Labor Matrix
Configure labor staffing requirements by position based on forecasted sales volume
Overview
The Labor Matrix defines how many labor hours are needed for each job position based on the forecasted sales volume. When a sales forecast is generated or updated, the labor forecast is automatically recalculated using the labor matrix configuration.
This ensures that scheduling decisions are data-driven — staffing levels directly reflect expected business volume.
How It Works
Forecasted Sales → Labor Matrix Rules → Required Hours by PositionThe labor matrix maps sales thresholds to staffing levels for each position. As projected sales increase, the matrix indicates additional staff is needed.
Configuration
Job Positions
Before configuring the labor matrix, ensure job positions are defined in Admin > Job Positions:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Position Name | Display name (e.g., "Server", "Line Cook", "Host") |
| Department | Grouping category (FOH, BOH, Management) |
| Hourly Rate | Average hourly wage for cost calculations |
| Is Variable | Whether hours scale with sales (vs. fixed positions) |
Variable Labor
Variable labor positions scale their hours based on forecasted sales volume. The matrix defines the relationship:
| Sales Range ($/hr) | Servers | Line Cooks | Bartenders |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $200 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| $201 – $400 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| $401 – $600 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| $601 – $800 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| $801+ | 6 | 3 | 3 |
The system calculates Sales Per Labor Hour (SPLH) targets from this matrix to determine optimal staffing.
Fixed Labor
Fixed labor positions have consistent hours regardless of sales volume:
| Position | Hours/Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Manager | 9 | Always scheduled |
| Prep Cook | 6 | Morning prep regardless of volume |
| Dishwasher | 8 | Required for all operating hours |
Labor Calculation Method
Two methods are available for variable labor calculations:
By Sales (SPLH)
Required Hours = Forecasted Sales ÷ Target SPLHTarget SPLH is configured per position. Higher SPLH targets mean fewer hours scheduled.
By Guest Count (EPLH — Employees Per Labor Hour)
Required Hours = Forecasted Guests ÷ Target Guests Per Labor HourMetrics
The labor matrix drives several key metrics displayed on the forecast dashboard:
| Metric | Formula | Target Range |
|---|---|---|
| SPLH | Total Sales ÷ Total Labor Hours | $35–$45 |
| Labor % | Total Labor Cost ÷ Total Sales × 100 | 25–30% |
| EPLH | Guests Served ÷ Total Labor Hours | 4–6 |
| OT Hours | Hours scheduled above 40/week per employee | Minimize |
Day Part Configuration
Labor requirements can vary by day part (breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night). The labor matrix supports different staffing rules per day part:
- Breakfast — Minimal FOH, standard BOH
- Lunch — Peak FOH and BOH staffing
- Dinner — Full staffing with additional bartenders
- Late Night — Reduced to closing crew
Day parts are configured in Forecast Settings.
Navigating the Labor Matrix
- Go to Forecasting in the sidebar
- Select Labor Matrix from the forecasting navigation
- Choose a location (or configure at the org level for all locations)
- Define positions and their labor type (Variable or Fixed)
- For variable positions, set the sales-to-hours mapping
- Click Save
Changes to the labor matrix take effect on the next forecast generation. Existing published forecasts are not retroactively updated.