S’pore Restaurants Having a Tough Time Hiring Dishwashers

When Singapore eased the gathering size restrictions on April 26, many rejoiced at the prospect of once again being able to dine out in large groups. With the relaxation of travel restrictions, overseas workers could finally return to their countries.

However, these circumstances have become a mixed blessing for food and beverage companies that are facing a labour shortage.

According to reports, some restaurants are so desperate for dishwashers that they offer exceptionally high monthly wages. Others are attempting to attract applicants by offering lucrative bonuses.

 

Wanted: Dishwashers

One employer stated that hiring Singaporeans for such jobs is tough, which explains the challenges.

Co-owner of Orchard's Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, Chen Weixin, said that eateries have always struggled to hire dishwashers.

Since Singaporeans are rarely willing to take on these jobs, companies must rely on foreign labour.

It became considerably tougher during the Covid outbreak, as many Malaysian workers returned home. Tighter policies on foreign workers have further exacerbated their situation.

Chen was ultimately able to hire a worker from Malaysia to do the job after paying a monthly wage of S$3,500 (RM11,150.60). Even still, the pursuit took a month, and she was compelled to clean the dishes alone at times.

According to her, many people may be reluctant to work as dishwashers despite appealing pay because they consider it a "lowly" job.

 

Some places had to pay cleaning companies S$4,000 (RM12,743.54) for every dishwasher

Aside from Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, many other eateries are also experiencing the same problem.

According to a report, some employers had to spend up to S$4,000 to recruit workers via cleaning companies. They are also offering bonuses of S$3,000 (RM9557.66) maximum.

Tung Lok Group President and CEO Andrew Tjioe stated that over the past decade, the restaurant chain has attempted to combat workforce shortages by outsourcing cleaning duties to a subcontractor.

They offer between S$3,800 (RM12106.37) and S$4,000 (RM12,743.54) for every dishwasher, who works eight hours a day.

The number of dishwashers required is determined by the size of the restaurant. Some restaurants need two dishwashers, while others only need one.

The 27 per cent hike in cleaning company fees prompted Yao Li, who owns three western eateries and a bar, to attempt recruiting dishwashers herself. Dishwashers at her locations are paid S$2,600(RM8283.30) per month with a S$2,000(RM6371.77) sign-on bonus.

Employees can also earn a performance bonus of up to S$1,000 (RM3185.89) every month, but she claims it isn't enough to solve their hiring problems.

 

Dishwashers are a vital component of any food and beverage establishment. It's no surprise that working in a food and beverage outlet can be extremely taxing, explaining the general unwillingness to take on the job.

While some may consider dishwashing a low-level job, it is an essential element of any restaurant.