The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Kolkata Chapter successfully hosted its HR Awareness Session – Right Hire, Retain, and Grow, a dedicated initiative designed to provide restaurant owners, HR professionals, and managers with best practices for developing a resilient and skilled workforce. With the restaurant industry having one of the highest employee turnover rates, this session provided an important platform for discussing workforce challenges and implementing strategic solutions.
Shilpa Chakraborty, partner at Tribe, Dastaan Café and Pour Over, and Director and Partner at Gray Matters Consulting, with 28 years of experience, led the session. She shared her extensive knowledge of human resource management and the hospitality industry, providing valuable insights into strategic hiring, effective retention, and long-term workforce development. Attendees were able to participate in expert-led discussions, real-world case studies, and interactive learning sessions, leaving with actionable strategies for increasing employee satisfaction, improving service quality, and fostering a sustainable work culture.
The session covered key HR components such as streamlining recruitment processes, identifying top talent, and using behavioral interview techniques to make informed hiring decisions. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on increasing employee engagement, lowering attrition rates, and creating career paths for future industry leaders. These practical strategies are designed to assist restaurant owners in retaining their best employees while also encouraging professional growth and leadership development.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Abhimanyu Maheshwari, Chapter head, Founder & CEO, Zing Restaurants (Rang De Basanti Dhaba and Conversation Room), stated, “A strong and motivated workforce is the backbone of the restaurant industry.” Through this HR Awareness Session, we provided restaurant professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to hire and retain the right talent while also creating an environment in which employees can thrive. We are confident that such initiatives will drive long-term growth in the industry while also significantly improving employee satisfaction.”
Prateek Didwania, Head Membership Committee; Owner of Snacking & Pico, stated, “The enthusiastic participation and positive response from attendees reaffirm the need for focused HR strategies in the hospitality sector.” This session has provided restaurant professionals with the tools required to improve employee engagement, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more sustainable industry.
