In the hospitality field there are several major issues that owners or managers face while handling the day-to-day operations of restaurants. One of the biggest headaches for these employers is the ‘problematic’ employee. Thus, it is important to define the varying types and characteristics of a ‘problematic’ employee. This worker can perform in a variety of positions such as server, cashier, bartender, cook or chef. While all of these positions are very different they can easily be detected by a simple pre-employment background screening. It if first important to review the common traits ‘problematic’ employees often share.
Firstly, the ‘No-Show.’ This type of employee runs from the occasional tardy employee to the flaky employee that fails to show up when scheduled to work. They cause disruptions and strain among co-workers who have to pick up the slack the ‘problematic’ employee creates. He/she also lowers the morale of the rest of the staff through lack of concern for fellow employees and the policies.
Secondly, the ‘Prima Donna.’ This worker is difficult to train, get along with and, once working, does as little as possible while complaining the entire time. This employee usually does not have the best customer service skills and can often cost restaurants valuable customers. 
Thirdly, the ‘Sneakster.’ This type of employee may embezzle, commit credit card fraud and be involved in identity theft. This employee may also make a false worker’s compensation claim.
Lastly, the ‘Player.’ This employee thinks he/she is irresistible to the opposite sex. They tend to use the workplace as their spot to meet potential dates. This makes co-workers, especially those of the opposite sex, uncomfortable and can lead to a lack of productivity. This worker can bring about unwanted and costly sexual harassment claims.
Now knowing the characteristics and types of the ‘problematic’ employee, it is important to learn how to recognize ‘problematic’ employees. There is no way an employer can recognize a potential ‘problematic’ employee at first sight. All employers can and should take preventive measures to make sure they don’t end up with lousy and unproductive workers. Many of the traits listed above can be discovered through a careful pre-employment background screening. This is usually best left to a professional employment background company such as Accuscreen.com. With 14 years of experience conducting pre-employment background and criminal records screenings, AccuScreen.com is an excellent resource in the fight against problematic employees.
Employers need to understand the negative effects of problematic employees and the risks associated when hiring restaurant employees blindly. Loss of profit can be due to many reasons. Sexual harassment lawsuits can lead to high legal expenses and settlement fees. Loss of business due to bad customer service leads customers not to continue dining at the restaurant. Credit card fraud, identity theft and embezzlement can cause liability issues that many insurance companies will not cover. Worker’s Compensation claims cause increasing insurance rates and hurt companies. All of these negative effects can be the result of a ‘problematic’ employee. Employers need to be aware of the financial consequences of this type of employee’s actions. Bigger companies may be able to withstand some of the financial losses, but for smaller businesses it may be devastating.
Avoiding ‘problematic’ employees is essential and taking preventative measures is the best way in keeping the lazy, difficult or unethical employee out of your restaurant. It can be done easily by simply investing in a background screening firm. Getting all the information needed on a job applicant’s background can be time consuming and confusing for most owners and managers.
