The servers at Villa St. Benedict are encouraged to push their hospitality skills further through friendly competitions in all areas of food service. Servers in IL who go above and beyond their job duties such as putting away dishes or helping other servers during service with walkers or pre bussing, are awarded a sticker in the basketball themed "Bulls vs. Cavaliers" game. At the end of each month, the team with the most stickers is awarded with ice cream of their choice and the individual winners win a meal off the menu of their choice.
The servers in AL work together and receive stickers in the owl themed "Who Gives a Hoot" game for removing all walkers, steps of service, helping each other run food, a perfect check out, and perfect uniforms. The server with the most stickers gets their photo posted on the resident bulletin board and receives a $15 gift card of their choice.
A "server of the month" is elected by the management team based on accumulation of stickers, picking up shifts, willingness to learn new things, flexibility, steps of services, and upselling. The server of the month receives a $15.00 gift card and is recognized for the entire month on a display board in the dining room, featuring their picture and short biography. The residents and staff love learning more about each other and really appreciate when the employee's hard work is recognized.
We have seen such a big improvement in customer service, sales, teamwork, and motivation among the staff since we started these incentives in July.
Katie Kunkel, MS, RDN, LDN | Director of Culinary Services | Morrison Community Living | Villa St. Benedict