Employee-Friendly Policies

When establishing policy in your operation, think “employee-friendly” rather than “law of the land.”

Sick policy. Consider your employees’ needs and family responsibilities. Sick days may be needed to care for sick children or aging parents.

Eating on the job. Consider starting a 15-minute “family meal time,” during which employees sit down and eat together. Serve inexpensive dishes (lasagna, for instance) rather than allow ordering from the menu.

Personal phone calls. Doctors or sitters may need to be called or consulted. Again, think of employees’ lives outside the walls of your restaurant.

Tardiness. Listen to the reasons for late arrivals, and judge each on a case-by-case basis. Deal with repeated tardiness as needed.