Employee Scheduling and Labor Management Checklist

Weekly scheduling and labor cost workflow run by the GM or AGM at a full-service or fast-casual restaurant. Covers sales-driven forecasting, schedule build, labor cost targets, FLSA and predictive-scheduling compliance, and post-week per...

Use this workflow
1

Forecast Labor Demand

  1. Pull last 4 weeks of sales by daypart
  2. Layer in upcoming events and holidays
  3. Set the weekly sales forecast
  4. Flag promo or menu changes affecting prep load
2

Build the Schedule

  1. Refresh availability and time-off in 7shifts
  2. Draft FOH sections and BOH stations
  3. Stagger experienced and new staff per shift
  4. Assign the allergen-aware certified manager
  5. Identify a predictive-scheduling jurisdiction
3

Hit the Labor Budget

  1. Set labor cost target against forecasted sales
  2. Compare draft hours to the budget
  3. Check the draft against the budget
  4. Trim hours from low-volume shifts
4

Publish and Communicate

  1. Post the schedule 14 days in advance
  2. Send schedule notifications to staff
  3. Open shift-swap board with manager approval
5

Compliance and Recordkeeping

  1. Verify tip-credit notice on file for tipped staff
  2. Review the draft for FLSA overtime exposure
  3. Confirm minor work-hour limits on the schedule
  4. Archive the published schedule and time records
6

Post-Week Performance Review

  1. Run actual vs theoretical labor variance
  2. Capture the weekly labor outcome
  3. Document no-shows and tardies in the log
  4. Recognize standout shift performers
  5. Document a corrective-action conversation