Analyze your restaurant's historical data to determine peak and slow periods. Use scheduling software or tools to create efficient and flexible staff schedules that align with customer demand. Ensure that you have the right number of employees scheduled during busy times while avoiding overstaffing during slower periods.

Cross-train your employees to perform multiple tasks and handle different roles. This allows for flexibility in staffing and reduces the need for additional personnel. For example, a server who can also handle hosting or bartending duties can help cover multiple positions during shifts.

Evaluate and optimize your restaurant's workflows to eliminate unnecessary steps and inefficiencies. Identify bottlenecks and implement strategies to streamline processes, such as reorganizing workstations, implementing technology solutions, or reassigning tasks to improve productivity.

Use time and attendance tracking systems to accurately record employee work hours. This helps prevent time theft, ensures accurate payroll calculations, and helps you identify any scheduling or attendance issues that may be affecting labor costs.

Invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure your staff is knowledgeable and efficient in their roles. Proper training reduces errors, improves productivity, and minimizes the need for supervision. Provide ongoing training to keep employees up to date with best practices and new technologies that can enhance efficiency.

Keep a close eye on overtime hours and manage them effectively. Monitor employee schedules to prevent unnecessary overtime and ensure that overtime is approved and justified when needed. Consider implementing policies and incentives to encourage employees to work efficiently within their scheduled hours.

Consider outsourcing certain tasks, such as bookkeeping, cleaning services, or marketing, to specialized external providers. This can help reduce the need for in-house staff and associated labor costs, especially for tasks that are not core to your restaurant's operations.