David Ulrich Associates Executive Search

Restaurant General Managers (GMs) often change jobs for higher salaries and career advancement. In today’s market, GMs who move between employers tend to earn significantly more than those who stay in the same position for years. Many leave not just for better pay but for opportunities to step into higher leadership roles that may not be available at their current workplace. To address this trend, some employers are taking proactive measures to retain their top talent. Companies are introducing more frequent salary increases, providing flexible work schedules, and even offering equity packages to make staying more attractive. These strategies aim to create long-term incentives and career growth opportunities that encourage GMs to commit to one employer rather than seek opportunities elsewhere. With the competition for skilled leadership intensifying, businesses have to choose how they will adapt. Should restaurants focus on internal career development, or is job-hopping simply the new reality? What do you think?

This is especially true in the restaurant and hospitality industry, where workers are in high-pressure environments, work long hours, and experience demanding customer interactions. Finding meaning in these roles can lead to greater job satisfaction, lower turnover, and a stronger connection to service. Here are three impactful ways to create a more meaningful work experience: 1. Connect Work to a Larger Mission 2. Foster Relationships and Psychological Safety 3. Prioritize Learning and Growth By combining curiosity with organizational support, work becomes a place for growth, connection, and purpose. And, in the restaurant and hospitality industry, where each role directly impacts the guest experience, employees who see their contributions as meaningful are more engaged, motivated, and committed to delivering excellence. When leaders and employees find their work meaningful, they unlock deeper engagement and create environments where they thrive!

Adaptability: A Key Factor Career Growth and Fulfillment In an ever-evolving workplace, one skill stands out as a major driver of career success—adaptability. Research consistently shows that professionals who embrace change, cultivate resilience, and proactively develop new skills experience higher career satisfaction, stronger leadership potential, and greater long-term success. In the restaurant industry, adaptability is especially important. Constantly shifting customer expectations, cultural trends, and technological advancements make our industry highly dynamic. The ability to learn and adapt provides a significant advantage at every career stage. Adaptability also means recognizing and leveraging your strengths. We often work with individuals who have excellent soft skills but struggle to showcase their abilities in ways that translate to resume marketability. That’s why we prioritize understanding people and their goals—helping them align their skills with opportunities that drive success.

Key Strategies for Hiring & Retaining Gen Z in QSR Restaurants - Streamline Applications - Emphasize Purpose & Growth - Highlight Flexibility - Foster Respect & Inclusion - Invest in Your Team Gen Z is looking for quick application times, updated operating procedures, and fulfilling work. As the generation that grew up with the internet, they are used to quick turn around and want to feel proud of where they work. This extends beyond the four walls of the workplace, too, and includes charitable initiatives from corporate and overall values of the company. They make up nearly half of food industry workers, and are the future of the workforce, so knowing how to adapt to their needs is crucial to stay ahead.

High GM Turnover Is Costing Restaurants More Than You Think! Losing General Managers isn’t just an HR issue—it’s a profit drain. Here’s how: $16,770 average cost per GM replacement 28% higher hourly staff turnover in unstable locations 5-7% lower traffic growth in high-turnover restaurants 65% of GMs feel disengaged, worsening retention What Can We Do About It? Competitive pay: Adjust salaries to reflect inflation and offer performance-based incentives. Leadership training: Invest in mentorship programs and ongoing professional development. Internal promotions: Create clear career pathways to retain top talent and build strong leadership pipelines. Better work-life balance: Reduce burnout by optimizing scheduling and workload distribution. Stronger company culture: Foster engagement through recognition programs and team-building initiatives. Unit-level talent is vital to our industry, and this is clear at both cultural and financial levels. Great GMs make great companies! Finding the right people for the right place is the best way to set your business up for success, but retaining that talent is just as important.

We’re excited to share our current featured leadership searches. Contact us to explore these exceptional opportunities! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dPZ6ayzV

At David Ulrich & Associates, we believe exceptional people drive exceptional results. That’s why we focus on human capital strategies that empower organizations to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape. 💼 What We Bring to the Table: • Proven Expertise: From creating ‘Best Place to Work’ cultures to scaling HR operations for top-performing franchises, we deliver measurable outcomes. • Seamless M&A Oversight: We specialize in managing the human side of mergers and acquisitions, ensuring smooth transitions and maximum ROI. • Innovative Solutions: Whether it’s implementing global leadership programs or cutting-edge HCM systems, we help organizations unlock their potential. Our team has partnered with industry giants like KFC, Papa John’s, and Taco Bell franchisees to build scalable, high-performing cultures that align talent with strategy. 💡 Curious about how we can help your organization succeed? Let’s connect and explore the possibilities! Visit us at davidulrichassociates.com to learn more. #HumanCapital #LeadershipDevelopment #TalentManagement #OrganizationalSuccess #HRStrategies #MergersAndAcquisitions

At LEAP, we specialize in crafting strategic HR solutions that drive organizational success. From building high-performing teams to navigating mergers and acquisitions, we’re here to help you achieve your goals and create a thriving workplace culture. Let’s take your organization to the next level—together!

As we step into the new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible partnerships and milestones we achieved together in 2024. This year, we are more committed than ever to driving human capital success and delivering world-class talent solutions that fuel growth and innovation!

Happy Holidays! Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous New Year.