Welcome to the Workplace Culture Toolkit for Restaurant Operators — a collection of practical, ready-to-use tools designed to help you build a stronger, people-first workplace. Each resource is a downloadable Word document that’s fully editable and easy to customize for your business. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for best practices to refine your existing policies, these tools are built to save you time and help you implement systems that support your team and workplace culture.
Each document includes a one-page cover sheet that explains what the tool is for, how to use it, and key considerations before making it your own. After reviewing, simply delete the cover sheet and adapt the content to fit your operation. The toolkit is divided into four key segments: Policies & Procedures, Recruiting & Hiring, Performance & Development, and Resilience & Recovery. Each file within the segment is colour-coded to help guide your progress.
Pick and choose the documents that best support your business and your team — and start building a more resilient, people-focused workplace today.
Note: The files are best suited to be used in a full version of Word (rather than Google Docs).
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
These templates simplify the implementation of industry best practices and compliance. Formalizing Policies and Procedures sets clear expectations for staff, reduces confusion and lay the groundwork for developing team members one-on-one with the ultimate goal of fostering a professional, high-performing workplace experience.
Downloadable Templates:
- Manager’s Guide to People Policies – Checklist
- Code of Conduct
- Health & Safety Policy Statement
- Respectful Workplace Policy
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Policy
- Manager’s Guide to Employee Exits
- Statutory Holiday Swap Policy
- Averaging Agreement
- Scheduling & Sick Leave Policy
- Workplace Bullying & Harassment Policy
- Manager’s Guide to Bullying & Harassment
- Social Media Policy
- Speak Up Policy for Reporting Misconduct
- Privacy Policy
- Mobile Phone Use Policy
RECRUITING & HIRING
Standardizing your Recruiting & Hiring process ensures your company values at the forefront when targeting and selecting candidates. A consistent, fair, and structured approach not only attracts the right talent but also strengthens your restaurant’s culture by ensuring new hires align with your team. When customizing these templates, keep your brand and values in mind to set a clear and consistent foundation for long-term success.
Downloadable Templates:
- Setting Expectations for New Workers
- Interviewing Candidates for Fit Sample Questions
- Job Candidate Assessment Tool
- People-First Orientation Checklist
- Manager Orientation Checklist
- New Worker Orientation Checklist
- Orientation Acknowledgement Form – (basic version)
- Orientation Acknowledgement Form – (manager version)
- Employee Benefits Overview Template
- Simple Contract for New Employees
RESILIENCE & RECOVERY
In today’s unpredictable world, previously unthinkable situations, emergencies and disruptions are inevitable –
it’s not a matter of if they will happen, but when. Our Resilience & Recovery Tools are designed to help develop a proactive strategy that allows you to navigate crises more effectively and build long-term resilience for future challenges.
Downloadable Templates:
PERFORMANCE & DEVELOPMENT
Our Performance & Development tools provide a structured framework to ensure consistency in how employees – especially your future leaders – are supported, evaluated and developed. By setting clear expectations and providing meaningful growth opportunities, these tools help cultivate a motivated, high-performing team. A structured approach fosters engagement, creates growth opportunities and strengthens your workplace culture and improves retention, driving long-term restaurant success.
Downloadable Templates:
***PLEASE NOTE:
The toolkit and its contents are intended to provide general guidance and support. We expect that the materials found in the toolkit will be customized and tailored by restaurant owners for use in their particular circumstances. There is rarely a one-size-fits all solution to the sorts of matters addressed in the toolkit.
We are certain that restaurant owners will find these materials useful. Note that users assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, and use of any documents derived from these materials. It is your obligation to ensure they are appropriate for your specific needs.
If you are dealing with a unique or challenging situation, we strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified expert or legal professional before implementing any strategies or formalizing documents based on these materials.
A good starting point for all your HR related questions is go2HR.
Find your regional HR advisors’ contact here: https://www.go2hr.ca/human-resources/hr-advisory