TGI Friday’s UK spends twice as much on its employees as on advertising, managing director Karen Forrester told the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Spring Conference.
She detailed some of the actions that the company, which has managed to reduce staff turnover from 147% to 35% over four years, takes to train and motivate its staff.
It includes sending 360 employees to Florida for a conference, and re-running Friday’s Legends, which recognises “unsung heroes” by giving them a VIP party at a five-star hotel.
Forrester said that at least twice a year team members are given an ‘all-store’ party paid for by TGI Friday’s.
“Some of these restaurants have 140 team members so covering it can be a bit of a nightmare but we do it because we get the right results,” she said.
“Yes, it does come at a cost but it’s a real investment in my view.
“We spend pretty much double on training, recognising and celebrating with our people than we do on advertising our brand because that’s the right thing to do.
“And that number continues to grow in cash terms. But that return continues to grow dramatically.”
This year TGI Friday’s UK came third in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2013 award.
