Hiring seasonal staff for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) can be both challenging and an opportunity. As peak seasons approach, the need for extra hands becomes apparent, but ensuring these temporary team members align with your FEC's values and standards is crucial.
In this article, we'll explore 8 best practices tailored for FEC owners, considering the unique dynamics and demands of the industry.
Hiring and Training Seasonal Staff: 8 Best Practices for FECs
Planning & Preparing for Seasonal Staff
First, let’s explore some effective ways to plan and prepare to hire the right seasonal staff members for your FEC. Remember, planning is key as it will ensure that you hire the right staff.
1. Start Early and Be Proactive:
- Begin your hiring process well in advance of peak seasons to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Utilize various platforms for recruitment, including local job boards, social media, and university career centers.
- Consider reaching out to previous seasonal staff members who performed well and might be interested in returning.
2. Define Clear Expectations:
- Clearly outline job responsibilities, expectations, and the duration of employment during the interview process.
- Emphasize the importance of customer service and maintaining a positive attitude, as frontline staff play a significant role in shaping the guest experience.
3. Prioritize Attitude and Personality:
- Look for candidates who exhibit enthusiasm, friendliness, and a willingness to learn.
- While skills can be taught, a positive attitude and strong work ethic are often innate qualities that contribute to a cohesive team environment.
4. Offer Comprehensive Training:
- Develop a structured training program that covers both operational procedures and customer service protocols.
- Provide hands-on training sessions and opportunities for staff to shadow experienced team members before working independently.
Training & Motivating Seasonal Staff
Once you’ve snagged the right hire, it’s important to remember that the hiring process is not quite complete! Ensuring that your new team member feels excited and motivated to take care of your customers is important too!
5. Empower and Motivate:
- Foster a supportive work culture where seasonal staff feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas.
- Recognize and reward exceptional performance through incentives, such as employee of the month programs or bonuses tied to guest satisfaction scores.
6. Communicate Openly:
- Maintain open lines of communication with seasonal staff members, addressing any concerns or questions they may have promptly.
- Encourage feedback and suggestions for improvement, as frontline employees often provide valuable insights into operational efficiencies and guest preferences.
7. Promote Cross-Training:
- Cross-train seasonal staff members in various roles within the FEC to enhance flexibility and adaptability during peak periods.
- This not only ensures smooth operations but also provides employees with opportunities for personal growth and skill development.
8. Focus on Safety and Compliance:
- Prioritize safety training to prevent accidents and injuries, particularly in high-traffic areas such as rides or attractions.
- Ensure seasonal staff members are aware of and adhere to all relevant regulations and procedures, including those related to food handling and emergency protocols.
Conclusion
Hiring and training seasonal staff for FECs requires careful planning, effective communication, and a commitment to fostering a positive work environment. By implementing these best practices, FEC owners can not only meet the demands of peak seasons but also enhance the overall guest experience and drive long-term success for their businesses.
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