|
Go
|
|
|
|
|
Training manuals: A how-to guide
By Geoff Wilson, president and Patricia Csapo, Associate, fsSTRATEGY Inc.
|
|
|
Why do you need a training manual?
Opening a new restaurant is a complex and detailed exercise. Nevertheless, even if you manage all the details well, without a pre-defined opening training process and the appropriate documentation, all your efforts may go for naught. That’s where a training manual comes into play.
Even if your restaurant is already operating, a training manual can be a valuable tool. To maintain standards, refresh our teams and successfully on-board new staff members, you need to have training programs laid out in detail.
Key benefits of a training manual include:
- Consistency. If staff members are all trained using the same message, results are likely to be more consistent
- Detail management. It’s challenging to remember all the details in training. A well-documented training manual provides the framework for smooth communication of all the necessary information in a logical fashion.
|
|
|
|
Demonstration of effort
Various government agencies require compliance with specific aspects of training and provision of information to staff. The presence of a detailed training plan and documentation of when training has been performed with each team member will aid in demonstrating compliance to the necessary authorities.
How do you maximize the benefit of a training manual?
Once the restaurant opens, it may be easy to forget about the training manual. Key steps to maximizing the benefit of training manuals on an ongoing basis include:
1. Develop it in a media that works best for your team – i.e., printed binder, server based electronic files, CD-ROM based files.
2. Use the training manual as the backbone for all ongoing training. No training gets done without it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Maintain records of training completed by each staff member in their personnel file.
4. Schedule semi-annual reviews of the training manual and update as needed.
5. Guard its distribution.
What should a great training manual contain?
The following items are examples of important sections to cover in an effective training manual. Additional topics will likely be required based on the specific position and organization, but these will provide a solid starting point in manual development.
- How to use this document
- Company Description and Vision Statement
- Job Description
- Rules, Regulations, Rights and General Reference to Orientation Materials and Processes
- Description of Hiring/Training Process
- Practical Training Schedule
- Cleaning, Sanitation and Safety
- Equipment and Appliances (use and cleaning)
- Food Preparation Procedures
- Security & Controls Procedures
- Standard Operating Procedures and Position Specific Tasks
- Daily Duties and Responsibilities
About the author:
Geoff Wilson is President of fsSTRATEGY Inc., a consulting firm specializing in business strategy in the foodservice industry. Patricia Csapo is an Associate with fsSTRATEGY, providing advisory services in the area of Human Resources. fsSTRATEGY provides extensive support in the areas of concept development, site selection performance improvement and strategic planning. For more information or assistance with Training Manuals, visit www.fsSTRATEGY.com or contact us at 416-229-2290.
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
| |
| < Back |
|
|
|
| Copyright © Restaurant Central. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|