GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Many businesses these days are not only focused on hiring new employees, but retaining the ones they already have. Local business owners are finding ways to balance.
It’s now Martens Monday’s, every week at Copper State Brewing in Green Bay. Meaning the menu is limited to beers, salads, and pizzas. All made by Copper State’s owners, the Martens family.
Owner Jonathan Martens tells FOX 11.
“We’re a little short staffed our staff is working really hard, especially on these hot days, the kitchen is about 120 degrees so we want to give them a break.”
Like so many businesses, the Martens have multiple job openings at their restaurant and worry about staff burn out and losing the workers they already have.
So instead of closing to give employees the day off, Missy Martens tells FOX 11 they’re staying open and doing the cooking themselves.
“We’ve got job postings out there of course so hopefully we’ll get staff back up here for the summer, but we’re just trying to fill that void right now and make it a fun thing too where our family can be the ones making your food.”
The Martens aren’t the only ones working to keep employees happy. Jayme Sellen with the Fox Cities Chambers of Commerce tells FOX 11 retention of employees is key during this worker shortage.
“Because of the shortage they need to keep the employees they currently have. They are being as competitive as they can possibly be in retaining that talent. So it’s anything from being really inventive for flexible work schedules.”
According to a survey by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, 83% of businesses report having job openings.
While the incentives help hold off burnout, Sellen says ultimately the staffing shortages are what need to be solved.
“If we didn’t have that problem the economy would be booming beyond what we could comprehend.”
So while the Martens, like others, work to fill open roles,
“Just trying to fill some kitchen staff. They’re the ones making burgers, sautéing doing that kind of stuff on that side,” said Missy.
The family will continue Martens Mondays until the positions are filled.
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce also wants to remind people that there are open jobs for 14-and-15-year-olds. They would just need to get a workers permit to be eligible for some jobs.
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