Pizza Today_February 23 - 53

is exploring and identifying the areas in
which change can be made within the
workplace.
First and foremost, it is imperative
that equity be a pillar of all
policies. Regardless of a person's
background, the playing field of life has
not been equal to all. Owners need to
be certain that when an employee walks
through their doors they feel comfortable
in knowing that those
societal inequities have been left
behind. Restaurant owners often use
terms such as " team " and " family " to
refer to their staff. This is the opportunity
to put your money where your
mouth is and prove just that. Owners
expect the staff to care about their restaurant.
Show them that it is a two-way
street and that you care about them too.
When it comes to diversity let's
remember that our customers come
from a wide variety of races, genders,
ages and ethnicity. Wisdom would
dictate that if our staff has that same
diverse makeup then our customers will
have a much more welcome feel when
patronizing us.
Diversity is also a wonderful
opportunity for growth among the staff.
Diversity is a way to promote open
dialogue with the intention of educating
one another. Nobody is expected to
know what it is like to live in the shoes
of everyone else on the planet. You are
an owner because you've always done
things your way in your business. Now
learn to listen for a change. Take the
time to get to know each other. Ask
questions. Learn from someone's firsthand
perspective as to what some of the
challenges are that they see in society.
Barriers between each other will be
broken down once the communication
is there. This will not only help you to
grow and strengthen your DEI policy,
but it will help form a caring bond of
communication between employer and
employee. Building such bonds and
continually educating yourself will help
you to set clear policy goals.
Put yourself in the position of others.
Sometimes an employee who may not
be " like " you might feel that you are not
open to giving them direction, education
or opportunity. Be the example
by which others will learn. Prove by
your actions that you do not let any
unconscious biases dictate the direction
of staff in your restaurant. Your staff
will see how you act on a daily basis.
Use this opportunity to showcase your
devotion to a great DEI practice.
Inclusivity is a key attribute to
strong and successful leadership.
Any individual policy enacted must be
rooted in the belief that the biases seen
in society do not walk in the doors of
your workplace. Jobs and tasks need to
be given equal weight amongst qualified
staff. Every employee must feel
that they are included as part of your
" family " or " team " . The idea that certain
jobs or tasks are only for certain people
should never enter your restaurant. This
does not mean that the 16-year-old
inexperienced dishwasher should be
considered for a General Manager
position. It does, however, mean that
a certain employee can not only be
considered for a prep cook position and
nothing else. We have all seen examples
of this in the past and it is our responsibility
to our industry to make sure
that we lead the way in exemplifying
inclusivity in all aspects of our business.
Everyone will have their own individual
policies, but the example set by
an owner or operator is priceless. By
leading the way, you will be able to pave
the road for others to follow your direction
of DEI.
Forming your own DEI policies
based off these principles will give
employees the opportunity to see how
they fit into the discussion of DEI in
your restaurant.
Today's labor market can be challenging,
to say the least. Attracting and
retaining employees is more difficult
now than it has ever been. This is where
a great DEI practice in your restaurant
can pay huge dividends. Make sure your
current and potential future employees
see you as a beacon of good. Your
reputation as an owner and employer is
what will define you. Good news travels
fast and prospective employees will
know of your stellar reputation if you
develop and enact a strong DEI policy
and environment. When this results
in a broader labor pool for you to hire
from you will be thankful. Not only
that, but you will help continue to keep
our beloved industry as the example for
which others can learn.
MICHAEL ANDROW owns E & D Pizza
Company in Avon, Connecticut.
FEBRUARY 2023 / PIZZATODAY.COM / 53
http://www.PIZZATODAY.COM
Pizza Today_February 23

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pizza Today_February 23
