Restaurants can support staff by asking what schedule notice and flexibility would help, then setting clear, fair ways to handle changes. Post shifts on a dependable timeline when possible, and review staffing so one person’s flexibility does not leave the rest of the crew carrying an unreasonable load. When you’re balancing a crew’s needs against service coverage, Make Their Day can mean showing people that their circumstances and contributions matter, even when you can’t grant every request.
What changes can a manager make first?
Start by listening. Ask each person what makes a schedule workable, such as class times, caregiving, a second job, or reliable notice before shifts change. Make room for answers without implying that every preference can be met.
Then make the basics easy to understand: when the schedule is posted, where updates appear, who approves swaps, and how to raise a conflict. Use the same process for everyone, and let employees know promptly when a request is approved or cannot be accommodated.
For example, a server with evening classes might ask to avoid closing shifts on two weekdays. A manager can check coverage, explain what can work, and offer a consistent route for swapping shifts if a later change comes up. If the request cannot be granted that week, a clear explanation and a fair chance to revisit it can still help the employee feel heard.
Finally, look at staffing patterns before promising flexibility. If schedule changes repeatedly leave a short crew handling a rush, review coverage and workload rather than relying on coworkers to absorb the gap.
A manager can start with this short checklist:
- Ask employees what notice and flexibility matter most to them.
- Set and communicate a clear schedule-posting timeline.
- Explain a consistent process for swaps and change requests.
- Review coverage when adjustments shift work onto others.
Questions like this one, and many more about hiring and retention, are explored in the FISH! Philosophy upgraded trial, which gives your team 30 days of access to the FISH! film and its digital guides.
