News for the Hospitality Executive |
Appreciation and Recognition are the "Special Order of the Day"
by Dr.
John
Hogan, CHE CHA CMHS
May 20, 2011 In my 5/19/11 blog,
we at www.HospitalityEducators.com offered a gentle reminder on the New Requirements For
Claiming Tip Credit in the USA , via the category of Tipped Employees
Under the
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Under a U.S.
Department of Labor rule, which went into effect May 5, 2011,
employers
must comply with specific procedures if they seek to claim a tip credit
for
wages paid to employees who receive tips in addition to a cash wage. The government FAQ sheet was reprinted there
with details and of course, the DOL web site has all of the information. The obvious follow-up column and/or blog
would have been
to share a personal story on a recent experience involving waitresses
and
waiters, but I found an even better approach that was directly to the
point. This day recognizes the value and importance of a good service professionals, the waiters and waitresses who serve our guests. When one dines out , they often represent the restaurant, club, hotel, spa or other hospitality business as the main human contact with the guest. How they treat those guests are often the difference between a great experience or a bad online review. I am going to suggest that as many
professionals as
possible do something to recognize the efforts of these front line
associates
on this May 21. In addition to the
traditional service staff in food and beverage outlets, we should also
take
note of the other people who are part of the front line as well. These include banquet staff, assistant
servers or bus staff, cashiers and hosts. Hotels
that do not have full service restaurants might
also consider
showing some appreciation for the normally exceptional people who serve
complimentary breakfast in the lobby or other designated area. The US (and likely other countries as
well) law will
continue to evolve in how service staff are compensated, but this day
could be
a time to demonstrate your appreciation to your waiters and waitresses
on National Waiters and Waitresses Day by a
“designated act of kindness and value .”
As consumers, if we eat out on May 21, say
something nice
to your server and see if they aren't a bit surprised. (A little
something
extra in the gratuity would also be welcome, I am sure.)
Don't forget the special values being
offered to industry professionals available on annual membership at www.HospitalityEducators.com. Feel free to share an idea for a column at [email protected] anytime or contact me regarding consulting, customized workshops, speaking engagements … And remember – we all need a regular dose of common sense. John Hogan is a successful hospitality executive, educator, author and consultant and is a frequent keynote speaker and seminar leader at many hospitality industry events. He is Co-Founder of a consortium (www.HospitalityEducators.com) of successful corporate and academic professionals delivering focused and affordable counsel in solving specific challenges facing hospitality today. www.HospitalityEducators.com is a membership site offering a wide range of information, forms, best practices and ideas designed to help individual hoteliers and hospitality businesses improve their market penetration, deliver service excellence and increase their profitability. Individuals wishing to contribute materials may send them [email protected]. Special pricing is in effect for a limited time that also includes a complimentary copy of LESSONS FROM THE FIELD- A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO EFFECTIVE HOTEL SALES. |
Contact: Dr. John Hogan, CHA MHS CHE |