Are employee vacations ruining your labor costs?....3 tips to make sure vacations aren't killing your productivity

Certainly! Vacation scheduling in a restaurant can be a logistical challenge, especially during busy seasons or with a small team. Here are 3 practical tips to help streamline the process while keeping your staff happy and your restaurant running smoothly:

1. Plan Ahead with a Clear Vacation Policy

Set expectations early with a written vacation policy that covers:

• How far in advance requests must be made (e.g., 30 days).

• Blackout dates (e.g., holidays, peak weekends).

• How vacation time is approved (first-come, first-served vs. seniority).

Why it works: Clarity reduces confusion, favoritism claims, and last-minute disruptions.

Tip: Include the policy in your employee handbook and review it during onboarding.

2. Use a Shared Scheduling Tool

Invest in scheduling software (like 7shifts, HotSchedules, or When I Work) that allows:

• Employees to submit time-off requests digitally.

• Managers to approve or deny in one place.

• Team members to view the schedule and plan accordingly.

Why it works: Digital tools reduce communication gaps and prevent double-booking or short-staffing.

Tip: Some platforms let you set limits on how many people can request off at once.

3. Cross-Train Staff to Cover Roles

Make sure multiple team members can perform key roles—hosting, line cooking, bartending, etc.—so you're not dependent on one person being available.

Why it works: Cross-training provides coverage flexibility, boosts team morale, and helps prevent burnout.

Tip: Use slower periods to train staff in secondary positions.