E-Learning in the gastronomy sector: 4 tips for particularly effective team training

E-learning in the gastronomy industry is not a new trend. Nevertheless, not all catering businesses are turning to digital learning. Why? Because there isn't enough time. Because there is a fear of contact with new technologies. Because it is very low on the priority list. But by doing so, you are missing out on some great opportunities. You can find out what these are and how you too can surprisingly easily use e-learning in gastronomy in this article.

Why use e-learning in the gastronomy industry?

Why should you use e-learning in the hospitality industry at all? After all, the job profiles are very “hands-on,” as the English saying goes. But there are good arguments for using digital learning tools. These go far beyond the idea that e-learning would be a “nice gimmick.” They actually have positive and measurable effects on business success:

• cost-effective: Digital forms of learning are many times cheaper than traditional training sessions: no room rental, no catering, no fees for coaches and trainers.
• multilingualism: In the gastronomy industry, it is normal to employ staff from all over the world. German language skills do not always have to be perfect. Nevertheless, employees should still understand how the work is to be done. Thanks to multilingualism tools, digital learning content can be automatically displayed in the preferred learning language.
• quicker training: Temporary staff, seasonal workers, new employees - ideally, everyone should work productively from day 1. Through mobile onboarding apps, you save yourself the organization of expensive training days. Instead, employees train themselves, and from the comfort of their own smartphones.
• little effort: Thanks to pre-made course libraries, you provide employees with access to valuable learning content without having to produce content yourself. Hygiene training, food safety, and occupational safety are just a few of the topics available to your employees.
• new skills: Gaining an edge over the competition is becoming easier with digital learning tools. Cutting techniques for kitchen staff, presentation of dishes, arrangements, table decoration: Short videos with step-by-step instructions spread valuable skills throughout the company without much effort. Thanks to employee content, colleagues can even train each other digitally.

Tips for effective team training

E-learning in the gastronomy industry is easier to implement than you might think. Small steps are enough to create positive learning experiences for your employees.

Identify learning needs

What do you actually want to train? A list will make it easier for you to select suitable tools and formats. Do you have many temporary and seasonal workers? Then focus primarily on basic content. Does your team have deficits when it comes to creating a cozy atmosphere? Then offer content on presentation techniques, decoration, and folding techniques.

Use suitable technologies

E-learning in the gastronomy industry must take into account the daily work routine of the staff. Your employees do not want to sit in front of the computer for hours and plow through content. Instead, use so-called mobile-first solutions that are easy to operate from a smartphone. Step-by-step instructions, such as the correct polishing technique for wine glasses, can even be watched by new employees while they are performing the task and thus learn while doing so.

Microlearning instead of intensive training days

During long training days, employees never retain 100% of the content. The implementation of the content happens asynchronously. That means: First, a lot is learned and then, hopefully, just as much is implemented in practice. This approach is no longer up to date. Modern e-learning in the gastronomy industry, therefore, relies increasingly on microlearning. The content is divided into easy-to-digest “bites” and is designed to be action-oriented. Learning and implementation, therefore, become increasingly synchronous.

Create a positive learning culture

Motivate your employees to continue their education. With a positive learning culture, you ensure that your employees enjoy learning and also “push” each other to become even better.

Conclusion

Creating an unforgettable experience for guests - that is the highest priority of every good restaurateur. Wouldn't that be easier with a motivated and highly competent team that is always up to date? We support you in every step on the way to efficient e-learning for your team.