Rising Tides Live!
Rising Tides Live - What Restaurant Employees Want in 2026
Episode Summary
n this episode of Rising Tides Live, Shawn Walchef is joined by Jordan Boesch, CEO of 7shifts, to discuss what restaurant employees want from their jobs in 2026.
Episode Notes
n this episode of Rising Tides Live, Shawn Walchef is joined by Jordan Boesch, CEO of 7shifts, to discuss what restaurant employees want from their jobs in 2026. Drawing from 7shifts' latest employee report, the conversation explores why understaffing remains the industry's biggest challenge, what motivates restaurant teams beyond pay, and how operators can build stronger cultures through better leadership, recognition, and listening. Hospitality leaders from the Rising Tides community also join the conversation to share their own experiences and practical ideas for improving the employee experience.
- Understaffing Is the Biggest Source of Stress: Restaurant employees ranked understaffing above rude customers, difficult managers, and other workplace challenges. When teams are stretched too thin, stress rises and the guest experience suffers.
- Culture and Recognition Matter as Much as Pay: Low pay remains a major reason employees leave, but difficult managers, strong coworker relationships, and feeling appreciated can be just as important. Building a workplace where people feel supported and recognized can make a major difference in retention.
- Listen Before Deciding What People Need: Free meals and discounts are common benefits, but employees may value paid time off, schedule flexibility, or other support more. Jordan emphasized that leaders should ask people what matters to them instead of assuming one solution works for everyone.
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