Building Your Dream Team: A Guide to Effective FEC Staffing

As an owner of a Family Entertainment Center, you understand the importance of having a dedicated and skilled team to deliver exceptional experiences to your guests. From operating attractions to providing top-notch customer service, your staff plays a crucial role in shaping the success of your FEC.

In this article, we'll explore strategies and best practices for FEC staffing to build your dream team and ensure that your FEC operates smoothly and exceeds guest expectations.

Building Your Dream Team: A Guide to Effective FEC Staffing

1. Define Your Team Structure

Before you start hiring, it's essential to define the structure of your team. 

If you’re a new FEC, start by determining the roles and responsibilities needed to operate your FEC efficiently, including attraction operators, front desk staff, event coordinators, maintenance crew, and management positions. 

If you’re an existing FEC, chances are you have some or most of the roles mentioned above. And that’s great! Rather than starting from scratch, continue to build on your existing dream team. Consider the following:

• What personality traits are missing from my current team that I would like to see in a future hire?
• From a resource perspective, what does my business really need that isn’t getting done (or done well) right now?
• Can I consolidate or merge any current or future roles?

Having a clear understanding of your staffing needs will guide your hiring process.

2. Recruitment Strategies

Next, it’s time to get to hiring. You’ll want to utilize multiple channels. Cast a wide net by posting job openings on various platforms, including job boards, social media, industry forums, and local community groups.

Some additional ideas:

• Employee Referral Program: Encourage your current staff to refer potential candidates by offering incentives or bonuses for successful hires.
• Attend Job Fairs: Participate in local job fairs or career events to connect with potential candidates in your area.
• Build Relationships with Schools: Forge partnerships with schools and colleges to tap into student talent for seasonal or part-time positions.

3. Screening and Selection Process

When it comes to FEC staffing, don’t forget the old saying: hire slowly, fire quickly. It will prevent a lot of heartache (and wallet-ache!) down the road.

Really take the time to review resumes carefully and thoroughly. For entry-level staff, you’ll likely be hiring high-school or college students. In these situations, it’s important to look for a positive attitude and coachability. For management-level staff, look for relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and accolades.

Additional steps and considerations:

• Conduct Structured Interviews: Develop a set of standardized interview questions to assess candidates consistently and fairly.
• Assess Cultural Fit: Look for candidates who align with your FEC's values, culture, and commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences.
• Practical Assessments: Consider conducting practical assessments or simulations to evaluate candidates' abilities to perform specific tasks or handle guest interactions.

4. Onboarding and Training

Once you’ve made it through the hiring portion of FEC staffing, it’s time to get to work! There are three main areas of focus:

• Develop a Comprehensive Onboarding Program: Create a structured onboarding program that introduces new hires to your FEC's culture, policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Hands-On Training: Provide hands-on training sessions to familiarize new hires with their roles and responsibilities, including operating attractions, handling cash transactions, and resolving guest issues.
• Ongoing Development: Encourage continuous learning and development through regular training sessions, workshops, and opportunities for advancement within your FEC.

5. Foster a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment promotes open communication, positive thinking, trust, and teamwork. Employees in these environments are more likely to collaborate, share ideas, and work together harmoniously, leading to a more cohesive and productive team.

Promote open communication where staff feels comfortable sharing feedback, ideas, and concerns. This starts at the top with you and your management team but should be encouraged across all levels. 

Another way to promote a positive work environment is to recognize and reward performance. Acknowledge and reward exceptional performance through employee recognition programs, incentives, and opportunities for advancement.

Lastly, cultivate team spirit by fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among your staff. Team-building activities, outings, and social events are a great way to accomplish this!

Conclusion

Building your dream team is a continuous process that requires careful planning, effective recruitment strategies, and ongoing investment in training and development. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can assemble a talented and motivated team that delivers memorable experiences and drives the success of your FEC. Together, you can create a welcoming and exciting environment where guests of all ages can make lasting memories and keep coming back for more.