​Minimum wage hikes motivate operators to demand more from tech

California’s new $20-an-hour wage threshold generated a lot of talk at the recent National Restaurant Association Show – largely because it is expected to become an expense that restaurants in many other states will have to manage before too long. This change brings new urgency to labor management, along with the need for restaurants to determine what tools, culture changes or other approaches can ensure they are using staff as efficiently as possible. Operators are asking more from their technology as a result, like how it can help save on labor costs in addition to raising check totals. But there are significant cultural benefits too: Technology can (and should) offer simplicity. That is something more Gen Z employees demand from their employers, along with workplaces that offer employees a sense of purpose and a healthy culture. Using technology to minimize the most repetitive, tedious tasks frees up time for operators to develop workplaces that can invest some additional hours in staff, provide roles with greater purpose, and ideally, retain the right employees for longer stretches. Looking at your tech stack – or at the potential tools you’re considering – how can you ensure you’re taking full advantage of all of the benefits they offer when it comes to retaining staff and enhancing your culture?