a staff.’

2. Transform your team’s feedback into actionable ideas
Carruthers then continues by sharing that once consensus is reached, they take proactive steps to implement the agreed-upon changes. This could range from adjusting work schedules to introducing new perks or recognition programs. Involving the team in decision-making processes empowers them and creates a more fulfilling work environment. 

‘To create change, indeed, to transform our industry, we must set goals, create strategies and take action, at a local level as much as at a state/regional/national level.’ says Carruthers.

3. Personalised reviews promote growth quicker
Improving your one-on-one staff reviews, or "catch-ups," can play a pivotal role in the career development of your team. Here are three key strategies to make them more productive and supportive:

1. Keep it casual and be approachable: Transform one-on-one staff reviews into informal catch-ups outside the typical office environment to encourage open, candid discussions about career aspirations and goals.
2. Understand and support their dreams: Acknowledge each staff member's dream roles, even if they lie outside your establishment, demonstrating your commitment to their personal growth and development.
3. Provide actionable solutions: Offer tangible support through training, mentorship, and networking opportunities within the hospitality industry to help staff achieve their career goals.

The team at Barcats stresses the importance of this too which is why we organise events like our Job Ready course and Diageo Bar Academy to provide upskilling opportunities. 


Prioritising these key points is a win-win strategy for both your employees and your business. By incorporating these insights into your team's practices, you can create a more motivated, engaged, and resilient workforce that contributes to the overall success of your hospitality business.