Bartender Beginnings

Every great bartender starts somewhere! With the right onboarding, your new hires will be shaking, stirring, and serving with confidence in no time.

The wave of recent negative publicity about companies failing to implement “Ask for Angela” highlights why now might be the perfect time to discuss onboarding bar staff.

It is generally recommended that for every 50 customers, there should be one bartender. But what happens when the visiting rugby team, complete with supporters, suddenly descends upon your unsuspecting bar staff? ‘Pressure’ doesn’t begin to cover it!  This is when the careful attention to detail during the onboarding process truly pays off.

Let’s take a look at how onboarding can be made most effective.

An effective onboarding process does more than familiarize staff with cocktail recipes and tills. It builds confidence, fosters teamwork, and ensures consistency. This blog explores practical approaches to onboarding bar staff, with a nod to how tools like quizzes can enhance the process.

First impressions matter, and that applies as much to new hires as it does to your customers. Onboarding is your chance to introduce new staff to your brand, set expectations, and equip them for the fast-paced world behind the bar.

The bar industry presents unique challenges. Shifts can be high-pressure, drink menus complex, and customer interactions unpredictable. A robust onboarding process can help prepare your team for these realities and ensure your establishment runs smoothly.

1. Start Before Day One

Good onboarding begins before your new hire even steps foot behind the bar. Share a clear outline of what to expect during their first week. This might include:

• Giving them a schedule for their shifts and training sessions.
• Asking them to bring documents for proof of right to work, food safety certificates, etc.
• Sending them a warm welcome email with a brief introduction to the team.

These small touches create a sense of belonging and show that you’re organized and invested in their success.

2. Structured Training for Success

Training should reflect your establishment’s specific needs, broken into manageable sections:

• Core skills training covers the essentials, such as pouring techniques, drink recipes, and till systems.
• Soft skills training enables staff to handle customer interactions, upselling, and conflict resolution.
• Safety and Responsibility training addresses licensing laws, handling intoxicated patrons, and key safety protocols.

Introducing short quizzes at the end of an onboarding session can help reinforce learning in a low-pressure, engaging way. For example, a quick ten-question quiz on drink recipes or licensing laws can ensure staff are absorbing the essentials without overwhelming them.

3. Scenario-Based Training

The bar industry is unpredictable. Role-playing common scenarios – such as dealing with a difficult customer or responding to a spillage – helps staff feel more prepared for the unexpected. Pairing these activities with short knowledge checks, such as identifying appropriate actions, can be a useful way to build confidence.

A cohesive team isn’t just good for morale; it’s essential for smooth operations. During onboarding, prioritize activities that build trust and camaraderie among staff.

Team Introductions

Take the time to introduce new hires to the team properly. Whether it’s a quick round of names and roles or an after-hours team drink, these moments lay the groundwork for strong working relationships.

Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment where staff feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns. Onboarding is the perfect time to establish a feedback loop, where new hires feel heard and supported. 

Host Social Events

While it’s not essential, hosting occasional team-building events can work wonders. It could be as simple as a casual gathering after work. These informal settings help new hires connect with their colleagues on a personal level.

Bars can be chaotic environments. During onboarding, prioritize health and safety to protect your staff and customers.

Basic First Aid

Offer basic training on handling common bar-related injuries, such as cuts, burns, or slips. Knowing how to respond to an incident can make staff feel more secure.

Understanding Licensing Laws

Train your staff on the legal responsibilities they hold when serving alcohol. This includes recognizing signs of intoxication and understanding when to refuse service.

“Ask for Angela” and Similar Initiatives

The “Ask for Angela” campaign, which allows patrons to discreetly signal for help if they feel unsafe, has gained attention recently. Ensuring your staff understands how to respond appropriately is not only crucial for customer safety but also reflects positively on your establishment’s values.

Ongoing Support and Development

Onboarding doesn’t end after the first few shifts. Continued support ensures new hires feel confident and motivated.

Regular Check-Ins

Schedule regular check-ins with your new hires during their first month. These conversations provide an opportunity to:
• Assess their comfort level with tasks,
• Address any questions or concerns, and
• Provide constructive feedback.

Refresher Training

Even experienced staff benefit from revisiting core knowledge. Short quizzes or group discussions can be a useful way to keep important topics, like menu changes or safety updates, fresh in everyone’s minds.

Celebrate Successes

Recognition goes a long way. Whether it’s a shout-out during a team meeting or a small reward for a job well done, celebrating successes reinforces good habits and boosts morale.

How do you know if your onboarding process is effective? Gathering feedback is key. Ask your new hires:

• How well-prepared they felt for their first shift.
• Whether the training covered all relevant areas.
• Suggestions for improvement.

Tools like short post-training quizzes provide measurable insights into how well your onboarding program is working, but they shouldn’t overshadow the personal touch that feedback sessions bring.

Onboarding bar staff is about more than teaching skills – it’s about creating a foundation for success, confidence, and teamwork. By focusing on structured training, open communication, and ongoing support, you can set your new hires up to thrive in the fast-paced world behind the bar.

While tools like quizzes can provide a valuable way to reinforce knowledge and track progress, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. The heart of a great onboarding program lies in its ability to build connections, instill confidence, and prepare staff to handle both the expected and the unexpected.

As initiatives like “Ask for Angela” remind us, bar staff members play a critical role in creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. A thoughtful onboarding process not only equips them with the skills they need but also reinforces the values that make your establishment stand out.

Colin King – CEO of HR Quizzes