Verbal handovers are easy to shorten or forget when a restaurant is busy. The next team can begin without knowing about incomplete work, stock shortages, equipment problems, or customer follow-up.
A written handover form gives outgoing and incoming teams one shared record. Useful sections include the shift summary, staffing changes, open tasks, supply issues, maintenance concerns, customer notes, and safety or cash exceptions.
Keep handovers useful
- Record exceptions, not a minute-by-minute diary
- Name the person responsible for each follow-up
- Include a clear status and next action
- Review the form together when shifts overlap
- Require sign-off from both sides when appropriate
The goal is not more paperwork. It is fewer repeated questions, missed actions, and surprises at the start of the next shift.