Instant is Bringing Earned Wage Access to the Workforce Management Summit for Fast Casual and QSR Executives

The Workforce Management Summit for Fast Casual and QSR Executives, taking place next month in Dallas, brings together hospitality leaders navigating the ever-evolving landscape of quick-service restaurants (QSR) and fast-casual dining. As the industry grapples with operational challenges, labor shortages, and increasing consumer expectations, the summit provides a unique platform to explore innovative solutions and strategies for success.

At Instant, we’re excited to sponsor, share insights at our already booked out breakfast roundtable, and showcase how our earned wage access (EWA) and digital tipping software are revolutionizing workforce management for QSR and fast-casual executives. Swing by booth #3 if you are attending!

Understanding the Workforce Challenges in the QSR and Fast-Casual Space

The fast-casual and QSR sectors face unique challenges in managing their workforces. High turnover rates, labor shortages, and employee dissatisfaction are persistent pain points. According to industry research, turnover rates for hourly workers in the restaurant industry often exceed 100%, leading to significant recruitment and training costs. Add to this the rising demand for flexible scheduling, faster pay cycles, and better tipping transparency, and it becomes clear that traditional workforce management solutions are no longer sufficient.

But the restaurant industry is gearing for growth according to the National Restaurant Association. It states 45% of operators need to recruit more employees to meet customer demand but 45% also expect hiring competition to be more intense than in the year prior. 

Instant will share insights with executives at the summit explaining how instant pay (earned wage access and electronic tips) for employees can help recruit and retain hourly workers. 

The Role of Earned Wage Access in Solving Workforce Issues

Earned wage access (EWA) has emerged as a game-changer for industries reliant on hourly workers. At Instant, our EWA platform allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages in real time, eliminating the need to wait for traditional bi-weekly or monthly pay cycles. This simple yet powerful solution can have a profound impact on employee well-being and financial stability. They can pay how they want, when they want.  

Instant is the only provider to offer EWA, electronic tips, and an employee payroll card to 100% of employees.

For QSR and fast-casual executives, offering EWA is more than a perk—it’s a strategic advantage. Here’s why:

1. Improved Retention: Employees who have access to their earned wages are more likely to feel valued and less likely to leave for competitors offering similar roles.
2. Reduced Financial Stress: Immediate access to wages helps employees manage unexpected expenses, reducing financial stress and increasing productivity at work.
3. Competitive Differentiation: In a tight labor market, offering EWA can be a deciding factor for job seekers evaluating where to work.

Revolutionizing Tipping with Instant Financial

Tipping is another critical area where QSR and fast-casual restaurants often face challenges. Managing cash tips, ensuring transparency, and distributing tips equitably can be complex and time-consuming. Instant’s digital tipping software simplifies this process, offering a digital platform that ensures:

• Real-Time Tip Distribution: Employees receive their tips instantly, boosting satisfaction and trust.
• Transparency: Digital records ensure accurate tip reporting and equitable distribution.
• Operational Efficiency: Managers spend less time on manual tip calculations and more time focusing on strategic initiatives.

By addressing tipping challenges with our software, QSR and fast-casual executives can enhance the employee experience, reduce administrative burden, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Why Instant is Attending the Workforce Management Summit

The Workforce Management Summit is the ideal venue to connect with industry leaders, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to today’s workforce challenges. Here’s why Instant is excited to participate:

1. Engaging with Industry Leaders: The summit attracts top executives, HR professionals, and operations leaders from industry-leading brands like Chick-fil-A, Marco’s Pizza, Shake Shack, Portillo’s, Papa Johns, and Firehouse Subs. It’s a prime opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about workforce challenges and solutions.
2. Showcasing Our Solutions: We’ll be demonstrating how our EWA and digital tipping software can transform workforce management, offering attendees real-life case studies of the impact of our technology.
3. Learning and Innovating: The summit’s panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions provide valuable insights that can inform our ongoing efforts to support the industry. We’re particularly looking forward to the President and Chief Office Perspective panel “Tackling Retention and Turnover from the Top Down.”

Join Us in Dallas

As the QSR and fast-casual industries continue to evolve, staying ahead of workforce challenges is crucial. Instant Financial is committed to helping businesses thrive by empowering their employees with financial wellness tools and streamlining operational processes. We’re thrilled to join the conversation at the Workforce Management Summit and demonstrate how our solutions can drive meaningful change for your business and your team.

If you are attending the conference and would like to schedule time with our on-site team to learn more about our EWA solutions please email marketing@instanat.co and we’ll get you booked.