The Top Franchise Brands Nailing Employee Satisfaction

Throughout the past two-and-a-half years of the COVID-19 pandemic, labor concerns have remained at top-of-mind for nearly all companies, particularly those in the restaurant sector of the franchise industry. Now, with terms like “The Great Resignation” becoming commonplace, wage rates climbing every month and the national unemployment rate below pre-pandemic levels, franchisors are increasingly recognizing the importance of employee management — creating a workplace that not only attracts high-performing talent but also keeps them around for the long haul.

This week, QSR Magazine released its list of the Best Brands to Work For in 2022, polling brands and outside industry experts to outline the concepts with the best employee benefits, career opportunities and initiatives.

Many of this year’s winners were franchise concepts, including Raising Cane’s, Culver’s, Chick-fil-A, Blaze Pizza and Dog Haus. The list also includes TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR), a franchise operator that owns several Applebee’s, Olga’s Kitchen, Olga’s Fresh Grille, Wendy’s, MOD Pizza and Del Taco locations.

Considering studies show that it can cost up to 200% of a worker's annual salary to replace an employee in a restaurant, and the turnover rate in the industry is at a whopping 75%, franchisors and franchisees may benefit from looking into some of the ways other brands are keeping workers happy.