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New York Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
8 signs that you should leave a restaurant, experts say
Not every restaurant outing offers a five-star experience — and diners don't always need to taste the food to know something is off. From management gaps to social media hype, key signs can tip you off early to a disappointing experience, say restaurant insiders. These red flags suggest a restaurant may be struggling with service, quality, or culture, according to experts. Any of these sound familiar when it comes to a restaurant you know? 1. There's no management presence 'Great managers are visible,' Salar Sheik, a restaurant consultant based in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital. 'They touch tables, support staff, and keep the energy up.' In addition to operational duties like working with vendors and managing inventory, managers should be greeting customers, taking their feedback, and helping out servers as needed, according to Indeed. 'If you can't tell who's in charge, it might be because no one is,' Sheik warned. 7 From management gaps to social media hype, key signs can tip you off early to a disappointing experience, say restaurant insiders. hedgehog94 – 2. It's overloaded with influencers While social media influencers can boost a restaurant's identity and draw people in, experts note they could be getting freebies or special treatment. 'When every post or review is from a hosted experience, I can't trust that,' Candy Hom, an Atlanta-based food critic, tour guide, and chef, told Allrecipes. Their ring lights and food photo shoots can also put a damper on the experiences of other customers. 'If it feels more like a photo shoot than a place to break bread, odds are the experience is built more for the 'gram than the guest,' Sheik said. 7 While social media influencers can boost a restaurant's identity and draw people in, experts note they could be getting freebies or special treatment. Manpeppe – 3. The place is empty A restaurant with low traffic could also have slower food rotation, leading to fewer fresh ingredients, according to insiders. Context matters, Sheik said, but beware of dining rooms that are empty at peak hours. 'Consistently empty restaurants often point to a loss of community trust – whether from poor service, declining quality, or mismanagement,' according to Sheik. 7 A restaurant with low traffic could also have slower food rotation, leading to fewer fresh ingredients, according to insiders. Seventyfour – 4. The staff argues with you The customer might not always be right, but experts say an argumentative staff member could be a sign of poor service standards and a breakdown among the team. 'If they mess something up, they should try to make it up to you,' Hom told Allrecipes. A waiter at a celebrity-owned restaurant once split her table's receipt five ways instead of six – then blamed the fact that he usually serves tables of five, Hom said. 'Even if the food was good, the experience was ruined,' she added. 7 The customer might not always be right, but experts say an argumentative staff member could be a sign of poor service standards and a breakdown among the team. JackF – 5. Employees aren't treated well 'If I hear and read about staffers alleging not-great work environments and management issues over and over again from trusted sources … I take those to heart,' Nadia Chaudhury, an editor at Eater, told Allrecipes. Sheik said there are also signs to watch for while at the restaurant. Start and end your day informed with our newsletters Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters 'If you hear managers talking down to staff in front of guests, if your server seems visibly anxious or afraid to make a mistake, or if there's no energy, no personality, no smiles, it often means the culture is toxic or punitive,' he said. 6. It's dirty Sticky menus and lipstick-stained glasses are bad enough, but Sheik pointed to the restrooms as the real test of cleanliness. 7 'If you hear managers talking down to staff in front of guests, if your server seems visibly anxious or afraid to make a mistake, or if there's no energy, no personality, no smiles, it often means the culture is toxic or punitive,' experts warn. JackF – 'If those aren't clean, I guarantee you the kitchen's not being held to a higher standard,' he said. Cleanliness is one of the most controllable elements of running a restaurant, he added. 'If the team can't manage that, they're likely failing at much more complex things, too.' 7. Servers don't know the menu 'If your server has to guess ingredients or check on every question, it signals poor training and a lack of pride in the product,' Sheik said. 7 'If your server has to guess ingredients or check on every question, it signals poor training and a lack of pride in the product,' Salar Sheik, a restaurant consultant based in Los Angeles, said. David Pereiras – Menu knowledge is key to providing guests with accurate allergen information and enhancing their overall experience, according to Toast, a restaurant management system. 8. You're being upsold aggressively If you're being upsold too much, it can be another sign of trouble. 7 If you're being upsold too much, it can be another sign of trouble, according to experts. estradaanton – Servers should be enlightening guests, not harassing them, experts claim. 'Suggestive selling is part of the job,' Sheik said. 'But when it feels like a script or desperation, it often means the restaurant is struggling to hit numbers and pushing sales at the cost of genuine hospitality.'
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
8 signs that you should leave a restaurant, experts say
Not every restaurant outing offers a five-star experience — and diners don't always need to taste the food to know something is off. From management gaps to social media hype, key signs can tip you off early to a disappointing experience, say restaurant insiders. These red flags suggest a restaurant may be struggling with service, quality or culture, according to experts. Any of these sound familiar when it comes to a restaurant you know? "Great managers are visible," Salar Sheik, a restaurant consultant based in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital. "They touch tables, support staff and keep the energy up." In addition to operational duties like working with vendors and managing inventory, managers should be greeting customers, taking their feedback and helping out servers as needed, according to Indeed. "If you can't tell who's in charge, it might be because no one is," Sheik warned. While social media influencers can boost a restaurant's identity and draw people in, experts note they could be getting freebies or special treatment. "When every post or review is from a hosted experience, I can't trust that," Candy Hom, an Atlanta-based food critic, tour guide and chef, told Allrecipes. Their ring lights and food photo shoots can also put a damper on the experiences of other customers. "If it feels more like a photo shoot than a place to break bread, odds are the experience is built more for the 'gram than the guest," Sheik said. A restaurant with low traffic could also have slower food rotation, leading to fewer fresh ingredients, according to insiders. Context matters, Sheik said, but beware of dining rooms that are empty at peak hours. "Consistently empty restaurants often point to a loss of community trust – whether from poor service, declining quality or mismanagement," according to Sheik. The customer might not always be right, but experts say an argumentative staff member could be a sign of poor service standards and a breakdown among the team. "If they mess something up, they should try to make it up to you," Hom told Allrecipes. A waiter at a celebrity-owned restaurant once split her table's receipt five ways instead of six – then blamed the fact that he usually serves tables of five, Hom said. "Even if the food was good, the experience was ruined," she added. "If I hear and read about staffers alleging not-great work environments and management issues over and over again from trusted sources … I take those to heart," Nadia Chaudhury, an editor at Eater, told Allrecipes. Sheik said there are also signs to watch for while at the restaurant. "If you hear managers talking down to staff in front of guests, if your server seems visibly anxious or afraid to make a mistake, or if there's no energy, no personality, no smiles, it often means the culture is toxic or punitive," he said. Sticky menus and lipstick-stained glasses are bad enough, but Sheik pointed to the restrooms as the real test of cleanliness. "If those aren't clean, I guarantee you the kitchen's not being held to a higher standard," he said. Cleanliness is one of the most controllable elements of running a restaurant, he added. "If the team can't manage that, they're likely failing at much more complex things, too." "If your server has to guess ingredients or check on every question, it signals poor training and a lack of pride in the product," Sheik said. Menu knowledge is key to providing guests with accurate allergen information and enhancing their overall experience, according to Toast, a restaurant management system. If you're being upsold too much, it can be another sign of trouble. Servers should be enlightening guests, not harassing them, experts claim. "Suggestive selling is part of the job," Sheik said. "But when it feels like a script or desperation, it often means the restaurant is struggling to hit numbers and pushing sales at the cost of genuine hospitality."
Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
In Turbulent Economic Times, Professionals Benefit From Forming Unions
American professionals are right to be anxious about the security of their jobs amid a dim economic outlook as economists are reporting a high likelihood of a recession within the next year. Layoff anxiety is real and fueled by more and more companies announcing staff cuts. This month, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Intel joined the growing list of companies laying off staff this year. Corporate leadership is further adding to professionals' worries by citing a greater investment in artificial intelligence (AI) as the basis for layoffs. Professionals face a critical choice: to be passive recipients of change or to actively shape our future. We are not powerless and should not be left to shoulder the burden resulting from a changing, unstable economy. By joining together in union with our coworkers we can assert some measure of control and predictability over our work lives. America's professional workforce is critical to our country's creativity, innovation, productivity, and profitability. The essential nature of our work as engineers, lawyers, registered nurses, writers, scientists, and so many others makes us a force to be reckoned with, which is why we are seeing an increasing number of professionals forming unions. Professionals do not accept a work-life that makes us precarious and vulnerable in turbulent economic times. We deserve better. A pro-Union activist joins Starbucks workers, former employees, and supporters in holding signs in support of a strike, outside of a Starbucks store in Arlington, Va., on November 16, 2023. A pro-Union activist joins Starbucks workers, former employees, and supporters in holding signs in support of a strike, outside of a Starbucks store in Arlington, Va., on November 16, 2023. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images Union contracts provide a degree of financial security in uncertain times by solidifying pay, benefits, and working conditions in a legally enforceable union contract. Newly organized union professionals have secured minimum salaries, guaranteed annual wage increases, and the opportunity to receive additional merit raises in their contracts. Health and retirement benefits, a cornerstone of a strong union contract, are crucial to long-term financial security, addressing the needs of growing families, and weathering life's unanticipated events. Newly organized professionals are lowering their health insurance costs and achieving greater retirement security. Critically, these benefits cannot legally be changed unless agreed to by the workers and the employer. Union contracts are also giving professionals a seat at the table to negotiate on the implementation and use of AI in the workplace. Professionals embrace technology as a helpful tool and they are in the best position to advise how best to incorporate AI and other technologies into their work, including ethical guardrails and compensation when new technologies alter their job responsibilities. Job security provisions in union contracts can offer proactive solutions when technology changes lead to displacement. Union professionals have secured provisions that prohibit employers from cutting staff due to AI use in the workplace. Additionally, a union contract can provide for the opportunity to be rehired if a position that they are qualified for comes open after they are laid off. Joining a union does not shield employees when a turbulent economy leads employers to make cuts, reorganize the company, or carry out other changes. However, a union contract can soften the landing of layoffs with provisions for advanced notice and severance pay, and set rules to protect employees in the event of a merger or acquisition. Professionals understand that their jobs are influenced by economic shifts and technological change. Yet, even amid this uncertainty, a growing number are actively seeking greater control over their professional lives. Union membership offers a proven path not only to enhance economic standing but also to build a crucial sense of security and predictability. By solidifying pay, benefits, and working conditions, unions empower professionals. For those looking to get ahead of the curve and assert their voice in the face of uncertainty, exploring the benefits of unionization and reaching out to an organizer today is a powerful step toward a more secure future. Jennifer Dorning is president of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
How to Prepare for a Layoff: Take These 10 Steps Before You Lose Your Job
As employers downsize and slash budgets, fear of layoffs is escalating. Tharon Green/CNET Workers are facing a challenging economy and a tough job market as companies pull back on investment and trim budgets. Nearly half (46%) of US employees are anxious about layoffs in the next year, according to a survey by Indeed. The Trump administration's cuts across federal agencies, health organizations and nonprofits have led to hundreds of thousands of layoffs. Mass reductions in force are also happening across the tech industry, media and education. The number of people filing for jobless benefits is rising, with tariffs expected to spike costs and increase unemployment. "We are living in a time of pretty radical uncertainty," said Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of JVS Bay Area, a career training nonprofit in California. As businesses reduce personnel and freeze plans to hire new workers, job seekers are spending months, even years, looking for new employment. ZipRecruiter's Career Expert Sam DeMase said that preparing for a job loss while you're actively employed helps you avoid having to scramble during a crisis. "Being proactive can really help give you some peace of mind if a layoff does happen," DeMase said. Read more: Why Can't I Get a Job Right Now? 9 Expert Tips to Stand Out to Recruiters Think you'll be laid off? Here are some red flags While there aren't always clear indicators of pending layoffs, there are some clues to look out for, according to DeMase. 👀 Does your position generate revenue? Non-revenue-generating roles within an organization might be crucial for overall functioning, yet these positions (HR, IT, legal and administration) tend to be more vulnerable since they don't directly produce business income. 👀 Has there been organizational restructuring? Leadership changes and reorganizations often signal an effort to improve performance or address financial difficulties. Merging, streamlining or employee buyouts could indicate a company is cutting costs or downsizing. 👀 Is your manager communicating regularly? If your supervisor has suddenly gone quiet or is canceling meetings, it might not be a scheduling conflict. They could be trying to minimize contact or deprioritize communication before a company-wide announcement. 👀 Have projects been scrapped or budgets frozen? If upcoming expenses or travels aren't being approved, or if hiring and promotions are suddenly frozen, that could be a warning sign that the company is focusing on financial cutbacks. Zooming out to the broader job market, DeMase says to look out for competitor layoffs within your industry or fewer job listings in your line of work, which could indicate economic pressures. If you're noticing a decline in entry-level jobs, that may mean those roles have been eliminated or replaced by automation. 10 ways to prepare for a layoff Though layoffs are financially motivated, they're likely to hit your confidence hard and make you emotionally vulnerable. "It feels horrible, like your value is gone. But that's not the case," DeMase said. "It's really important to remember that a layoff is a business decision." Here's how to make sure you're not caught off guard. 1. Collect your paperwork in advance Though some employers still give advanced notice when there's a reduction in force, workers are increasingly being dismissed with little to no notice. You're likely to be locked out of company devices and communications, including email and payroll software, rather immediately. DeMase said to gather your personal information on your work computer and to make sure you have proof of employment and tax documentation. You'll need pay stubs and verification to apply for financial assistance or state unemployment benefits. Though you should never take confidential company information, you can save copies of your performance reviews and work samples for future reference. 2. Network and update your resume While you're still employed, take a moment to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. DeMase recommends compiling a list of your achievements, notable projects and positive feedback from colleagues or clients. It's also a good idea to "warm up your network," DeMase said. If you've been employed for a long time at a company, check in with former colleagues and clients now. "That way, when you do reach out after you've been laid off, it's not a 911," she said. 3. Review your severance agreement When their position is eliminated, laid-off workers might be offered a severance package as compensation. Companies aren't required to offer these payments, though they are often secured through a labor union contract. The amount varies by employer, but a common formula is one or two weeks' pay for each year of employment. Any payment is taxable as ordinary income. If you accept a severance package, you'll likely be required to sign an agreement stating that you won't sue your ex-employer. If you're 40 or older, your employer must give you at least 21 days to decide whether to accept a severance agreement under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act. If it's a group termination (meaning multiple employees lost their jobs), you'll have at least 45 days to accept the agreement under the same law. 4. Secure health insurance coverage Some employers will let you keep your employer-based medical, dental and vision coverage for a specified period at no additional cost. You might also consider seeking out coverage under a family member or spouse. If neither is an option, make sure you know about the federal law called the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. COBRA allows workers who leave their jobs to continue their health insurance if their company has 20 or more employees, usually for 18 months. You'll often pay the entire premium, plus a 2% surcharge, which can get expensive when you've just lost your job. Another option is to shop on the Health Insurance Marketplace for a plan. If you've lost employer-based coverage, you might qualify for a special enrollment period if you sign up within 60 days of losing coverage. 5. Look at other company benefits Payout for unused time off, including vacation and sick time. Some states require employers to pay workers for unused PTO if they leave their jobs for any reason. Company stock or retirement plan: Since accounts like 401(k) or 403(b) are employer-sponsored, find out if you can leave it where it is or roll it over to another investment account. Company equipment. If you have a company laptop or cellphone, you may be allowed to keep the equipment or buy it at a reduced price. Additional benefits. Some companies help laid-off workers find their next job by offering career counseling or resume assistance. 6. Understand unemployment eligibility If you get laid off and lose your job through no fault of your own, you'll typically qualify for unemployment benefits, although the rules vary by state. You'll usually file for benefits in the state where you worked. Contact your state's unemployment office immediately after you learn that your job has been cut. You can expect to wait about two to three weeks from the time you file until you receive your first unemployment check. Don't rely on minimal jobless benefits to get you through. Most states offer unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks (approximately six months), with weekly benefits ranging from $235 to $823. Read more: How to File for Unemployment Benefits 7. Build up your emergency fund If you're able to find areas of savings in your budget, make building your emergency fund a top priority. A high-yield savings account is a smart place to stash your emergency fund because you can earn interest and also access your money without penalty. Experts generally recommend an emergency fund that can cover at least six months of living expenses, though that's unattainable for most households living paycheck to paycheck. "Anything that you can put together, even a month's worth of rent, is going to be helpful," said Countryman-Quiroz. Having even some emergency reserves will not only protect you but also give you peace of mind. "Come from a position of power and choice, rather than from one of scarcity and desperation and necessity," she said. 8. Preserve your retirement accounts If you're suspicious that a layoff is coming, don't cash out your 401(k) or any other retirement account in a panic. You may owe a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to income taxes. However, if you're currently contributing extra to your retirement account, DeMase recommends rerouting some of that spending to your emergency savings so it can be liquid if you lose your job. 9. Scrutinize spending and debt Creating a no-frills budget that only covers the necessities will give you a clear action plan in case you lose your job. Or if your savings are lacking, you could implement a bare-bones budget now so that you'll have a safety cushion if your income takes a hit. If you have any debt, try to pay off what you can now so you won't be stuck in a growing interest cycle when you're without a paycheck. DeMase said it's a good idea to start scaling back on any nonessential spending now. Take a close look at your budget to see what's necessary (housing, groceries, debt, utilities, etc.) versus what's optional (subscriptions, dining out, vacations, etc.). Use a budgeting app to help find expenses you can cut. 10. Find extra work and training If you're concerned that a job loss is on the horizon, you might be able to seek out alternative sources of income. DeMase said to consider taking on a side hustle, like freelance work or a part-time gig, while you're still employed. Having extra income streams now can help you save money and pay off debt faster. It's also a good opportunity to look into leveling up your expertise and qualifications. Countryman-Quiroz says that "future-proofing" your employability means building up interpersonal communication and collaboration as well as tech skills, specifically in the realm of AI. Local nonprofits and workforce development organizations often provide free resources to build skills in new sectors. Free and low-cost resources for job seekers Cal JOBS: Cal JOBS offers a complete set of employment tools for job seekers in California. American Job Center Finder: Thousands of job centers nationwide help people search for work, find training and answer other employment-related questions. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn offers video courses taught by industry experts in Business, Creative, Technology and Certifications. Goodwill Industries: Goodwill Career Centers provide job training and placement services.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Indeed deletes millions of listings every month to reduce number of 'ghost jobs'
JOBS WEBSITE INDEED removes millions of listings every month, globally, to reduce the number of so-called 'ghost jobs' advertised on its platform. Ghost jobs refer to open adverts for applications to positions that do not immediately exist or that have already been filled. A survey of 1,000 American employers by US-group Clarify Capital found that a third of job listings are for opportunities at companies that are not actively hiring. Compared to the results of the survey in 2022, the number of ghost jobs has halved in recent years . It is still a scourge for job sites like Indeed, however. The firm was not able to provide exact data on the number of listings removed in Ireland, but did confirm that it removes 'millions of job posts that don't meet our strict quality standards' every month. Employers who responded to the American survey said that although they are not actively recruiting, they will keep positions online for a variety of reasons. Most, 57%, said they do so to collect an active pool of candidates for future positions. Notably, 6% of US employers claimed that job listings are kept online to 'give the impression that the company is growing'. Indeed told The Journal that the website has a dedicated team which assesses the legitimacy of listings to ensure they meet the website's criteria. That includes the need for a job description, location, title and application methods. Advertisement It added: 'Our policies do not allow ghost jobs – job postings on Indeed should be connected to a real employer that is actively hiring for a particular role.' 'Advertising or window-shopping?' Founder of Clearview Career Coaching Jane Downes told The Journal that jobseekers can find ghost jobs particularly frustrating. 'This is what is complicated with job websites,' she said. 'Is it an advertising space or a chance for companies to window-shop?' Downes added: 'From a job hunter's point of view, it's a real issue. [The applications] wastes people's time, particularly when there is no live role there.' A quick scroll of posts uploaded to the Reddit thread RecruitingHell will show that many users have often not received interview or job offers, despite filing dozens of applications. In some circumstances, recruiters are waiting for the ideal candidate to apply for a job, Downes said. In 'less than ideal' scenarios, however, managers await an application from a good candidate in order to expand their team's budget, she added. Asked about companies that list positions to give the impression of growth, Downes said that it is a 'very unfair practice'. She recommended that all jobseekers frequently track the status of every application they send. A blog post from Indeed earlier this year acknowledged that ghost jobs can be 'frustrating' for jobseekers, particularly as application processes can be stressful and time-consuming. It warned jobseekers to make sure that listings have detailed job descriptions, application deadlines and to cross-reference the adverts with the company's social media posts or own website. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
