Training Manual

[Jnichols]

Hi All,
My son is opening a bar in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I have been working on a training manual for him i.e. bartender, server, security opening, closing and on-going duties. I have found lots of points in web searches but still not sure I am completely on track as I am not familiar with the workings of a bar - school nurse here - lol. Anyway, while looking through the threads here I saw one that talked about a short, yet concise, manual that someone had. I thought it was Mix but I may be wrong. Does anyone have one that they would be willing to share with me? Thank you for your input.
Janie

[aoco]

Most restaurants I have worked at only keep the manual very general. The manual should cover legal issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination policies, cutoff policies and such. Job descriptions should be specific to the task yet ambiguous to be defined as the business evolves. When doing a manual, you will have to remember that if you go overboard defining all of the rules, functions of each position, opening and closing duties, you'll have to have everyone re-sign or even re-issue manuals as you need to update them.

So instead of saying: "opening waitstaff should be present at 4:00pm" you would be a little more loose and say something to the effect of "you should be present at the beginning of your scheduled shift...."

Basically, the manuals that I have received over the years go something like:

About the company
Why we hired you
What we do - what our specialty is
Our customer service philosophy
Dress Code for staff members (broken down by position)
Attendance policies
Escalation policies (warnings and termination policies)
Bad weather policies (I live in the midwest so there are some companies who have these and others may not)
Sexual Harassment policies
Dealing with unruly guests or cut-off policies
Liquor and/or tobacco carding policies
-- some companies also have sections defining each individuals basic expectations broken down by staff placement. Like I mentioned earlier, it's best to only lay down the basics and include a "and duties as assigned" as a catchall. You can then break down individual opening and closing requirements on a dry erase board posted in a back office or employee area so that everyone can see them.

[Jnichols]

Thank You so much! I had this gut feeling I was getting wayyyyy to detailed in this manual, but wasn't sure what to do about it. Your way sounds much better, will cover it all yet leave it open to the on-going duty changes I am sure will show up. That is what I will do. Again, thank you very much for responding.
Janie

[Securitygeek]

I can't say about the rest of the sections, but the security section of the manual should be fairly well detailed. I posted the beginings of one here back a year or so ago, if you look at my profile you can find the post. and Ministry and mix both chimed in with some helpful suggestions.

[Jnichols]

Thank you SecurityGeek - I will do that! I appreciate all the help
Janie

[David]

Would you feel comfortable posting your draft on the site? We can look it over and make suggestions. We might even learn something from you too.

Thanks for taking care of us and for electing to be a Nurse. You guys rock.