Empowered Hospitality

With the election impending, political tensions are running hot. What should you do if politics start trickling into your team's conversations, or causing tension with your customers? How can you protect your workplace from political divisiveness? Here are some rules of thumb to help create healthy boundaries: 1. Determine your stance on politics in the workplace. Not all workplaces are alike. Clarify whether political discussions are part of your culture or if neutrality is preferred. 2. Establish clear guidelines. Communicate what is/is not acceptable. A solid set of guidelines will consider: ☑ Legal protections: Free speech and anti-discrimination requirements ☑ Company culture: Guiding principles for how teammates interact with one another, and specific behaviors you prohibit ☑ Guest relations: The type of guest experience you want to deliver ☑ Forms of political engagement: May include speech, attire, and actions ☑ Enforcement: Consistent consequences for violations 3. Ensure understanding. Don’t just write the policy—communicate it clearly. Use pre-shift meetings and staff communication tools to ensure all team members understand your expectations and have the opportunity to ask questions. 4. Make sure your guidelines are respected. Address violations quickly, consistently, and with empathy. Encourage dialogue but be firm when enforcing standards. Whether you need help developing your guidelines or addressing a particular issue, our team is here to help! Reach out to us at info@empoweredhospitality.com. #politicsintheworkplace #election2024 #workplaceculture

The most popular technology tool at the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago was mostly invisible: data. From robotic arms to POS systems and back-of-house analytics tools, data powers and supports these innovations. In 2024 and beyond, data—whether collected by machine learning or AI—has proven to be the universal currency of restaurant technology. Operators are recognizing the importance of data collection and optimization in making operational decisions, from employee scheduling and inventory management to marketing insights. This was evident at the Restaurant Show, where nearly every tech pavilion booth highlighted the data their software (and sometimes hardware) provides. #RestaurantTech #DataDriven #AI #MachineLearning #NRA2024 #InnovationInDining #OperationalEfficiency

Empowered Hospitality's Founder, Sarah Diehl, had an enlightening discussion with Carolyn D. Richmond, Chair of the Hospitality Practice at Fox-Rothschild, in a webinar titled "HR & Law: Demystifying Workplace Obstacles." They explored two critical #HR issues: boosting employee retention and navigating wage and hour legislation. These topics are regularly addressed with our Empowered Hospitality clients, so we wanted to share these valuable insights with all of you. We hope you find them helpful! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g3cDuEBE #HRandlaw #employeeretention #hospitalityindustry

Summer isn't over yet, and this Labor Day long weekend is the perfect time to indulge in some delightful desserts! These emerging restaurant brands are elevating sweets to a whole new level. We’re curious—which one excites you the most? 🍪 Chip City Cookies 🍩 Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream 🍪 Dirty Dough - Stuffed Cookies 🍩 Federal Donuts 🍧 Flying Dolly's 🍦Graeter's Ice Cream 🍦Handels' Homemade Ice Cream #DessertLovers #SweetIndulgence #RestaurantTrends

Empowered Hospitality's Founder, Sarah Diehl, SHRM-SCP, recently sat down with Alex Mann for the LANDED Women in Leadership podcast series. In this episode, they explore the critical aspects of employee experience, recruitment, and retention. Sarah shares effective strategies for building a thriving workplace culture, the importance of structured hiring processes, and actionable steps to enhance employee engagement. She provides insights on navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and highlights the pivotal role of listening to employees to create an environment where both the business and its people can thrive. Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eR-rbYRM. #womeninleadership #workplaceculture #employeeengagement #talentacquisition

Congratulations to Melissa ("Mel") Kokai for being the first-ever recipient of our Empowered Hospitality Service Award! Mel exemplifies our core value of Service through her exceptional work with both clients and our internal team. She has a unique talent for building meaningful relationships with clients, no matter their size or scope. Her friendly, positive energy and deep #HRexpertise make her a standout client partner. Beyond her client-facing role, Mel has played a pivotal part in our internal development. As a team trainer, head of the Culture Committee, and a leading figure in our HR practice over the past 5 years, she has significantly shaped our growth and culture. We couldn't think of anyone more deserving to set the standard for this award. Congratulations, Mel, and thank you for all that you do! #serviceexcellence #HRleadership Melissa Kokai, SHRM-CP

Looking for a spot to "catch a breeze" while dining in Upstate New York? There are dozens of waterfront restaurants along the Hudson Valley and throughout the region, from Albany to Buffalo. Whether you prefer high-end steakhouses, seafood restaurants, or lively beachfront party spots, you'll find unique places to dine by the water. Check out this gallery showcasing eleven great waterfront restaurants to seek out. Read More: These Upstate NY Waterfront Restaurants Are Tasty And Very Cool! | https://lnkd.in/edfEtjuq #UpstateNY #WaterfrontDining #HudsonValley #AlbanyToBuffalo #RestaurantGuide

Exciting news! Our very own Rebecca Gladstone has been selected to the Junior Board of Emma's Torch, an incredible nonprofit organization that also happens to be one of our valued clients. Emma's Torch empowers refugees through culinary education, providing them with the skills and support they need to build a brighter future. We are so proud of Rebecca for her commitment to making a difference and contributing to this meaningful cause. Join us in congratulating Rebecca on this well-deserved honor! Empowered Hospitality #communityimpact #HRleadership

The nation’s capital is becoming a powerhouse in the restaurant world. Regardless of the political party in power, Washingtonians need to eat — and these days, the D.C. food scene is thriving. Over the years, the city's dining options have transformed dramatically, welcoming a host of new restaurants from local talent and celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay. While classic steakhouses and power lunch spots remain popular, you can also discover food halls, tasting menus, and international cuisine. It helps to have a lobbyist-level budget, but there are plenty of affordable gems as well. So, while you're visiting the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and monuments, here's what to consider when planning your dining itinerary in Washington, DC -> https://lnkd.in/ek-tzACR #WashingtonDC #DiningOut #CelebrityChefs #ExploreDC

Inspired by the valuable training sessions conducted during Disability Pride Month and insights from an Ologies podcast episode (link in the comments below), Empowered Hospitality Consultant Allysun Redmond has created a 5-course menu for creating an inclusive restaurant: 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 🍽️ Install adjustable height tables to accommodate guests using wheelchairs and mobility aids. 👩🍳 Ensure workstations are adaptable for various physical needs. 𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 🍽️ Role-play scenarios to practice inclusive customer service. 👩🍳 Conduct team training sessions to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧-𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 🍽️ Create a quick reference guide with preferred terms (e.g., "guest with a visual impairment"). 👩🍳 Incorporate inclusive language into job descriptions and internal communications. 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 🍽️ Set up an accessible feedback system (e.g., QR codes on menus linking to an audio-enabled survey). 👩🍳 Establish regular check-ins to discuss workplace accessibility and inclusion. 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐃𝐀-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 🍽️ Conduct regular audits of your facility and website to meet ADA standards for public accommodations. 👩🍳 Review employment practices to ensure compliance with ADA hiring and accommodation requirements. What's your secret ingredient to ensuring an inclusive restaurant experience for guests and employees? Share your thoughts! #disabilitypridemonth #inclusiveworkplace #accessibility