Restaurant Job Posting Perks: Key Findings
- 80% of employees prefer more benefits over a pay raise.
- 89% want retirement perks, but only 61% of employers offer them.
- Gen Z values mental health, flexible hours and extended leave.
- Perks like pay, flexibility and growth drive restaurant job choices
This guide explores effective strategies for highlighting restaurant job posting perks, helping you stand out from the competition and attract top candidates to your business.
How Restaurant Job Posting Perks Help You Stand Out
Job seekers in the restaurant industry often have multiple options. In today’s competitive labor market, especially post-pandemic, candidates are more likely to choose employers who offer more than just the basics.
Highlighting perks in your restaurant job postings shows that you value your team — and it matters: 80% of employees would choose additional benefits over a pay raise, according to Harvard Business Review.
Perks also set the tone for your workplace culture.
Whether it’s flexible scheduling, career development or unique extras like free meals or team outings, these benefits communicate a clear message: your restaurant invests in its people.
Tailoring Restaurant Job Posting Perks to Your Target Audience
Before diving into how to highlight perks in restaurant job postings, it’s crucial to understand the type of employees you’re trying to attract. For example:
- Entry-level positions: Entry-level roles are often filled by Gen Z workers. Research shows this group prioritizes mental health and well-being support, flexible hours and extended leave options. Be sure to include benefits of this nature in your job posting.
- Mid-level positions: Employees like Line Cooks and Bartenders might prioritize skills training, career advancement opportunities and a supportive work environment. Highlighting leadership training programs or mentorship opportunities can appeal to those seeking growth within your organization.
- Management positions: Restaurant Managers and Chefs often look for competitive salaries, health benefits and bonuses tied to performance. Including details about profit-sharing opportunities or long-term incentives can further appeal to candidates seeking stability and growth.
Types of Restaurant Job Posting Perks That Attract Candidates
Job seekers value both traditional benefits and unique offerings that reflect a supportive and rewarding work environment. Below are categories of perks to consider highlighting in your restaurant job posting:
Financial perks
Financial perks can set your restaurant apart by showing candidates you value their hard work and offer competitive rewards. Offering clear and attractive financial incentives demonstrates that you're invested in their success and long-term stability.
Competitive pay, bonuses, shared tips, and retirement plans all contribute to a stronger employer brand. And they matter — 89% of employees say retirement benefits are important, yet only 61% of employers offer them, highlighting a key opportunity to stand out.
Whether it’s above-average wages, signing bonuses, or 401(k) options, financial perks show you're serious about supporting your team.
Schedule and flexibility
Flexibility in scheduling is a top priority for many restaurant workers and can make your job posting more appealing. Highlighting flexible scheduling options shows that you understand the demands of your employees' personal lives and are willing to accommodate them.
- Flexible hours: Mention if employees can trade shifts or have input into their schedules.
- Part-time or full-time options: Specify if these options are available and what benefits accompany each.
- Guaranteed time off: Promote any policies that ensure work-life balance, such as guaranteed weekends off, paid time off or vacation time.
- Work-life balance: Emphasize opportunities for employees to manage their responsibilities and enjoy personal time.
Health and wellness benefits
Highlighting health and wellness benefits demonstrates your commitment to your employees’ overall well-being. These perks signal to candidates that you care about their physical and mental health, ensuring they can thrive both on and off the job.
- Health insurance: Highlight if you offer health, dental or vision insurance.
- Paid sick leave: Mention any policies for paid sick days or mental health days.
- Gym memberships or wellness stipends: Include perks like discounted gym memberships or wellness reimbursements.
- Mental health support: Share initiatives such as employee assistance programs (EAPs) or access to counseling services.
Food and beverage perks
Food and beverage perks can be a significant draw for restaurant workers. Offering these benefits not only saves employees money but also helps them feel more connected to the food and culture of your establishment.
- Free meals: Specify if employees get free meals during shifts or discounts on menu items.
- Family meal discounts: Highlight any discounts for employees’ family members.
- Exposure to unique ingredients: Mention opportunities to work with high-quality or unique ingredients, especially for culinary staff.
Professional development opportunities
Professional development perks show that your restaurant is invested in the long-term growth of its employees. These opportunities attract ambitious candidates looking to advance their careers and develop new skills.
- Training programs: Emphasize onboarding programs, customer service training or culinary techniques.
- Career advancement: Highlight clear career paths within your restaurant, such as opportunities to move into management roles.
- Mentorship opportunities: Mention if team members have access to guidance from seasoned professionals.
- Industry conferences and workshops: Note if you support attendance at events or competitions.
- Cross-training: Include opportunities for employees to learn new skills by working in different roles.
Team and culture
Creating a strong team culture fosters a sense of belonging and community among employees. Emphasizing your restaurant’s team-building efforts and supportive environment helps attract candidates who value collaboration and camaraderie.
- Team-building activities: Mention regular team outings, holiday parties or other bonding events.
- Recognition programs: Highlight any "Employee of the Month" initiatives or reward systems.
- Supportive environment: Emphasize your commitment to maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Unique workplace benefits
Unique workplace benefits set your restaurant apart from competitors and make your job posting memorable. These distinctive perks showcase your creativity and commitment to going the extra mile for employees.
- Transportation stipends: Highlight commuting benefits such as free parking or transit reimbursements.
- Flexible uniform policies: Mention if employees can personalize their uniforms or receive a stipend for them.
- Childcare assistance: Include support for employees managing family responsibilities.
- Pet insurance: If you offer unconventional benefits like pet insurance, make sure to mention it.
- Workplace perks: Highlight features like a music-friendly kitchen, a family-like team dynamic or a scenic location.
Best Strategies for Showcasing Restaurant Job Posting Perks
Crafting job postings that effectively highlight perks ensures they resonate with candidates and make your restaurant stand out as an employer of choice. Here are key strategies:
Use engaging language
Engaging language helps your job posting connect with candidates on a personal level. Instead of presenting perks as mere bullet points, frame them in a way that excites and entices job seekers.
For example:
- Instead of: "We offer free meals."
- Write: "Enjoy a delicious free meal every shift — on us!" This approach makes perks feel more tangible and desirable.
Be specific
Details matter when showcasing perks. Avoid vague phrases like "competitive pay" or "great benefits." Instead, provide specifics to help candidates understand the exact value you’re offering.
Example 1:
"We offer $2 above the industry average for all roles."
Example 2:
"Earn tips shared evenly among team members." Specifics make your perks more compelling and build trust with potential employees.
Prioritize the most attractive perks
Lead with the perks that will catch your ideal candidates' attention the most. For instance, if you’re hiring Line Cooks, emphasize opportunities to work with unique ingredients or receive mentorship from seasoned Chefs. Tailoring the order of perks to the role ensures your posting appeals directly to the candidate's priorities.
Use bulleted lists
Job seekers often skim postings to quickly identify key information. Formatting perks as bulleted lists makes them easier to read and highlights their importance.
For example:
- Free meals every shift
- Paid sick leave and mental health support
- Flexible scheduling that fits your life
Ways To Promote Restaurant Job Posting Perks Across Multiple Channels
Your job posting is just one piece of the puzzle. Promoting perks across various platforms ensures a broader reach and reinforces your employer brand.
Highlight perks on your website
Your careers page should serve as a central hub for showcasing perks. Include detailed descriptions and testimonials from employees who benefit from them.
For example:
"I love the free meals and flexible hours — they make balancing work and school so much easier!" – Current Server
Real-life testimonials make your perks more relatable and credible.
Use social media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn are excellent for showcasing perks in action. Share behind-the-scenes photos and videos of team outings, employee recognition events or staff enjoying free meals. This visual content helps potential candidates imagine themselves as part of your team.
Incorporate visuals
Enhance your job postings with visuals that illustrate your perks.
For instance:
- A photo of your team celebrating at a holiday party
- A video of a Chef mentoring a Line Cook
Visual content is more engaging than text alone and leaves a lasting impression.
Encourage word-of-mouth
Your current employees can be powerful ambassadors for your restaurant. Encourage them to share their positive experiences — both in person and on social media.
For example:
"Tag us in a post about your favorite team outing!" This spreads the word about your perks and strengthens your employer brand.
By crafting engaging job postings and promoting perks across multiple channels, you can attract top talent and position your restaurant as a great place to work.
Restaurant Job Posting Perks: Final Thoughts
Highlighting perks in your restaurant job postings is key to standing out in today’s competitive labor market.
Tailor benefits to your target audience, focusing on flexible hours and inclusive policies for entry-level roles, as well as competitive pay and growth opportunities for management positions.
Use specific, engaging language to make perks more appealing, and promote them across multiple channels, including your website and social media.
By showcasing your commitment to employee well-being and creating a positive workplace culture, you’ll attract top talent and build a loyal and motivated team.
Written by Rea Gierran
With a background in Communication Arts, Rea's expertise lies in content marketing and copywriting. Her published works can be seen on online news websites such as Rappler and Adobo magazine. Outside of her work, Rea takes on the role of a “momager” for Shiro, a TikTok dogfluencer.
Reviewed by Stefan Petrov
With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, Stefan has worked in the automotive, IT, health and hospitality industries. Familiar with Google Search Console and other SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, Stefan uses his experience to create content that's visually appealing to the user but also ranks in the SERPs.
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