Mixing Business and Pleasure

This doesn’t just apply to new restaurants, but if you are new to the restaurant world, beware of inter-workplace relationships.  As a manager, you will come across more than one occasion of relationships gone wrong.

Indifference is Impossible

Restaurant workers spend a lot of time together.  Shifts are long, and usually require a significant amount of teamwork.  After relying on each other and interacting with each other for so many hours each week, coworkers will either become friends, lovers or enemies.   It’s virtually impossible for people to not feel anything toward someone they spend so much time with.  This is especially true for servers and bartenders, whose main source of income is tips made based on service given.  If a specific coworker affects how much money is in their pocket at the end of the night, good or bad, it’s hard for them to stay indifferent to that person.  It’s both a blessing and a curse; people are more willing to go out of their way to help a coworker they have personal ties with, but the last thing you want is service to suffer in the middle of a busy Friday night because your two head servers aren’t speaking to one another.

Managing the Situation

 While it’s ridiculous to think you can prevent things from getting too personal, it’s not unreasonable to take steps to minimize the negative consequences of your employees’ relationships.  The first thing to do is be aware of what’s going on.  I don’t recommend spending a lot of time gossiping with/about your employees, but don’t turn a blind eye to a budding romance or a very noticeable tension that’s occurring between two or more of your staff members.  If you are concerned, set up time to meet with each of the individuals involved.  You can’t tell people what to do with their personal time, but let them know if their outside relationships affect the workplace in a negative way, you have the right to step in.  Start scheduling the employees on different shifts, or in sections/positions in the restaurant that are less interactive (and let them know why!).  The sooner you respond to the situation, the less likely it will get out of control.  Just remember to be up front with everyone involved.  People will almost always assume the worst and go on the defensive, if they think you are out to get them or someone they are close with.