Managing a restaurant's schedules can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and strategies in place, it can be made much more manageable. Here are five tips to help you streamline your restaurant's scheduling process:
Tip 1: Use scheduling software
Scheduling software can help you create and manage your staff's schedules more efficiently. It allows you to easily make changes, assign shifts and see who is available to work at any given time. This can save you a lot of time and energy compared to manually creating schedules. Apps specialized in restaurant organizations like Mr. Tomato offer user-friendly mobile scheduling features to help you keep everything in the palm of your hand.
Tip 2: Communicate with your staff regularly
Regular communication with your staff is essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to scheduling. This can be done through group messaging apps (See Mr. Tomato Messenger), email, or even good old-fashioned face-to-face meetings.
Tip 3: Be flexible with your schedule
Restaurants can be unpredictable places, and last-minute changes are often necessary. Being flexible with your schedule can help you deal with these changes more easily. This means being open to changes in shifts, days off, and even staff numbers.
Tip 4: Utilize an employee self-scheduling system
Allowing your employees to manage their own schedules can save you a lot of time and energy. It also allows them to have more control over their work schedules. Luckily, Mr. Tomato’s schedules makes it easy for both employees and managers to access shift information anywhere, anytime.
Tip 5: Use a time clock system
A time clock system can help you track employee hours and make sure they are being paid accurately. This can also help you identify any scheduling errors that may occur and ensure that your restaurant is running smoothly.
By implementing these tips, you can help make your restaurant's scheduling process more efficient, saving you time and energy, and allowing you to focus on running your business.