If you’re like most pub landlords, you’ve probably had those moments where you feel like you’re speaking a different language to your staff. Messages get lost, instructions aren’t followed, and before you know it, you’re dealing with frustrated customers and a team that seems to be working against you rather than with you.
Poor communication doesn’t just create headaches – it costs you money through mistakes, missed opportunities, and high staff turnover. But here’s the good news: with a few simple changes to how you communicate, you can transform your pub’s atmosphere and performance.
Running this problem at your pub?
Here's the system I use at The Teal Farm to fix it — real-time labour %, cash position, and VAT liability in one dashboard. 30-minute setup. £97 once, no monthly fees.
Get Pub Command Centre — £97 →No monthly fees. 30-day money-back guarantee. Built by a working pub landlord.
Start with Clear, Regular Check-ins
The biggest mistake I see landlords make is waiting until something goes wrong before having a proper conversation with their staff. Instead of reactive firefighting, schedule brief weekly catch-ups with each team member. These don’t need to be formal sit-downs – a quick chat during a quiet moment works perfectly.
Use these check-ins to:
- Ask how they’re finding their shifts
- Address any concerns before they become problems
- Share upcoming changes or events
- Get their input on improving service
When staff feel heard and valued, they’re far more likely to communicate openly with you. This creates a positive cycle where staff performance naturally improves because everyone’s on the same page.
Use the Right Tools for Different Messages
Not every message needs to be delivered face-to-face. Quick updates about opening hours, new promotions, or shift changes are perfect for group messaging or staff notice boards. For more complex issues or feedback, always opt for a private conversation.
Modern pub management tools like SmartPubTools’ free front-of-house app can streamline this process, allowing you to send updates directly to your team’s phones whilst keeping track of important information in one place.
Lead by Example with Active Listening
Communication isn’t just about talking – it’s about listening. When a staff member comes to you with a problem or suggestion, give them your full attention. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and really listen to what they’re saying.
Ask follow-up questions to show you’re engaged: “What do you think would work better?” or “How would you handle this situation?” This approach not only improves communication but also helps you keep your team engaged and invested in the pub’s success.
Remember, clear communication is the foundation of everything else – from handling difficult situations to maintaining high standards. When your team knows exactly what’s expected and feels comfortable coming to you with issues, you’ll find that most problems sort themselves out before they ever reach your customers.
Ready to transform how you manage your pub team? Try SmartPubTools for free and discover how the right tools can make communication with your staff effortless and effective.
Free Tool for UK Pub Landlords
Used daily at Teal Farm Pub, Washington NE38
The Pub Command Centre handles everything in this article — without a spreadsheet.
Wet GP%, dry GP%, labour costs, beer line cleaning logs (12 lines), HACCP temperature checks, stock ordering, weekly P&L. All in one system. Used every shift at Teal Farm where labour runs at 15.1% against a UK pub average of 25-30%.
On a pub taking £900k a year, running labour at 15% instead of 25% is worth roughly £90,000. That is what tracking it daily — every shift, every week — actually looks like.
£97 once. No subscription. No monthly fee. Works on any phone, tablet or laptop. Setup under 10 minutes. Built and used by a Marston’s CRP licensee with a 5-star EHO rating and 180 covers.
See the Pub Command Centre — £97 →
One-off payment. Works on any device. Used by a working licensee, not a software company that’s never pulled a pint.
SmartPubTools FOH App — Free, Forever
Built by a real pub landlord from the North East. Staff gamification, shift tracking, leaderboards and rota tools — free, no subscription, no credit card needed.
📊 Your EPOS tells you what sold. Pub Command Centre tells you whether you made money.
Real-time labour %, cash position and VAT liability in one dashboard. Built by a working pub landlord. £97 once, no monthly fees. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Takes 2 minutes · Free forever · Made for UK pubs
Running your pub on gut feel?
The Pub Command Centre gives you wet GP%, cellar checks, staff cost and weekly P&L — from your phone, every shift. £97 once. No subscription.
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