Chapter 6: Managing Employee Work Schedules

Comprehensive practice questions and answers covering employee scheduling, labor cost budgeting, legal compliance (FMLA/FLSA), and management procedures based on the 3rd Edition of Principles of Restaurant Management.

What are the six steps in the process of managing employee work schedules?

Step 1: Determine budgeted labor cost. Step 2: Create a master schedule. Step 3: Develop a crew schedule. Step 4: Distribute and adjust the crew schedule. Step 5: Monitor employees during shifts. Step 6: Analyze after-shift labor information.

How is labor cost defined according to the text?

Labor cost is the sum of Wages plus fringe benefits paid to the employees.

What is the formula for calculating Average daily wage?

$$\text{Labor (Wage) budget} \div \text{Days in month} = \text{Average daily wage}$$

How is the 'Average hours per day for employees who receive a wage' calculated?

$$\text{Average daily wage} \div \text{Average hourly wage rate} = \text{Average hours per day}$$

What are the two primary purposes of a master schedule?

1. To ensure the correct number of waged employees are available so customers receive prompt, efficient service and properly prepared food. 2. To plan waged labor expenses so budget goals can be met.

What is the difference between Sales History and Sales Forecasts?

Sales History tells the number of customers on different days in previous weeks, while Sales Forecasts are future sales estimates based on past records adjusted for current, local, and national trends.

What are the four primary reasons an eligible employee can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

1. Childbirth or care for a newborn (including adoption/foster care) within one year. 2. To care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. 3. A serious health condition of the employee. 4. Qualifying reasons based on a spouse, son, daughter, or parent being on 'covered active duty'.

What are the work hour restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?

Three hours on a school day, eight hours on a nonschool day, eighteen hours in a school week, and forty hours in a nonschool week.

According to the FLSA, what are the time restrictions for work shifts for 14- and 15-year-olds?

Work may not begin before $7:00\,\text{a.m.}$ or end after $7:00\,\text{p.m.}$, except from June 1 through Labor Day, when it is extended to $9:00\,\text{p.m.}$

What is the definition of a 'no-show'?

An employee who, when scheduled to work, neither tells managers they will not work nor reports for their assigned shift.

What details must be clearly indicated on an employee schedule?

Dates and days of the week, employees' names, scheduled days to work and off, scheduled start and stop times (indicated as a.m. and p.m.), and the date of preparation with the preparing manager's name.

How is Hourly overtime pay calculated?

$$\text{Hourly pay} \times 1.5 = \text{Hourly overtime pay}$$

In restaurant budgeting, what is a 'variance'?

The difference between the budgeted expense and the actual expense.

What are the three special concerns when scheduling managers?

1. Managers often receive a salary and may not be held to specific hours. 2. Schedules can include 'on call' status. 3. At least one manager must be on duty when employees are working to handle emergencies.

What is a 'floater' in the context of adjusting schedules?

An employee who is used to fill in for other employees who are taking time off.

What is the role of a 'shift leader'?

A wage-earning employee who, in addition to regular tasks, trains new employees, addresses work-related questions, and performs other duties assigned by managers.