STEP #1 - Notify Management Immediately (Required)
If you cannot work a scheduled shift, you must call management as soon as possible.​
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Follow this order:
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Contact the Restaurant Manager as soon as possible.
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If the manager does not answer, call the Director of Operations (DOO) or the DGI Office Team
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Who must call:
The Team Member scheduled to work must make the call personally. Calls from relatives, friends, coworkers, or other third parties are not accepted unless a verifiable emergency prevents the Team Member from calling.
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IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS
Illness or Emergency:
If illness or an emergency prevents you from working, notify management immediately. Additional instructions may be provided based on the situation.​
STEP #2 - Find Coverage
After notifying management, you are responsible for finding coverage for your shift unless management expressly excuses the absence.
Coverage Rules:
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Find a qualified and eligible Team Member
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Management may provide names and phone numbers of eligible Team Members
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Contact eligible Team Members directly to request coverage
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Shift coverage may not be arranged through social media or third-party apps.
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Coworkers are not required to accept or respond
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Coverage is not guaranteed
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A shift is not covered until management reviews and approves the replacement.
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IMPORTANT
Required Text Message & Communication Rule
Required Text Message Rules
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Any text message requesting coverage must include Management (Restaurant Manager or Director of Operations) from the first message
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Private, one-on-one texts between Team Members do NOT count
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Forwarded messages, screenshots, or “they said yes” statements are not accepted
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Management must be able to see the full conversation in real time
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Messages sent after the shift start time are not valid
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Acceptable Text Message Example
“Hey, I’m scheduled today from 3–9 and cannot make it. Are you able to cover?
[Management included on this message]”​
Unacceptable Examples (Do NOT Count)
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Texting a coworker without Management included
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Sending Management a screenshot of a private conversation
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Telling Management verbally that “someone agreed”
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Group chats without Management
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Social media messages, DMs, or third-party apps
If Management is not included on the text message thread, coverage is considered NOT requested.
STEP #3 - Management Approval & Consequences
Before a shift change is final:
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Management must approve any coverage or absence
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A coworker agreeing to cover does not finalize change
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Approval must occur before the shift begins
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If these steps are not followed:
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The absence may be recorded as unexcused
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The occurrence will be handled under the Attendance & No Call/No Show policies in the Team Member Handbook
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Corrective action may apply, up to and including termination, depending on circumstances​
Important: This page outlines required steps. All attendance, coverage, and disciplinary rules are governed by the Team Member Handbook and apply at all times.