How to Manage Your Employee Schedule as a Bar Manager During Christmas
The holiday season is a magical time—but for bar managers, it can also be one of the most challenging. Increased foot traffic, festive events, and longer hours mean your bar is bustling with activity. To keep things running smoothly, you need a well-thought-out employee schedule that balances your business needs with your team’s holiday spirit. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a fair and efficient Christmas schedule.
- Start Planning Early
When it comes to scheduling for Christmas, the earlier you start, the better. Begin planning at least a month in advance so your team has time to prepare.
- Step 1: Review previous years’ data to anticipate busy days and peak hours.
- Step 2: Communicate with your staff about their availability and preferences early on.
- Assess Your Staffing Needs
Christmas often brings an influx of customers, meaning you’ll need a strong team in place.
- Analyze Past Trends: Look at previous holiday seasons to determine how many employees are needed for bartending, barbacking, and customer service roles.
- Prepare for Peak Hours: Make sure your busiest shifts are covered with your most experienced staff.
- Incorporate Employee Preferences
Holidays are important to everyone, so respecting your team’s needs can go a long way.
- Gather Input: Ask your employees for their availability and preferences for holiday shifts.
- Be Fair: Use a rotational system to ensure no one is stuck working all the major holidays.
- Offer Incentives for Holiday Shifts
Motivate your team to take on less desirable shifts by offering perks such as:
- Higher Pay: Provide extra hourly wages for shifts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
- Free Meals or Drinks: Treat your staff to something special during their shifts.
- Flexible Post-Holiday Time Off: Reward those who work the holidays with additional days off in January.
- Ensure Proper Coverage
To avoid chaos during busy times:
- Pair Experienced Staff with New Hires: This ensures smoother service and support for less-experienced team members.
- Keep Backup Staff Ready: Have an on-call list in case of last-minute cancellations or emergencies.
- Use Scheduling Tools
Leverage technology to streamline the scheduling process.
- Employee Scheduling Software: Apps like Sling or Homebase make it easy for employees to view, swap, or confirm shifts.
- Communicate Clearly: Share the final schedule at least two weeks before Christmas to avoid confusion.
- Show Your Appreciation
The holidays can be stressful, so showing gratitude can make a big difference.
- Say Thank You: A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
- Host a Staff Celebration: Plan a post-holiday team party to show your appreciation for their hard work.
- Small Gifts: Consider giving your employees a token of appreciation, like gift cards or custom bar tools.
- Be Flexible and Prepared
Even the best plans can face unexpected challenges.
- Be ready to adjust the schedule as needed.
- Have a plan for emergencies or last-minute call-offs.
Conclusion: A Merry and Managed Christmas
Creating a fair and efficient schedule for the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With early planning, clear communication, and a touch of holiday spirit, you can ensure your team feels valued while keeping your bar running smoothly.
Want to learn more tips on bar management and effective scheduling? Explore our Bar Management Courses and elevate your skills to the next level!