Cross Training and Creative Staffing

Certain situations call for certain measures. We've all received that phone call an hour before the shift; a server with pink eye, a dishwasher with a dead car battery, a hostess with a sprained ankle after basketball practice. When an employee call in sick, operators begin to lose options, and, without fail, these

Image via Wikipedia

occurrences always seem to happen on the busiest nights. That's when cross-training and creative staffing come in handy.
All to often, operators find themselves in a bind when employees take sick or personal days. There are ways to alleviate the pain and distress these situations may cause, and it's all about forethought and preparedness.
The importance of cross training and creative staffing should not be taken for granted. A garmange who knows how to wash dishes; a hostess who knows how to bus, a sever who knows how to host - all of these employees, with proper motivation and training, can help operators out of an array of binds.
Don't be reluctant to use your employees where they are needed. If your training program is comprehensive and entails comprehensive education of core duties for multiple positions, you safeguard yourself from surprise absences. The most important thing is letting all employees know that they are a part of a unified team, and that they may be called on for different duties.
Every restaurant owner must have constant alternative, a "plan B", to fall back on should the going get rough. The more cards you hold in your hand, the better your chances are for success. (Except in Rummy...you know what I mean!)
To learn more about cross-training, or to develop a program specific to your business, please contact me at petegentzler@yahoo.com.
Until then...mangi bene e sia bene! Grazie!