Elite Franchise Magazine (July)

Running a busy franchise network in the summer can be a challenge for various reasons, we offer some top tips in Elite Franchise Magazine (July).

Our consultant Rebecca Newenham, a successful franchisor and mother of 3 girls, knows just what a challenge summer can bring. She is a regular contributor to Elite Franchise, this month she gave some top tips for surviving (and thriving) in the summer months!

Click through to Elite Franchise to read the full article.

Balancing busy trading times with summer holidays is a common challenge for franchise networks, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, and food services. Successfully managing this balance involves careful planning and strategic management in several key areas:

1. Advance Planning and Scheduling

• Staffing Needs Assessment: Forecast staffing requirements based on historical data, anticipated demand, and marketing initiatives. This helps in scheduling the right number of staff during peak times.
• Holiday Planning: Encourage franchisees and staff to schedule their holidays in advance, ensuring there is adequate coverage during busy periods. Use a fair and transparent system to manage holiday requests.

2. Flexible Staffing Solutions

• Temporary and Seasonal Hiring: Consider hiring temporary or seasonal workers to handle increased demand during busy periods or to fill gaps when regular staff are on holiday.
• Cross-Training Employees: Train employees to handle multiple roles. This flexibility allows for better coverage and efficiency, as staff can shift between tasks as needed.

3. Operational Efficiency

• Streamlined Processes: Optimise operational processes to handle increased customer volumes more efficiently. This might include simplifying menu options, streamlining checkout procedures, or optimising inventory management.
• Technology Utilisation: Implement technology solutions like self-service kiosks, online ordering systems, or mobile apps to reduce pressure on staff and improve customer service during busy times.

4. Clear Communication and Coordination

• Internal Communication: Ensure clear communication between franchisors and franchisees about expected busy periods, promotional events, and operational guidelines. Regular updates can help everyone stay informed and prepared.
• Customer Communication: Keep customers informed about peak times, special hours, or holiday schedules through social media, email newsletters, and in-store signage. This can help manage customer expectations and distribute traffic more evenly.

5. Incentives and Motivational Strategies

• Incentive Programs: Implement incentive programs for staff to encourage extra effort during busy periods. This could include bonuses, additional paid time off, or other rewards.
• Well-being and Support: Recognise the extra effort required during peak times and provide support, such as offering flexible work arrangements, additional breaks, or wellness resources.

6. Leverage Data and Analytics

• Demand Forecasting: Use data analytics to predict busy periods and plan accordingly. Analyse past trends and external factors (e.g., local events, weather) that might influence customer behaviour.
• Performance Monitoring: Track performance metrics to identify bottlenecks or issues. Use this data to make real-time adjustments and improve efficiency.

7. Customer Experience Management

• Enhanced Customer Service: During peak periods, focus on maintaining high levels of customer service. This might involve deploying additional customer service staff, implementing queue management systems, or offering special promotions to keep customers engaged.
• Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for collecting customer feedback during busy periods. This can provide insights into potential areas for improvement and help maintain a positive customer experience.

8. Contingency Planning

• Emergency Staffing Plans: Have contingency plans in place for unexpected staff shortages. This could include a list of on-call employees or agreements with temporary staffing agencies.
• Crisis Management: Be prepared for unforeseen events that could disrupt operations, such as supply chain issues or unexpected spikes in demand. Having a crisis management plan ensures quick and effective responses.

By carefully balancing these strategies, a franchise network can successfully navigate the challenges of busy trading times and summer holidays. The key is proactive planning, flexibility, and maintaining a focus on both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.