Industry leaders took to the stage to discuss the major issues of the moment in front of a roomful of operators.
PANEL 3: 4.10PM
Overcoming Staffing Difficulties
Moderated by The Cutting Edge Agency founder Duncan Fraser-Smith, the final panel discussed the issue of how to motivate staff in the nightlife industry.
“The basic salary and benefits offered in the industry are not too bad, but if we start adding tips to their salaries, it will definitely peak their levels of loyalty,” said Theo Braund, general manager, Claw BBQ.
Meanwhile, Nickolas Pazvadis, guest relations manager, Coya Restaurant & Lounge, said it’s not difficult to keep staff motivated. “It’s simple, we have to ensure we keep morale levels high, in and out of the work place. Additionally, Coya strictly follows an independent development programme, which is a practice all operators should implement. Performing staff need to be rewarded with promotions and incentives. That has helped us retain a large number of our employees.”
Motorga Heathcliff, nightlife operation manager, Media One Hotel, agreed with comments by fellow panellists Anish Kuttan, Kempinski Hotel Ajman director of food & beverage, and Nick Fielding, Asia de Cuba Worldwide director of operations, about the challenges of recruitment and retention in the region.
Heathcliff said: “When you recruit from abroad, you have to remember staff will realise Dubai is a completely different market after working here for a couple of months. Operators may not always be able to keep up to the promises they offer, and to add to it, it’s not easy to survive on a waiter’s or bartender’s salary. A combination of these two aspects is a major reason staff leave when higher salary offers come along.”
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