Shift Handover Format
Fill in cash, pending arrivals, VIPs, complaints, maintenance and messages, and print a handover sheet that both staff sign.
How to use the free Shift Handover Format
- Fill in your details in the fields above – hotel name, dates and the other details you need.
- Tap the button to create the document instantly. Edit any field and generate again.
- Copy, print or save the result and use it in your daily or monthly review.
This Shift Handover Format runs fully in your browser on mobile or desktop – no sign-up and nothing is uploaded. Free hotel shift handover format. Add cash, pending check-ins, VIPs, complaints, maintenance and messages to get a printable sheet for both staff to sign.
What a good shift handover covers
Most guest complaints that escalate in a hotel can be traced back to a missed handover: the late arrival nobody knew about, the anniversary cake that never reached the room, the AC complaint that the next shift heard about only when the guest called again. A written handover, signed by both the outgoing and incoming staff, makes sure nothing is lost when people change.
This format puts everything in one sheet:
- Cash: opening float, cash in the drawer and the amount collected during the shift, counted together by both people.
- Pending check-ins: expected guests, ETA, booking source and payment status.
- VIPs and special attention: celebrations, repeat guests, early check-outs and guests with special needs.
- Open complaints and maintenance: what was reported, who was informed and what is still pending.
- Messages: calls to return, wake-up calls and follow-ups.
- Items handed over: keys, registers, radios and card machines.
How to run a handover in five minutes
- Fill the form 15 minutes before the shift ends.
- Count the cash together and write the figure, not just "OK".
- Walk through each open item aloud; the incoming person asks questions.
- Both sign. The duty manager reviews the sheet at the start of the day.
- File the sheet in the log book so it can be traced later.
Tips for different departments
- Front office: match the cash and room count with the night audit report.
- Housekeeping: list rooms still to be serviced, lost and found items and linen issues.
- Kitchen and F&B: note pending orders, stock shortages and equipment faults.
- Security: record vehicles, visitors still inside and any incidents.
Build the handover into your written procedures with the hotel SOP generator and keep shift timings consistent with your duty roster.
Frequently asked questions
What should be included in a hotel shift handover?
Cash and float, pending arrivals, VIP and special requests, open complaints, maintenance issues, messages to follow up and the keys or equipment being handed over, signed by both staff.
Who signs the shift handover form?
The outgoing and incoming staff both sign after counting cash and discussing open items. Many hotels also ask the duty manager to review and sign.
Can I use this format for housekeeping or security?
Yes. Choose the department, and use the sections for that department's open items, such as rooms to service, lost and found items or visitors still on the premises.
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