Kitchen Steward Onboarding Checklist

Kitchen Steward Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Kitchen Steward starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Hospitality onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Kitchen Steward, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Kitchen Steward onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Kitchen Steward Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The first task for a new kitchen steward would be to attend an orientation session. This session would provide an overview of the company’s policies, procedures, and values. It would be conducted by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Introduction to the team: The new kitchen steward should be introduced to their immediate team members, including supervisors, chefs, and fellow kitchen staff. This introduction would help them establish relationships and understand the hierarchy within the kitchen. The introduction can be facilitated by the supervisor or a designated team member.

3. Familiarization with the kitchen layout: It is crucial for the kitchen steward to become familiar with the layout of the kitchen, including the location of equipment, storage areas, and workstations. This task can be performed by a senior kitchen steward or a designated trainer.

4. Understanding safety protocols: Safety is of utmost importance in a kitchen environment. The new kitchen steward should receive training on safety protocols, including proper handling of equipment, use of personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures. This training can be conducted by the kitchen supervisor or a designated safety officer.

5. Introduction to cleaning procedures: As a kitchen steward, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is a primary responsibility. The new hire should be trained on the specific cleaning procedures for different areas of the kitchen, such as dishwashing, food preparation surfaces, and storage areas. This training can be provided by a senior kitchen steward or a designated trainer.

6. Learning inventory management: The kitchen steward plays a crucial role in managing inventory, such as monitoring stock levels, organizing supplies, and ensuring proper storage. They should receive training on inventory management systems and procedures from the kitchen supervisor or a designated inventory manager.

7. Understanding waste management: Proper waste management is essential in a kitchen to maintain cleanliness and adhere to environmental regulations. The new kitchen steward should be trained on waste segregation, recycling practices, and disposal procedures. This training can be conducted by the kitchen supervisor or a designated waste management officer.

8. Learning food safety regulations: The kitchen steward should be familiarized with food safety regulations and guidelines, such as proper food handling, storage, and temperature control. This training can be provided by the kitchen supervisor or a designated food safety officer.

9. Introduction to kitchen equipment: The new hire should receive training on the operation and maintenance of various kitchen equipment, such as dishwashers, ovens, grills, and slicers. This training can be conducted by a senior kitchen steward or a designated equipment specialist.

10. Shadowing experienced kitchen stewards: To gain practical knowledge and experience, the new kitchen steward should spend time shadowing experienced kitchen stewards. This would allow them to observe and learn the daily tasks, routines, and best practices. The shadowing can be arranged by the kitchen supervisor or a designated mentor.

11. Reviewing company policies and procedures: The new kitchen steward should be provided with a comprehensive review of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to attendance, breaks, dress code, and code of conduct. This review can be conducted by the human resources department or the kitchen supervisor.

12. Training on customer service: In the hospitality industry, providing excellent customer service is crucial. The new kitchen steward should receive training on customer service skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and maintaining a positive attitude. This training can be provided by the kitchen supervisor or a designated customer service trainer.

13. Introduction to company culture: Understanding and embracing the company’s culture is important for a new kitchen steward. They should be introduced to the company’s values, mission, and vision, as well as any unique traditions or practices. This introduction can be facilitated by the human resources department or a designated culture ambassador.

14. Performance expectations and goal setting: The new kitchen steward should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations and goals. This includes productivity targets, quality standards, and any specific tasks or projects they are responsible for. The kitchen supervisor or a designated performance manager should communicate and discuss these expectations with the new hire.

15. Ongoing training and development opportunities: To enhance skills and knowledge, the new kitchen steward should be informed about ongoing training and development opportunities, such as workshops, courses, or certifications. The human resources department or the kitchen supervisor should provide information and guidance on accessing these opportunities

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Kitchen Steward checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Kitchen Steward up to speed and working well in your Hospitality team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.