HotSchedules

Who can use HotSchedules?

HotSchedules was specifically designed for the restaurant, hospitality and retail sectors. While we tout our products as restaurant labor management solutions, they can be utilized by companies of any type and size (single or multiple locations) that schedule by shift. HotSchedules is the perfect solution for any business owner who would like to dramatically reduce labor costs, save valuable time, and improve their work culture through enhanced communication.

Why select HotSchedules over other online restaurant labor management solutions?

Experience. We pioneered the concept of web-based employee scheduling over 10 years ago. HotSchedules was co-founded by restaurant managers from industry-leading restaurant concepts.

Innovative technology. HotSchedules continues to develop our cutting-edge restaurant employee scheduling solutions to meet the needs of over 300,000 users that rely on our technology every day. HotSchedules provides automatic updates to ensure that all of our clients are familiar with our latest software updates and enhancements.

Client satisfaction. We go above and beyond to ensure that our clients are completely satisfied.We guarantee you will see the immediate benefits in time savings and are proud to report that we have enjoyed a 99% client retention rate in the 10 years we have been in business.

Will HotSchedules work for me if I own or operate multiple locations?

Yes. multiple locations, departments or divisions can be scheduled with HotSchedules. If locations share employees (such as employees who work with two restaurant concepts under the same company umbrella) you can set up one HotSchedules Company and location-specific positions.

Can HotSchedules automatically send e-mail and text message notifications of new schedules to my employees?

Yes. HotSchedules has an advanced notification system that allows each user to add their email and text message addresses to receive notification.

Once I post a schedule, can I easily make changes to it?

Yes. Managers can easily make changes to employee schedules online. If you make a change to a schedule that has been posted, notifications will automatically send out to any employee whose schedule has changed. Since HotSchedules updates in real-time, shift schedules that employees view online are always 100% current and accurate.

Can a manager set permanent availabilities?

Yes. Managers have total control over permanent availabilities for employees. Employees can request time off, however managers are the only default users with the permission to change permanent availability.

Can employees trade and swap shifts with HotSchedules?

Yes. HotSchedules provides restaurant employees with the ability to open up, pick-up and swap shifts with other employees of the same job code. Before a shift trade can be finalized, an employee will need to pick up the shift and a manager must approve the shift change. Employees will receive instant confirmation of approved changes online, by email or through SMS text messaging.

Can each employee designate when they prefer to work?

Yes. HotSchedules gives your employees the ability to easily post their schedule preferences and time off. Managers still have complete control to approve or deny each request.

How long will it take me to enter the information I need to start scheduling?

When you begin your HotSchedules subscription, you will be prompted for only the basic information necessary to get your company started scheduling immediately.  This process usually takes between 15 - 30 minutes.

Is the scheduler easy to use?

Yes. HotSchedules' interface was designed to mimic spreadsheets. You can create and edit shifts using your keyboard or mouse, just as you could in Excel.

Can I copy a schedule from a previous week and make my adjustments before posting?

Yes. You can copy over schedules from the previous two weeks and easily make adjustments.

Can I be in control of the labor plans for scheduling?

Yes. HotSchedules gives you the ability to create multiple schedule templates that your managers can select from and utilize based on projected hours and costs for each shift. This is the most effective way of scheduling your staff to receive the greatest labor efficiency.

How does HotSchedules' automatic scheduling work?

Managers can use use our auto-schedule feature to quickly populate their schedules based on things like employee availability, requests to work or not work, job codes, and total hours. The auto-scheduler is currently available for Team, Workforce and Enterprise users.

Can I print schedules in a variety of formats (weekly, daily, etc.)?

Yes. Your schedules can be viewed through daily rosters or weekly print outs.

Does it keep track of employee hours?

Yes. Statistics for each shift, employee, position, day and week are always available.

Do I have to download any software with HotSchedules?

No. HotSchedules runs its own secure servers. Each user can access their information securely via the internet using a unique user ID and password. No software or information needs to be stored on your computer.

What is the difference between a software program and an "online" solution?

A software program requires an install, which takes up valuable hard drive space on your computer. Additionally, with a software program, you are subject to computer crashes that could destroy important data. Online programs like HotSchedules allow you to access the program from any computer connected to the Internet, in addition to web-enabled smart phones - allowing you to view and create schedules from home or while traveling. With HotSchedules, you do not have to worry about software installation or upgrading to new versions.

How can I pay for the HotSchedules restaurant labor management solution?

A valid credit card is required to begin using HotSchedules services via the web. For a more complete list of payment options for Workforce and Enterprise clients, please contact sales at (866)-753-3851.