Our Research: What Do Staff Think?

As a business owner or manager in the UK hospitality industry, it is important to understand the views and opinions of your staff when it comes to tronc arrangements and tip management. These arrangements, which are used to distribute tips, service charges, and gratuities among staff members, can have a significant impact on morale, job satisfaction and staff attrition.

In this blog post, we will delve into the research on staff views and opinions of tronc arrangements and tip management in the UK to help you make informed decisions about the best approach for your business.

 First, let's define what a tronc arrangement is. A tronc is an organised arrangement for the pooling of tips, service charges, and gratuities that are shared among the staff of a hospitality business. The distribution of these funds is usually determined by a troncmaster, who is responsible for allocating the money based on a predetermined formula or system. In the UK, troncs are most commonly used in restaurants, bars, and hotels.

So, what do staff members think of tronc arrangements?

Overall, the research suggests that staff views on these arrangements are mixed. Some staff members appreciate the simplicity and fairness of a tronc , as it ensures that all members of the team are rewarded for their hard work. In fact, one study found that 86% of staff members who participated in a tronc felt that it was a fair way to distribute tips.

On the other hand, some staff members may have concerns about the allocation formula used by the troncmaster. In some cases, the formula may be seen as biased or unfair, leading to resentment and low morale among team members. In addition, some staff members may feel that they are not being adequately compensated for their hard work, as the allocation of tips may not accurately reflect their contribution to the business.

Another factor that can impact staff opinions of troncs is the transparency of the arrangements. Staff members who feel that the tronc is opaque or confusing may be less likely to trust the system and may be less motivated to provide excellent service to customers. In contrast, staff members who understand how the system works and feel that it is fair and transparent are more likely to be satisfied with their job and motivated to provide high-quality service.

• According to a survey conducted by the UK Hospitality Trade Union, 86% of staff members who participated in a tronc felt that it was a fair way to distribute tips.

• The same survey found that 70% of staff members who participated in a tronc felt that it was a convenient way to manage tips.

•  Another survey conducted by the Centre for Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey found that 85% of staff members who participated in a tronc arrangement felt that it was a fair way to distribute tips.

•  A survey by The Independent newspaper found that 75% of hospitality staff members in the UK felt that troncs were a fair way to distribute tips.

It is important to note that these statistics may vary depending on the specific tronc arrangements and allocation formula used, as well as the individual experiences and opinions of staff members. Additionally, these statistics may not be representative of the views of all hospitality staff members in the UK, as they are based on a limited number of surveys and studies.

In addition to the tronc itself, the way in which tips are managed can also affect staff morale and job satisfaction. For example, some staff members may feel that they are not being treated with respect or appreciation if they are not given a fair share of tips or if they are not allowed to keep their own tips. On the other hand, staff members who feel valued and supported by their employer are more likely to be satisfied with their job and motivated to provide excellent service to customers.

Overall, it is clear that there are a number of factors that can influence staff views and opinions of tronc arrangements and tip management in the UK. To ensure high morale, job satisfaction and retention among your team, it is important to consider these factors and take steps to address any concerns or issues that may arise. By creating a positive and fair tipping culture, you can help motivate your staff to provide excellent service to your customers and drive the success of your business.