Restaurant workers quit in large numbers

The Great Resignation hits the restaurant industry, workers are now quitting in droves. Meanwhile, employers are going above and beyond to lure the workers back to their jobs. In a way, The Great Resignation is upgrading the benefits and perks offered by the restaurant industry. 

Restaurant owners are offering shorter workweeks, life insurance, mental health services, college tuition and even opening more paths for career advancement. Many have even given out free Spotify subscriptions, nursing stations for lactating employees, signing bonuses and free food for anyone who fills out a form. Even though there has been a high turnover in the industry, restaurants have been affected by some of the highest numbers of workers quitting. Zulma Lowery, a chef says that workers are stepping away from the industry for good reason. She says that the pandemic really exposed how precarious hospitality work is. 

With the coronavirus pandemic sweeping through the country, restaurant owners have been in a frenzy to find workers and retain the existing ones. This has left the workers with long, busy shifts, unpredictable shift schedules and diminished tips. Lowery says, "Culture in the industry has changed, is still changing, and I think it’s not getting any better." 

Source: The Washington Post