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2020 has been a whirlwind year for most companies. Most have been forced to change their business model to fit into the new normal brought upon them by the COVID-19 pandemic. The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, in particular, had to modify its business strategy to meet the changing needs of the public. Dine-in arrangements, for one, have been kept to a minimum as customers prefer having their meals at home. As a result, QSR staff are required to focus more on contactless services such as fulfilling orders through deliveries, drive-thru or curbside pick-up.
With all these changes taking place, how then will the workplace trends in the hourly space differ from the previous years? Read on as we uncover some of the top trends you can find in the hourly workspace in 2021!
Staying Relevant
As a QSR owner, you would want to stay abreast with the current trends in the industry as this will help you attract quality candidates for the job positions you are hiring for. Moreover, you do not want to appear outdated to prospective workers as this may affect your company’s image of being a progressive organization.
Hourly job-seekers prefer their hiring process to be as simple as possible and streamlining it will probably make them more appreciative of the company they are applying for. At Workstream, we help you automate your backend hiring processes and reduce your time-to-hire by up to 70%. Our streamlined hiring workflow also makes it easy for applicants to apply for job positions in your company, creating a pleasant experience during their hiring process.
As the industry transforms due to the pandemic, it is needless to say that trends and needs in the hourly workspace will also change quite a fair bit. Amidst the new trends that have emerged, there are a few others that have been present for quite some time and are here to stay. Here are some of the top trends you can follow to remain relevant despite the changing circumstances!
Top 7 Hourly Workplace Trends in 2021
1. Remote Hiring
As part of the ‘new normal’, hiring practices have changed over the past year as safe distancing measures are put into place. Among others, virtual interviews are becoming more commonly utilized by companies. Instead of inviting a candidate over to the company site for job interviews, sessions are held online through video call applications such as Zoom or Skype. Additionally, mobile training and onboarding are also introduced to new hires in order to minimize contact with their peers before starting their job. This allows them to be equipped with the necessary skills for the job before their first day of work even without physically going to their company for training.
At Workstream, we send automated texts to your new hires which contain relevant documents necessary for their onboarding (e.g. policy documents, I-9, W-4 and more). Alerts will also be sent to ensure that the paperwork is complete. We also send handbooks, checklists and training videos through a text message before your employees start their first day of work. Again, SMS reminders are automatically sent to ensure that they complete their mobile training.
2. Health and Safety Prioritization
In light of COVID-19, employees are expecting their employees to take extra measures in keeping their workplace clean and sanitized. One of the factors affecting a job seeker’s decision in accepting a position is the safety of the work environment. Just like McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza, you can also increase the frequency of your hygiene practices and take extra precautionary steps to protect your staff and customers alike.
Aside from that, employees are also demanding more from their employers in terms of providing support for their mental health needs. Undoubtedly, the pandemic has resulted in higher stress levels among the staff as they may feel anxious working outside the safety of their homes. Thus, consider partnering with wellness technology companies as it might just help improve the productivity of your employees.
3. Automation and Upskilling
Despite the backlash surrounding the elimination of jobs due to automation processes, it is no question that technology is here to stay. In fact, the pandemic may have well accelerated the digital transformation of the industry. While this means that QSRs can provide a faster and more efficient service, companies will also have to provide additional training for current and future employees. This is so that they are able to transition smoothly to the use of these new technologies. The training can also be presented as a form of career growth opportunity, helping you attract more candidates to apply for a position in your company.
4. Flexible Working Hours
While this is not something new, we predict that hourly workers are still prioritizing this above everything else. According to research, 26% of jobs were rejected due to the working hours offered as compared to just 10% which was attributed to the salary package received. This trend is expected given that a large proportion of hourly workers comprise students who are juggling both their jobs and school schedules. Thus, consider allowing a little bit of flexibility when it comes to the job rosters of your hourly workers.
5. Push for Higher Minimum Wage
The fight for minimum wage has been going on for quite some time as seen from the McDonald’s employees’ protest. And with the stresses that come from the pandemic, we are convinced that the “Fight for $15” movement will go on until the desired outcome is achieved. Moreover, newly-elected president, Joe Biden, has also revealed plans to pass a $15 per hour minimum wage as part of their relief package, though it is uncertain when the higher wage will take into effect. Nevertheless, an increase in hourly wages may be put into action sooner than we think.
6. Increased Value of Hourly Workers
In addition to the probable increase of minimum wage, more employers are providing their hourly workers with benefits such as bonuses and paid sick leave. This is becoming more common as companies are regarding the hourly workforce as essential. After the pandemic hit, hourly workers represent 43% of all essential workers in the US. Thus, you can expect hourly workers to be treated like full-time employees when it comes to the value they can add to your organization.
7. Diversity
Diversity is an aspect that companies have been striving towards in recent years. With more movements acknowledging the biases faced by marginalized groups, millennial job seekers will likely be more attracted to a diverse organization. Furthermore, having a diverse workforce not only bolsters your company image and boosts employee satisfaction but also brings different perspectives into your organization. In turn, you are able to understand your customers better and provide them with a more satisfactory experience.
The pandemic has sparked off many new normals in the industry. To keep your restaurant afloat, keep up to date with the current workplace trends so that you are aware of what today’s workforce requires from employers like you. Consider following the trends above to attract the quality candidate you need for your business.
If you are looking for ways to streamline your hiring process, look no further. With Workstream, we help you automate your hiring workflow so that you can focus on selecting the right candidate for your company. Book a demo with us today to find out how we can best meet your hiring needs!
