It takes a certain kind of person serve in the food industry, and we mean that in the best way possible. Whether they’re working at a high-end restaurant, a bar, or a local diner, servers have to interact with and cater to people all day every day. The job can be completely exhausting, so a server’s work ethic has to be impeccable. They meet people on their best days and their worst days, and even nice customers occasionally take their frustrations out on restaurant employees. To make things harder, the worst customers express their anger by slashing servers’ tips.
Through it all, though, servers gain invaluable skill sets that can be used in all aspects of life. They communicate clearly, handle conflict professionally, and do so much more. If you’re not already convinced, here are 15 reasons why servers are some of the best and hardest workers you’ll ever meet.
1. They know that teamwork makes the dream work.
And that’s not easy for other people to realize.
Whether they work in a cafe or a fancy restaurant, the servers in every department collaborate together as a team. In fact, great servers know it’s not just about them; the overall success of the team always comes first. If there are any miscommunications, the employees might end up with an unhappy customer. And that’s certainly not fun for anyone.
2. They thrive under pressure.
Two words: happy hour.
Bars and restaurants can get crowded, and the customers can get a little wild, which certainly makes sense with all of those drink and appetizer specials! Consequently, servers have to deal with swarms of people coming in at once. There’s a ton of pressure to make sure every guest is served quickly and efficiently. With practice, servers almost singlehandedly keep their cool and make customers happy. They barely break a sweat.
3. They also know how to go with the flow.
And that’s absolutely necessary sometimes.
In the service industry, something could go wrong at any moment. All servers can do is just go with it. They may encounter a weird and inconvenient policy about uniforms. They might even need to adapt to last-minute menu changes. Whatever it is, servers are used to switching gears and taking things as they come. Can you do the same?
4. They’re quick on their feet when it comes to solving problems.
Customers might not even notice the initial mistake.
Let’s say there’s a bit of an issue in the kitchen, and someone’s food comes out a little burnt, looking less than appetizing. To combat that and various other mistakes, many servers problem solve rapidly. Perhaps they apologize for the wait and offer a popular appetizer for free. Maybe they knock down the price of the diner’s meal. Servers are accustomed to being creative and finding solutions on the spot in unexpected situations.
5. They know how to multitask and manage their time.
In fact, they do it way better than some CEOs or business owners.
Can you imagine how challenging it is to refill condiments or fully stock a bathroom before anything ever runs out? Servers are always on top of it. No matter what it is. Some of them might make physical to-do lists, while others keep running tabs of tasks in their heads. By doing this, these dedicated employees stay organized. And they know how to make the most out of their shifts.
6. They can also have a laserlike focus.
Usually, nothing prevents a server from getting the job done.
Restaurant employees are constantly surrounded by other people and time-consuming activities. That means there are a whole bunch of distractions that can get in the way while on the job. They mastered the art of maintaining friendly customer service and maintaining focus, however. It’s like staying on task is second nature. But, in truth, they just pay attention like nobody’s business.
7. They know how to tough it out.
When things get challenging, restaurant employees don’t quit (not usually anyway).
If you work as a server, your shifts can be long and physically demanding. And your feet, knees, and back can take a true beating. Plus, servers run food from table to table, constantly staying on the move. But they know how to power through it, keeping up a high level of energy to cater to customers.
8. They’re personable.
Good servers bring their A-game.
And they do so with friendly smiles all while taking care of multiple tables. In fact, most of a server’s income comes from tips. So it’s imperative for them to get the job done, be polite, entertain a little, and have fun with it. Not only do the customers enjoy the friendly conversation, but good social skills can also help the shifts go faster.
9. Servers are good with money.
And they have to be because customers can be very particular.
Servers deal with money on a daily basis, and there are a lot of mental calculations going on between running food orders and checks to each table. Consequently, servers can calculate tips, determine tax, and split bills. They don’t even need to use an iPhone calculator. Imagine that!
10. Their communication skills are on point.
Plus, they can juggle multiple conversations.
People who work in the service industry are great communicators. They have to actively listen to guests, co-workers, and managers. And responding respectfully is a must. Unfortunately, not every customer responds politely. But servers take that in stride, too!
11. Servers know how to handle confrontation.
We all know those situations can get intense.
And speaking of communicating, most servers are beyond skilled at handling confrontations in the workplace. They let the customer be right, even when it’s not hard. And in the face of confrontation, many servers keep their heads up, smile, and diffuse the situation as much as possible. We all know that some restaurant-goers don’t make that an easy task.
12. They rarely forget details.
And, somehow, they remember everyone’s order.
Does it ever feel like your server swoops in at just the right times to refill your drink? Now, that’s attention to detail. Good servers always keep their eyes on their tables, making sure that the customer’s needs are met. Sometimes servers work before customers even say a word. That goes for food orders too; servers usually remember food allergy and food preferences.
13. They’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves.
And those sleeves get rolled up all the time.
Servers are not strangers to hard work. They tend to live and breathe the “no job is too small” mentality. It’s not uncommon to see a good server chip in whenever they can. They might help out co-workers with busy tables or run dirty dishes to the kitchen. There’s no such thing as doing the bare minimum. So servers tend to do the most (but in a good way).
14. They treat others the way they want to be treated.
Even though they’re not always treated in kind.
From working in the food industry, servers learn how to be better customers. In turn, they treat their servers the way they want to be treated. Call it the circle of life. Servers know how stressful the job can be, so there’s a mutual understanding and an unspoken bond. Did an order get mixed up? Most servers-turned-customers let it go because people make mistakes. Is there going to be a bit of a wait getting their latte? That’s okay; they recognize the long line.
15. They’re balanced.
And we mean that in more ways than one.
Servers are great at balancing all those plates on their arms, but they also learn how to manage work-life balance. And most of the time, servers know to leave their work at work. Even though the job can be stressful, they don’t take it home.
