How to hire hourly employees better than Uber and DoorDash

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft have been coming up with innovative ways to recruit hourly workers. Even DoorDash, an online food ordering company, has dedicated a significant amount of their resources to getting the quality hourly workers they need. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more job openings than ever before, particularly those that are paid hourly. Given the saturated market, there’s no denying the increased competition among companies in the hunt for hourly employees. Moreover, the hourly workforce is inclined to work in the gig economy. Why? It’s simple–due to the allure of referral bonuses, a flexible work structure and better compensation. As a result, building up a strong team for your business can be a pretty arduous task.  

But don’t stress. Although these companies are turning to monetary incentives to attract their gig workers, there are still other ways for you to attract quality hourly workers to support your restaurant. Here are four strategies to help you hire better in this competitive job market!

1. Cultivate a good team culture

Though money is the main motivator for hourly employees, it’s not the sole driver. They also value a good working culture, even if they’re not a part of your permanent staff. It’s very easy for people working gig jobs—like a Lyft, DoorDash or Uber driver—to feel isolated and not part of a team. The limited interaction with people can chip away at a gig worker’s sense of belonging. 

So, here’s your opportunity to differentiate and stand out. Invest and cultivate a strong culture that is welcoming and teamwork-focused so that it will motivate workers to join your organization. Create a work environment your team members absolutely love so they spread the word.

2. Provide good training 

Contrary to popular belief, hourly workers do care about employee development programs. The importance of good training can never be over-emphasized. Training sessions can range from service training to managerial workshops that can help your team members improve their performance and fuel their career growth.

Good training helps increase employee retention, improve your employees’ skills, and ultimately, improve the customer experience. It can also be a compelling perk to attract candidates to join your team. Many hourly workers may not have had the chance to receive higher education or vocational training. Most, however, are hardworking and diligent individuals who want to improve their lives and advance their careers. They’ll value the opportunity to work for a company that provides training for their career progression. After all, who wouldn't want to be given the chance to learn new skills? 

3. Provide insurance and healthcare coverage

Companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash do not consider their hourly workers permanent employees. Instead, they view their drives as independent contractors, despite pushback from existing gig workers. So, it comes as no surprise that these companies don’t provide insurance or healthcare coverage for their independent contractors, even though the job poses certain risks to their safety.

Without the right healthcare and insurance, it can be very challenging for gig workers to prioritize their health and well-being should they or their family members fall sick. Take this opportunity to get an upper hand. By offering your employees the appropriate healthcare coverage, you increase your chances of drawing in more and higher-quality candidates.

4. Set the right goals and reward structure

Another way for you to keep your hourly employees—and attract new ones—is by establishing meaningful goals that are paired with a well-structured rewards program. Clearly defined goals and rewards improve employee motivation, giving your team an extra boost to work harder and possibly stay with you longer. 

One way you can do this is by setting up an "Employee of the Month" award program where the recipient receives a reward—like a cash bonus or even physical prizes like books or vouchers. To provide more recognition, consider displaying a photo of the star employee on the wall. 

Hire hourly employees effectively

Despite their deep pockets, companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash are still having a tough time trying to recruit the best talent. They’re in the same boat as you in that regard. That’s why competition is so fierce—and why you need to understand how you can position yourself as the better career option for job seekers.

And, if you’re looking for ways to streamline your hiring workflow, look no further. Workstream helps you with your end-to-end recruitment process for hourly workers so you can hire better quality candidates in less time. Book a demo with us now to find out how we can best meet your hiring needs.