hey tom, been there! scheduling’s a real pain. have u tried any apps? i use 7shifts at my place, it’s pretty good. lets staff swap shifts n send updates. might be worth checkin out. also, set some rules bout how much notice peeps gotta give for changes. goodluck man!
Tom, I feel your pain. Scheduling was my biggest headache when I first stepped into a management role. One thing that really helped was implementing a two-week schedule cycle. We’d post the schedule for the next two weeks every Friday, which gave everyone more notice and reduced last-minute changes.
We also started using a whiteboard in the kitchen for quick shift swaps. Staff could write their name and the shift they needed covered, and others could sign up right there. It cut down on all those texts and emails flying around.
For new hires and departures, I learned to always keep a few extra bodies on the roster. It’s better to have slightly more staff than you need than to be constantly scrambling to cover shifts.
Remember, it takes time to find a system that works. Don’t be afraid to try different methods until you find what fits your kitchen’s rhythm. Hang in there, chef!
I’ve been in your shoes, Tom. Scheduling can be a nightmare, especially in a fast-paced kitchen environment. One approach that worked wonders for me was implementing a digital scheduling system. We use HotSchedules, and it’s been a game-changer. It allows staff to request time off, swap shifts, and receive notifications all in one place. This significantly reduced the time I spent on scheduling and improved communication.
Another crucial step is setting clear expectations with your team. Establish deadlines for submitting availability and requesting changes. It might seem strict at first, but it’ll save you headaches in the long run. Remember, a well-organized kitchen runs smoother, and that starts with the schedule. Hang in there, it gets easier with time and the right tools.