Some of the biggest challenges to training and certification tracking in the restaurant industry are a lack of time and a lack of the proper tools. On top of that, many restaurants face a high turnover rate due to their hectic pace. Restaurant training software can boost your ability to train employees efficiently, obtain the necessary certifications in your state, and stay in compliance with regulatory checks. With employee development tools integrated into the software, it can also help with your turnover problem.
The Importance of Training and Certification
Every state has some basic certification requirements for restaurant employees. Workers need to attend mandatory training and receive certification to be employed in the food service industry, as a matter of public safety. Failure to abide by these rules can result in regulatory fines or even a shutdown of your business.
Most employees are required to take a food safety certification to receive their Food Handler Card. If your restaurant serves alcohol, servers will need to go through Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training. In some states, restaurant managers are required to receive their Food Protection Manager Certification.
Overview of HCM Benefits for Restaurants
Human Capital Management (HCM) software can help you automate many of the functions related to your restaurant workers. Food safety certifications need to be renewed every 2 to 3 years in most states, for example. An HCM system can set reminders so that no one misses a deadline and disrupts operations.
Training can often be conducted through an online platform at the employee's convenience. They only have to take the in-person test to renew their certification, rather than spending time in a classroom.
HCM systems can also be integrated with key HR services like payroll and time tracking. This can help you reduce employee overtime and manage costs.
Features of Effective Restaurant Training Software
Training and certification tracking are much easier with the help of restaurant training software. Automated reminders can be set up for managers and employees when their certification is up for renewal.
Digital record-keeping in an HCM system means you can go paperless. Training materials can be accessed by employees from any computer or mobile device at their convenience. Every restaurant is unique, so an HCM system should be customizable to meet your specific needs in the industry.
Managing New Employees
In addition to food safety training and certifications, the best HCM systems allow you to also set up training videos for new hires. This is a chance to introduce new employees to your company culture and work processes. You can establish a training package that helps get new hires up to speed more quickly, reducing time-to-competency.
Enhancing Record-Keeping with HCM Tools
Restaurants are typically inspected once a year, so long as they are in compliance with their state's regulatory requirements. Inspectors are allowed to ask to see every employee's Food Handler Card, work schedule, and other information.
If you're using a paper system, this can be cumbersome (to put it mildly). Rather than digging up every employee's paperwork out of a file cabinet, an HCM allows you to have all the necessary information in one convenient digital location. Everything is easily accessible, and you'll have the inspector in and out in no time.
Choosing the Right Software for Your Restaurant
Here are some factors to consider when selecting training and certification software:
- Is the system user-friendly for non-technical employees?
- Is it scalable to handle fluctuating staff levels throughout the year?
- Can it handle time tracking, benefits, payroll, and other core functions?
- Is the system mobile-friendly and accessible to employees?
- Will the system integrate with other business software?
- Does the software have a robust customer support service?
- Is the system customizable to meet your restaurant's specific needs?
Conclusion
Selecting the right restaurant training and compliance software can help reduce the time spent on employee training and onboarding, so you can focus on delivering a great dining experience for your customers. Moving to a digital system makes training, certification tracking, and compliance much easier.
Transform your restaurant's employee management with our cutting-edge HCM tools. Contact Workforce PayHub to learn more and get started today!
