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