The hospo industry has been amongst the many industries hit hardest in the past 2 years, with shut downs and restarts on repeat. Now though it seems many establishments are facing a new situation - staff shortages!

A few factors are affecting this, and it has turned into a very competitive environment.

Which begs the question “How do you entice

employees to join your team over the competition?”

Here are a few key factors which may help to be the “clincher” for a prospective employee.

Value added contract

As a small club, you may not be able to offer the perks larger clubs can, especially those with on-site health facilities, including fully-equipped gyms. You can however consider teaming up with other local business and could offer employees discount coupons to use with local gym or spa facilities.

Not only will you be injecting money back into your local economy, you’ll also be helping out other small businesses in the area. And your employees will likely appreciate saving a few extra bucks (and they'll stay healthy too!).

Scope for growth

Most employees aren’t looking for jobs where they’ll do the same thing for the next 30 years. They’re looking for positions that offer opportunities for advancement.

What will the position you’re offering promise a new employee? The chance to develop new skills? Will it be a stepping stone to a position with more responsibilities? Will there be pay increases after certain period(s) of time on the job? Whatever it is, be sure to get the future possibilities on the table when you’re in the recruitment process.

Employee incentive program

Employee incentive programs not only reward good employee performance, they also give prospective employees something to look forward to if they come to work for you.

Whether it’s an annual company-paid retreat or a program where employees collect points that they can trade in for cash, employee incentive programs can increase your chances of attracting the

people you want to hire.

Sweeten the pot

When competition for employees is fierce, a plain old signing bonus may be what’s needed to recruit the high-quality employee you want and keep them from joining the competition.

If you choose to do this, keep two important things in mind. The signing bonus has to be large enough to matter and the signing bonus has to be contingent upon a certain length of employment. Otherwise, you’ll be running a revolving door as people sign up, take the money and run.

Work perks

Recent research shows 24% of Australians believe employee benefits play a significant role in deciding where they work. One of the challenges facing small or medium business is attracting great talent and holding onto them. “Extensive research shows happy, engaged employees will not only stay longer, but they will perform better and your business will soar,” says Alex Hattingh, the chief people officer of Employment Hero.



Work perks play an important role for many Australian candidates. “Perks help you attract top talent and to retain and engage your employees,” says Hattingh.

Widen the scope of your advertising

It’s not enough to place an ad in your local newspaper anymore. Your chances of attracting the employees you want will be much better if you broaden your advertising.

For example, place ads on job websites and college/university campus boards. Advertise in other towns or cities. Go onto social media and advertise on Facebook (FB), Insta and Twitter. Just last month one of our clients engaged us to create a "Paid Push" Ads campaign through FB for some key chef positions. They had tried unsuccessfully through other mediums - after less than a week they had filled the position.

Don’t forget to get your current team members involved in the employee recruitment hunt. For example, you can offer signing bonuses to those who successfully refer a new employee.