Shorten their walk and time spent going to and from the point of sale terminal. This is the key to making the wait staff more productive. They are not with customers and they are getting tired when they have to walk a long way and spend a lot of time entering data at the point of sale terminal.

Customers love wait staff that are attentive to them. That makes for a great customer service experience. Productivity of wait staff is built up over time by retaining them and valuing this customer service experience for the customer. Wait staff that do not have to walk as far during a shift will be much happier and if they are allowed to maximize time with customers, they will get bigger tips. Bigger tips and less tired equals work at this restaurant longer. Loyal wait staff are more productive.

One example way to help is handheld devices for wait staff that are the point of sale terminal and their way of recording what is ordered. Also, if not using handhelds, relocate the point of sale terminals so that they are closer to the table sections being served. Finally, provide up to date information for the wait staff regarding menu items so they do not take an order on anything that is not able to be delivered by the kitchen.

So, if you are a restaurant manager, investigate the various ways to shorten the wait staff's time spent doing point of sale activities and maximize their time with customers delivering a valuable experience.

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