Why a Great Orientation Can help with Retention in Your Cafe Business!

Creating a great orientation for a new employee at a cafe is crucial to set them up for success and integrate them into the team smoothly. Here are five essential components to include in the orientation:

1. Cafe Overview and Culture: Start by introducing the new employee to the cafe’s history, mission, values, and overall culture. This provides context and helps them understand the cafe’s identity and goals. Explain the cafe’s unique selling points, customer service standards, and the role it plays in the local community.
2. Job Role and Responsibilities: Clearly outline the new employee’s specific job role and responsibilities. Discuss tasks they will be performing, such as taking orders, preparing beverages, operating the cash register, cleaning duties, and interacting with customers. Provide a comprehensive understanding of their role’s importance in maintaining the cafe’s operations and customer satisfaction.
3. Training and Shadowing: Explain the training process and schedule. Arrange for the new employee to shadow experienced staff members in different roles. This hands-on experience helps them learn through observation and practice, enabling them to understand the workflow, customer interactions, and the cafe’s operational procedures.
4. Health and Safety Protocols: Safety is paramount in a cafe environment. Cover essential health and safety protocols, including proper food handling, hygiene practices, emergency procedures, and equipment usage guidelines. Highlight the importance of maintaining a clean and organized workspace to ensure both employee and customer safety.
5. Team Introduction and Communication: Introduce the new employee to their colleagues and managers. Fostering a sense of belonging and team camaraderie from the start is important. Explain how communication within the team works, including how to ask questions, report issues, and collaborate effectively. Encourage open dialogue and make the new employee feel comfortable seeking guidance from their coworkers.

Bonus: Customer Service Excellence: Emphasize the cafe’s commitment to excellent customer service. Provide tips and techniques for creating positive customer interactions, handling complaints, and going the extra mile to ensure a pleasant experience for each customer.

Remember that a well-designed orientation should be engaging, interactive, and adaptable to the new employee’s learning style. Incorporate visuals, hands-on activities, and opportunities for the employee to ask questions and clarify doubts. Regular check-ins during the first few weeks can also help ensure the new employee is adjusting well and receiving the support they need.  This can also help with retention and great first impressions!

Are you overwhelmed and don’t have the time to create great systems, procedures and onboarding standards?  Let our experts help! Learn more about our services and how we can assist you in achieving your goals by visiting our Services page: Services – Pinnacle Hospitality Consulting.