It’s Time to Reopen our Facility, but I Don’t Have ANY Team Members? Now, What?

Almost every bowling center in America made the difficult decision to either furlough or lay off all or part of their staff.  Many that were fortunate enough to remain working, did so at a reduced rate.  Now that you are starting to open back up your operations, it is time to take a fresh look at your team and rebuilding your workforce.  Is this your opportunity to start fresh and build that team you want and wished you had, rather than the one you had to settle on?  For some, it might be as simple as bringing everyone back and being satisfied with what you had in the way of staffing, for others it could be that opportunity to start fresh and get that 2nd chance to make a first impression with your guests.

Regardless of your situation there are some items to consider when thinking about rehiring your team….

1. How do I legally rehire my team?

2. Will all of them want to be rehired?

3. Do I even want to rehire everyone? 

4. If I need additional staff, what do I do? 

Let’s take a look at each of these and provide you with some resources as well.  

HOW DO I LEGALLY REHIRE MY TEAM?

When you made the difficult decision to reduce staff, did you furlough employees or lay them off?  The method in which your removed them from payroll plays a part in how you bring them back on payroll from an HR perspective.  Law 360 provides some direction on Rehiring Furloughed and Laid-Off Workers Post-Pandemic which is available in the resource section  of this website.  

WILL ALL OF MY TEAM WANT TO COME BACK?

Given the uncertainty and unprecedented nature of the pandemic, as a business operator we would recommend planning on the worst and hoping for the best.  Some team members may be reluctant to work in a high customer contact job going forward.  Some team members may benefit from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and decide that staying home is more lucrative than returning to work.  Some may have found other work already with other companies that were hiring during the pandemic.  In short, don’t plan on everyone coming back even if you wanted them to.

DO I EVEN WANT TO REHIRE EVERYONE?

First and foremost, you want to be fair and follow all employment rehiring practices mentioned in the Law 360 PDF, but from a philosophical perspective now may be the time to remove your D players.  You know those D players that because you had no one else you held onto them.  Because if you did (fairly and legally) remove them from your team, you would have to fill the shift.  Now is the perfect time to strengthen your team and only bring back your peak performers. 

IF I NEED ADDITIONAL STAFF, WHAT DO I DO?

Understanding that everyone will not return to my team and you make the decision not to bring some back, you are going to need additional team members to round out the staff.  Recruiting was a challenge prior to COVID-19 and we believe it will be post COVID-19 so to assist you we have provided some resources for members.  The Bowling University Talent Acquisition Boot Camp presentation  has been edited for your review and provided under the resource tab.  Bowling University has also provided print, digital and video assets for your use in recruiting future team members.

You have the once in a lifetime opportunity to start over and define your centers Vision, Mission and Culture.  Remember your business’s Culture is defined by design or default.  The choice is yours!  The Bowling University Team is here to help.  If you have any staffing questions you can reach us at education@bpaa.com