Working at a restaurant during the pandemic comes with its’ own set of challenges as people are getting used to slowly reentering public-facing businesses.
Working at a Restaurant During the Pandemic: 6 Do’s and Don’ts
By now, you would have to be living under a rock to not know about the challenges the restaurant and hospitality industry has faced due to the pandemic. Despite the shutdowns and capacity restrictions, January was the best performance for restaurants since the pandemic started early last year.
That said, if you’re working at a restaurant this year, it’s important to understand what the best practices are so you can be safe and successful. Use these do’s and don’ts to help you while you’re on a shift.
Do: Help Educate and Inform
Over the past year, there has been a lot of changes surrounding operating a restaurant during COVID-19. Because of rolling shutdowns, businesses have had to close and then reopen (and then close…and then reopen) their doors while also dealing with capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements. For that reason, some guests may not be aware of or fully understand what the rules are. Make sure you stay up to date on your state’s coronavirus-related restaurant restrictions that way you can help educate and inform guests while working at a restaurant during the pandemic.
Don’t: Lose Your Patience
Some guests may not understand the restrictions or remember exactly what they are. If you’re getting questions or complaints (ex: “why can’t I sit there?”), calmly explain your cities restrictions or escalate the issue to a manager. Don’t lose patience –– if you do, it will only frustrate everyone involved.
Do: Carry PPE With You
Your restaurant may have PPE (personal protective equipment) on hand, but it’s better to have your own with you just in case. Keep a small bag with a few masks, hand sanitizer, tissues, and any other items that will protect your health.
Don’t: Forget to Follow the Mandated Mask Requirements
Wearing your mask is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus, and it’s especially important to wear it while you’re working because of how many people you interact with. It may be tempting to take your mask off while chatting with friends or on your break but following the necessary requirements will set a good example for your coworkers and customers.
Do: Pay Attention to Your Health
The last thing you want to do is go into work if you’re exhibiting signs of being sick. Be sure to listen to your body and communicate with your manager if you aren’t feeling well – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t: Pretend You’re Sick to Get Out of Work
It might be tempting to fake being sick so you can call out of work, but that can hurt the trust you and your manager have and paint you as an unreliable employee. Save the calling out for when you’re actually sick so you don’t become the ‘employee who cried wolf.’
Working at a restaurant during the pandemic can be tough – use these 6 do’s and don’ts to make your shift a bit easier. Looking for a flexible job in the hospitality industry? LGC is committed to connecting hard-working job seekers with great opportunities – get in touch with us today to start your search.
About LGC
Since 2003 LGC has been building connections between businesses with staffing needs and job seekers looking for new opportunities. Our range of solutions include temporary and permanent placements (and everything in between) in a variety of industries. With offices located nationwide, we can tap into a dynamic pool of talented professionals. We have a passion for creating partnerships that last and work hard every day to ensure both clients and candidates reach their employment goals.
