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How to Handle Stress and Stay Motivated as a Service Crew Member

Career | 08 Jul 2024

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For most of us, being in the service crew industry is a stepping stone to gaining experience. You might be one of the self-supporting students who need extra cash to afford college. Most of us start somewhere, and you won't believe that a lot of famous people started out as a service crew.We have Coco Martin, Jericho Rosales, Marvin Agustin, Piolo Pascual, Martin Nievera, Richard Gomez, and even Jeff Bezos! Yes, the founder of Amazon himself once worked as a McDonald's cook. They all became famous and successful. But not all of us have Piolo and Richard Gomez's good looks or the powerful voice of Martin Nievera. (Maybe I do when I sing in the shower, lol.) So, most of us have to work our way to the top of the ladder.

The key to succeeding in this industry is how you do it right. Working as a service crew member in the fast-food industry can be rewarding and challenging. Balancing customer service, maintaining efficiency, and staying motivated amid the hustle and bustle can be tough. But don't worry—I’m here to share some tips on handling stress and keeping your motivation high while working in the fast-food industry in the Philippines. Here's how:

1. Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!

Effective time management is essential in a service crew career. With so many tasks to juggle, it's crucial to prioritize and stay organized. I remember a friend who worked the late-night shift. She was juggling school, work, and social life. One night, she was so overwhelmed she almost gave a customer a mop instead of their meal! After that, she started using a checklist and even set reminders on her phone. It made her shifts run smoother, and she even had time to breathe. Moral of the story? Don’t serve mops for dinner!

Tips:

  • Create a Checklist: Start your shift by listing your tasks. This helps you stay focused and ensures you don't forget anything important. Think of it like your grocery list but for work—don’t let anything slip through the “cracks”!

  • Set Priorities: Focus on tasks that have the most significant impact on your shift, such as customer orders and cleanliness. Prioritize like a burger stack—keep the essentials on top!

  • Use Technology: Many fast-food chains are now implementing fast-food technology to streamline operations. Utilize these tools to make your job easier and more efficient. Be the tech-savvy “fry guy”!

2. Customer Service with a Smile (and a Side of Fries)

Customer satisfaction is the heart of the fast-food industry. Developing excellent customer service tips can help you manage stress and create a positive work environment. My buddy Carlo had a customer who was upset because his burger had pickles. Carlo stayed calm, apologized, and quickly made a new burger without pickles. The customer left happy and even came back the next day. Carlo's secret? Treat every customer like a friend, and always keep your cool. Plus, now he’s known as the "Pickle Whisperer”!

Tips:

  • Stay Positive: A positive attitude can make even the busiest days more manageable. Smile and greet customers warmly—serve those smiles like they’re extra-large fries!

  • Listen Actively: Pay attention to customers' needs and respond promptly. This helps build rapport and reduces misunderstandings. Be the “ears” to their needs!

  • Handle Complaints Gracefully: Stay calm and polite when addressing complaints. Your ability to handle difficult situations gracefully can turn a negative experience into a positive one. Turn those frowns upside down, like flipping a burger!

3. Climbing the Fast-Food Ladder

Thinking about your future can keep you motivated. Set goals for career advancement for fast-food service crew members. My friend Miguel started as a service crew member, but he always aimed higher. He took every training opportunity and learned from his managers. Fast forward a couple of years, he's now an assistant manager, and he swears by setting personal goals and grabbing every chance to learn. He jokes that one day he’ll be the "Big Cheese" of the company.

Tips:

  • Seek Training Opportunities: Participate in service crew training programs offered by your employer. This can enhance your skills and make you eligible for promotions. Keep learning and become the “Master of Fries”!

  • Learn from Supervisors: Observe and learn from your supervisors. Their experience and insights can guide your career path. Be a “manager sponge” and soak up all the knowledge!

  • Set Personal Goals: Whether it's becoming a shift supervisor or moving into management, setting clear goals can keep you motivated and focused. Aim high, like a perfectly flipped pancake!

4. Self-Care: Your Secret Sauce

Taking care of yourself is crucial to managing stress. Ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance to stay motivated and energized. I had a friend, Nina, who used to skip her breaks and was always tired. One day, she almost dozed off while taking an order! After that, she made sure to take her breaks and drink lots of water. Her energy levels improved, and she even had more patience with customers. Now, she jokes that she’s a “Hydration Queen” with the stamina of a superhero.

Tips:

  • Take Breaks: Use your breaks to relax and recharge. A few minutes of downtime can make a big difference in your energy levels. Think of breaks as the “ketchup” to your “fries”—absolutely necessary!

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your shift to stay refreshed and focused. Hydrate to dominate!

  • Get Enough Sleep: Adequate rest is essential for staying alert and productive at work. Don’t be a “sleepy burger”—get your rest!

5. Sustainability: Lettuce, Reuse, Recycle!

Incorporating sustainability practices in fast-food chains can be a source of motivation and pride in your work. When our store started a recycling program, my co-worker Jake took it to heart. He even created a friendly competition to see who could reduce waste the most. It made work more fun, and we felt good about positively impacting it. Now, Jake is known as the "Eco-Warrior" of the fast-food world.

Tips:

  • Reduce Waste: Be mindful of waste management practices. Properly dispose of waste and recycle whenever possible. Be the “green” in your team!

  • Energy Efficiency: Turn off equipment when not in use and encourage your team to do the same. This not only saves energy but also reduces operational costs. Save energy, save the planet—one switch at a time!

  • Promote Eco-Friendly Practices: Encourage the use of eco-friendly packaging and utensils. Small changes can have a big impact on the environment. Go green, and be the “eco-hero” of your workplace!

Conclusion

Handling stress and staying motivated as a service crew member in the fast-food industry in the Philippines requires effective time management, strong customer service skills, a focus on career advancement, self-care, and implementing sustainability practices. By integrating these strategies, you can thrive in your role and enjoy a fulfilling service crew career.

And speaking of looking for a new job, feel free to check out the Jobyoda app. It's a great way for you to search for jobs available around your area. Filter through the benefits you want and need for your next job, whether you're interested in BPO jobs or aiming for your dream job. Jobyoda has got you covered, ensuring a better work environment and career growth.

Stay awesome, my friends, and keep rocking your service crew journey!

 


 

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References:
Jeff Bezos Was Once a McDonald's Cook. Here's How It Made Him a Better Entrepreneur
Success Stories: Eight Stars who used to be Food Servers