Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Context/Example |
Availability | ah-vay-lah-bil-ih-tee | A staff member's declared days and hours they can work, submitted to management for scheduling | "Submit your updated availability before the schedule is posted." |
Buddy system | buh-dee sis-tem | A training method pairing a new employee with an experienced staff member for guidance during early shifts | "We use a buddy system for all new hires in their first week." |
Call-in | kawl-in | The process of notifying management that a staff member is unable to attend their scheduled shift | "Call in at least 2 hours before your shift starts." |
Career development | kah-reer dih-vel-uhp-ment | A structured plan for helping staff members grow their skills and progress within the organisation | "We offer career development pathways for all full-time staff." |
Certification | ser-tih-fih-kay-shun | A formal qualification confirming that a staff member has completed the required training or safety programmes | "All FOH staff must hold a current food handler certification." |
Clock in / out | klok in / owt | The process of electronically recording the start and end time of a shift | "Clock in exactly at your scheduled time — not before." |
Closing duties | kloh-zing dyoo-teez | The set of cleaning, stocking, and organisational tasks completed at the end of a shift | "Complete all closing duties before clocking out." |
Code of conduct | kohd uhv kon-duhkt | The documented standards of professional behaviour expected of all staff members | "Review the code of conduct as part of your onboarding." |
Cross-training | kross tray-ning | Training a staff member to competently work multiple positions or stations | "Cross-training improves scheduling flexibility and team resilience." |
Disciplinary procedure | dis-ih-plih-neh-ree proh-see-jer | The formal process is followed when a staff member breaches policy or standards of conduct | "A formal disciplinary procedure was initiated after the third incident." |
Double shift | duh-buhl shift | Working two consecutive shifts in a single day, typically covering both lunch and dinner service | "Can you work a double shift tomorrow — lunch and dinner?" |
Employee handbook | em-ploy-ee hand-buk | A document outlining the company's rules, policies, expectations, and procedures for all staff | "Review the employee handbook before your first day." |
Exit interview | ek-sit in-ter-vyoo | A structured conversation with a departing staff member to gather feedback on their experience | "We conduct an exit interview with every staff member who leaves." |
Food handler certification | A recognised food safety qualification is required for all staff who handle or prepare food | "All staff must hold a current food handler certification before starting." | |
Gratuity sharing | gruh-tyoo-ih-tee shair-ing | A system in which tips or service charges are distributed among eligible staff members | "Gratuity sharing is calculated and paid out at the end of each week." |
Grievance procedure | gree-vans proh-see-jer | The formal process by which a staff member can raise a complaint or concern with management | "All staff have the right to follow the grievance procedure." |
Induction | in-duhk-shun | The formal introduction programme for a new employee covering policies, procedures, and the workplace | "Induction takes place on your first day before you begin your shift." |
Key performance indicators (KPIs) | kee per-for-mens in-dih-kay-terz | Measurable targets used to evaluate an individual staff member's performance and productivity | "Your KPIs include table turn time, upsell rate, and guest satisfaction scores." |
Labour law compliance | lay-ber law kom-ply-ens | Adherence to all applicable employment legislation covering hours, pay, breaks, and conditions | "Ensure all scheduling complies with local labour law." |
Line training | lyn tray-ning | Hands-on kitchen station instruction provided to new cooks before they work independently | "New cooks must complete two weeks of line training before working solo." |
Mentorship | men-ter-ship | An informal or formal relationship in which an experienced staff member guides a newer employee | "We encourage mentorship between senior chefs and commis." |
No-call / no-show | noh-kawl noh-shoh | When a staff member fails to attend a scheduled shift without any prior notification | "A no-call / no-show results in formal disciplinary action." |
Onboarding | awn-bord-ing | The full process of integrating a new employee into the team, including paperwork, training, and orientation | "Complete all onboarding requirements before your first shift." |
Opening duties | oh-pen-ing dyoo-teez | The set of preparation, equipment, and setup tasks completed at the start of a shift | "Opening duties include equipment checks and station setup." |
Overtime | oh-ver-tym | Hours worked beyond the standard contracted shift are typically compensated at a higher pay rate | "Overtime must be pre-approved by the shift manager." |
Performance review | per-for-mens rih-vyoo | A formal evaluation of a staff member's work quality, conduct, and development over a period | "Annual performance reviews are held every January." |
Probation | proh-bay-shun | A defined trial period at the start of employment, during which performance is closely monitored | "All new hires are on a 90-day probation period." |
Roster | ros-ter | The published schedule shows which staff members are working on each day and shift | "Check the roster on the staff noticeboard every Thursday." |
Schedule | sked-yool | The planned work time assignments for all staff across the week or pay period | "The schedule is posted every Thursday for the following week." |
ServSafe | serv-sayf | A widely recognised US-based food safety certification programme for restaurant staff and managers | "All managers must hold a current ServSafe certification — note equivalent programmes apply internationally." |
Shadowing | shad-oh-ing | A training method where a new employee observes and follows an experienced colleague during live service | "You will be shadowing Maria for your first two shifts." |
Shift leader | shift lee-der | A designated supervisor responsible for overseeing operations during a specific shift | "The shift leader handles all operational decisions during service." |
Shift swap | shift swap | An arrangement between two staff members to exchange scheduled shifts, subject to management approval | "All shift swaps must be approved by the manager in advance." |
Split shift | split shift | A working arrangement where a staff member works two separate periods in one day, with a significant break between | "Split shifts are common in restaurants — typically a lunch and dinner split." |
Staff meeting | staf mee-ting | A scheduled gathering of team members to discuss operations, performance, updates, and upcoming events | "Monthly staff meetings are held on the first Monday of each month." |
Tip pool | tip pool | A system in which all gratuities are collected together and distributed equally or proportionally among eligible staff | "All tips go into the tip pool and are shared at the end of service." |
Training checklist | tray-ning chek-list | A documented list of skills and tasks a new employee must complete and sign off on during their training period | "The trainer and trainee both sign the training checklist at the end of each session." |
Turnover rate | turn-oh-ver rayt | The rate at which staff leave and are replaced within a given period is used as a measure of staff retention | "High turnover rate increases recruitment and training costs significantly." |
Uniform policy | yoo-nih-form pol-ih-see | The documented standards specify what staff must wear during each shift | "Review the uniform policy in your employee handbook." |
Write-up | ryt-uhp | A formal written disciplinary record documenting a policy violation or performance issue | "Repeated tardiness resulted in a formal write-up." |