ShiftForce Blog
Posts by:
Larry Struckman
Passionate about setting up systems and procedures that assure success, training, consulting, growing sales, strategic planning, creating "raving fan" customer service and just about anything related to food service. 25+ years in food and sales as well as growing hundreds of concepts with different operators (I have seen them all). I enjoy cooking, computer software, Taekwondo and spending time with my family. We started ShiftNote in 2007 to help organizations like yours create a better platform for shift-to-shift communication across their organization. Our purpose is to serve you with the best online digital logbook and employee scheduling software on the market so you can spend more time focusing on growing your business.
Mastering Shift Notes: A Communication Guide for Restaurant Managers
Every shift carries vital information—what went right, what went wrong, what needs follow-up. For restaurant managers, shift notes are the linchpin in connecting one shift to the next. Done right, they keep your operation smooth, your team aligned, and your service consistent.
Why Shift Management Matters More Than Ever in 2025
In 2025, manufacturing leaders are facing pressures from every angle. Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, automation, sustainability expectations, and tighter production deadlines are all converging. In this environment, shift management is no longer just about filling a schedule — it’s about building resilience, agility, and a stronger workforce. Done well, it can reduce chaos, improve morale, and even give manufacturers a competitive edge.
Quick Guide: What Is Shift Management and Why Should You Care?
Running a shift-based business—whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or manufacturing floor—means juggling schedules, people, and performance, often all at once. That’s where shift management comes in.
Grow from Within: How to Promote the Right People
Promoting from within is one of the smartest moves a manager can make. It rewards hard work, strengthens team loyalty, and creates a culture where employees can see a future for themselves. For restaurants, hotels, and other shift-based businesses, internal promotions can be the difference between constant turnover and a thriving, stable team.
Forecast Smarter: Tips for Better Labor Planning
Labor planning is one of the trickiest balancing acts for any shift-based business. Schedule too many people and you’re burning payroll. Schedule too few and your team burns out—while your customers feel the impact.
How AI Can Help You Run a Better Restaurant
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech companies anymore—it’s quickly becoming a game-changer for restaurants of all sizes. From predicting customer demand to automating tedious tasks, AI can help you improve efficiency, reduce waste, and even strengthen your team culture.
Building Habits with Your Manager Logbook
A manager logbook isn’t just a place to jot down what happened during a shift—it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to build consistency, improve communication, and make better decisions over time.
How to Build a 'No Drama' Team Culture
In shift-based workplaces—especially restaurants, hotels, and other high-pressure service environments—drama isn’t just a distraction. It’s a drain. It eats away at productivity, morale, and trust. It creates tension between shifts, drives good employees out the door, and makes every manager’s life harder than it needs to be.
How to Improve Communication with Your Shift Team
If you’ve ever walked into a shift where nobody knew what happened the night before—you’re not alone.