The Canton of Zurich, Switzerland’s economic hub, is a crossroads of cultures and languages. While Swiss German is the predominant language, English and Standard German are widely used, especially in workplaces and the hospitality sector. However, for restaurateurs hiring non-local staff, the language barrier represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Hiring international staff is often a necessity due to a shortage of qualified local workers in the Food & Beverage sector. However, the language gap can create difficulties in various aspects of daily operations:
Customer communication: Some customers, especially among the older local population, may feel uncomfortable if the staff does not speak Swiss German.
Internal coordination: Multilingual teams need to find a common language to ensure efficient service.
Cultural adaptation: Not all international employees are familiar with local customs, which can impact the customer experience.
In Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne, where international presence is strong, many customers are used to interacting with staff who speak English or Standard German. However, in more traditional restaurants, especially outside city centers, some customers may prefer service in Swiss German. Managing this contrast between local expectations and international realities is a crucial aspect.
Despite the challenges, having an international team offers many benefits:
Creativity and innovation: Different cultures bring new ideas and approaches to service and cuisine.
Linguistic flexibility: In a cosmopolitan city, having staff who speak multiple languages is a great advantage for attracting international customers.
Competition and improvement: The presence of international workers motivates local staff to improve and acquire new skills.
Swiss Hospitality Recruitment understands the challenges of linguistic diversity in the restaurant industry and offers a concrete solution:
For companies purchasing a Basic or Advanced package, we offer a dedicated discount that can be used as a training bonus for employees who do not speak the local language. An investment that improves internal communication, customer experience, and team cohesion.
Want to learn more? Contact us to discover how we can support your business growth!