08 | Schedules and Assignments; Department Personnel; and Goals and Priorities Table 8.13 Common Issues Staff shortage Example
Common Issues and Contingency Plans Contingency plan
Unexpected staff absences or shortages due to illness, transportation issues, or scheduling conflicts.
• Reaching out to the on-call list.
• Maintaining a good relationship with employee by motivating, rewarding, and effective communication which increases the chances of employee cooperation.
• Cross-training employees to work multiple positions.
• Adjusting schedules and redistributing tasks to cover essential functions during short-staffed periods.
Supply chain disruptions
Delayed or incomplete delivery of food and supplies.
• Rotating inventory of non-perishable food items to mitigate shortages during supply chain disruptions.
• Establishing a relationship with multiple suppliers to ensure redundancy and alternative sources of essential items.
• Developing a communication protocol with suppliers to receive timely updates on delivery status and potential delays.
Late food delivery truck
Ingredients for tonight’s dinner will not arrive on the truck until 6pm. Employees who would unload the truck have left for the day. The delay may be due to traffic, mechanical problems, or other issues.
• Developing a list with backup supplier or local markets where essential ingredients can source in emergencies.
• Utilizing alternative transportation method such as local delivery service or staff vehicle.
• Prioritizing tasks and adjusting the schedule to accommodate the delay.
• Identifying backup personnel who can step in if the employees are not available to unload the truck.
• Implementing a flexible scheduling system that allows for adjustments in shifts based on anticipated delays or unexpected events. This ensures that there are always enough staff members available to handle the unloading process, even if it occurs later than usual.
• If dinner items will be delayed beyond the usual time, communicating to customers as soon as possible by providing realistic estimates for when the items will be available and offering alternatives or compensation for the inconvenience.
Delay in placing orders
The chef forgot to place the order leading to food shortage.
• Implementing a reminder system or checklist for placing orders to ensure they are submitted in advance.
• Cross-training kitchen staff to handle ordering responsibilities in case of emergencies.
• Maintaining emergency stock of frequently used ingredients to mitigate the impact of delayed orders.