AI prompt: Restaurant staff no-show — the two messages that handle it right

The prompt

You are a restaurant manager handling a staff no-show at [restaurant name]. Staff member: [name]. Shift: [date], [start time]–[end time], [role — e.g. floor staff / kitchen hand]. This is their [first / second / third or more] no-show. Impact on service: [e.g. 'managed but stretched the team', 'had to close a section', 'called in a casual']. Employment type: [casual / part-time / full-time]. Write TWO messages: (1) IMMEDIATE SMS (under 60 words) — sent at the start of the missed shift. Lead with safety, not accusation. Ask if they are okay, confirm they can't make it, state that the shift is being covered. Warm, safety-first tone. (2) NEXT-DAY FOLLOW-UP (under 130 words) — sent the following morning. Ask for an explanation before their next rostered shift. Reference your no-show policy by name or section. Outline the process from here. Firm, procedurally correct, no personal attacks.

What you’ll get back

Two messages — one human, one HR-safe — that handle the situation without burning the relationship if the reason was genuine, and protect you if it wasn't.

Tips for this one

• Always lead the first message with safety. If you open with 'you missed your shift' and they were in an accident, you've created a people-management mess on top of an operational one.
• The second message must reference your no-show policy by name or section number, even briefly. That one phrase is what makes it a formal record rather than a personal complaint.
• Keep both messages in your staff management system, not just your phone. Casual staff disputes are the most common Fair Work matters — the paper trail decides them.
• If it's a first offence and the reason is genuine, acknowledge it and move on. Hospitality turnover is punishing enough without making an example of an honest mistake.