How to Manage Staff as a Marston’s Licensee

Right, let’s be honest – managing staff as a Marston’s licensee can feel like herding cats some days. You’ve got the brewery breathing down your neck about standards, staff calling in sick at the worst possible moments, and customers who expect perfect service every time. I’ve been there, mate, and I know exactly how frustrating it gets.

The thing is, good staff management isn’t just about keeping Marston’s happy – it’s about keeping your sanity intact and your pub profitable. When you get it right, everything else falls into place.

Getting the Right People Through the Door

First things first – hiring the right staff makes all the difference. Don’t just take anyone who walks through the door because you’re desperate. I learned this the hard way after hiring a lad who seemed keen but couldn’t pull a pint to save his life.

When interviewing, look for people who genuinely want to work in hospitality, not just anyone after a quick job. Ask them about dealing with difficult customers, working under pressure, and why they want to work in a pub specifically. Their answers will tell you everything you need to know.

Make sure they understand Marston’s standards from day one. The brewery takes their brand seriously, and so should your staff. But don’t just throw them in at the deep end – proper training prevents problems later.

Training and Keeping Your Team Happy

Once you’ve got good people, you need to keep them motivated. Staff turnover in pubs is mental, but it doesn’t have to be. Pay fairly, give people proper breaks, and actually listen when they have concerns.

Create clear rotas well in advance – nothing winds staff up more than last-minute schedule changes. Use our SmartPubTools free front-of-house app to keep everyone in the loop about shifts, specials, and any Marston’s updates they need to know about.

Regular team meetings work wonders too. Keep them short and focused, but use them to share what’s working well and address any issues before they become bigger problems. Your staff are on the front line – they often spot things you miss.

For more detailed strategies, check out our guide on Marston’s Pub Staff Management That Actually Works.

Dealing with Performance Issues

When staff aren’t pulling their weight, address it quickly but fairly. Document everything – Marston’s will expect you to handle employment issues properly. Have clear expectations, provide support where needed, but don’t let poor performance drag down the rest of your team.

Managing staff doesn’t have to be a constant headache. With the right tools and approach, you can build a team that makes your Marston’s pub a success. Try SmartPubTools today and see how much easier pub management can be.