Measuring waiter performance: five numbers that pay for themselves

Left unmeasured, the strongest staff slowly drift towards the weakest performer. Once you show the numbers and tie a small bonus to them, service level goes up on its own.

The five metrics

• Bills opened: how many tables did the waiter serve this shift.
• Total revenue: TL rung up under that name.
• Average cover: TL per customer (spend).
• Void ratio: % of items cancelled. High ratio = training issue or theft risk.
• Upsell %: how often a dessert/coffee add-on is suggested.

Tie bonus to the numbers

Instead of "best waiter of the month" votes, give a three-per-mille bonus on revenue above the monthly target. Small, measurable, and people understand exactly what earns it.