How to Onboard a New Restaurant Employee in Ireland

Onboarding new team members in your restaurant isn’t just about handing them a uniform and a timesheet. It’s about setting them—and your business—up for long-term success.

Why Structured Onboarding is Crucial in Ireland

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, in which 200 Irish hospitality workers were polled about restaurant HR, staffing and training in hospitality, 90% of Irish hospitality employees believe a structured onboarding process is either “extremely” or “somewhat” valuable.

A structured onboarding process helps reduce staff turnover, strengthens your company culture, and gets new hires up to speed quickly. 

In Ireland, where labour shortages remain a concern and 95% of restaurateurs expect growth, onboarding matters more than ever (source: Toast Restaurant Trends Ireland Report).

Before Day One: Compliance and Culture

Make sure your new hire has:

• Completed right-to-work checks in line with Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) guidelines

• Been registered with the Revenue Commissioners as a new employee

• Signed a clear, written Contract of Employment, which 77% of Irish survey respondents said should be provided to everyone.

Week 1 Checklist

Help your new employees start strong with clear expectations and support.

Tasks include:

• Completing health and safety induction in line with the Health and Safety Authority standards

• Reviewing your restaurant’s policies on scheduling, harassment, dress code, and staff meals

• Logging into your POS and scheduling software

• Meeting their assigned buddy for mentoring

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, peer mentoring is ranked the most helpful onboarding method by Irish hospitality staff.

Set Up Direct Debit and Payroll

Ensure your new hire’s payroll is ready from day one. Use direct debit through your preferred payroll system and introduce them to your digital payslip provider. 

Refer to Revenue’s Payroll Services Guide for accurate tax reporting in Ireland.

Explain Benefits and Wellbeing Support

While traditional benefits like private healthcare may be out of reach for many small restaurants, consider alternatives:

• Commuting or bike-to-work schemes

• Staff meal discounts

• Flexible shifts to promote work-life balance

In our Toast Consumer Preferences 2025 survey, 49% of Irish respondents said salary and benefits were the most important factor when evaluating a potential employer, followed by work-life balance.

Company Values, Policies, Culture, and Expectations

You need to set clear expectations and share what your restaurant stands for. 

This helps new employees feel aligned with your mission, understand how to navigate day-to-day challenges, and feel confident about where they fit in. Clearly outline:

• Your restaurant’s mission and culture

• Anti-harassment policies

• Conflict resolution steps

• Code of conduct

• Time-off requests

In our Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025 survey, 48.7% of Irish hospitality workers said clear anti-harassment policies would influence whether they accept a job offer 

Introduce the Team Structure and a Buddy System

Help your new hire feel confident from day one by clearly explaining who’s who on the team. Share a printed or digital staff org chart and highlight who they should turn to when their manager isn’t available. Outline how communication typically flows between the kitchen and front-of-house, and set expectations for collaboration across shifts and roles.

To further ease the transition, assign the new hire a buddy—someone who exemplifies your restaurant’s values and can guide them through the first week. A buddy system not only answers those everyday questions (like where to find extra cutlery or how to log into the POS) but also fosters belonging and boosts confidence.

Map Out a 30-60-90 Day Plan

Onboarding doesn’t stop after the first shift—or even the first week. Creating a 30-60-90 day plan helps your new hire visualise their growth and gives your team a structured way to support them.

• Day 30: Comfortably serving tables or stations, understanding allergens

• Day 60: Mastering menu knowledge and POS systems

• Day 90: Demonstrating leadership potential and consistency

When you onboard with intention, you’re doing more than just filling a vacancy. You’re investing in your people, strengthening your culture, and building a restaurant team ready to thrive—now and in the months to come.