Running Restaurants · 2026-08-06 · 29 min
We welcome back Jordan Boesch, CEO of 7Shifts, to discuss their 2026 report "What Restaurant Employees Want". Key findings reveal that understaffing remains the top employee stressor, great coworkers matter more than pay, and offered benefits often mismatch what employees actually value. Jordan emphasizes the power of manager recognition and strong team culture in driving retention. The conversation also touches on AI in restaurant operations, stressing the importance of solving real problems rather than adopting technology for its own sake. Key highlights Included... - Overview of the 2026 report "What Restaurant Employees Want" by 7Shifts. - Key factors affecting restaurant employee satisfaction, including staffing and team dynamics. - Importance of offering relevant benefits that align with employee preferences. - The role of manager recognition in boosting employee morale and retention. - Discussion on the impact of understaffing as a major stressor for employees. - Insights on how positive workplace culture can enhance employee engagement. - Exploration of the use of AI in restaurant operations and product development.
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