Managing employee schedules is challenging. You have to make sure that you have the right mix of workers available at all times, which is daunting on its own. Plus, you have to account for planned and unexpected absences, unanticipated turnover, sudden emergencies that make it necessary for a team member to head out without warning, and more.
Luckily, there are things you can do to simplify how you schedule employees. Here’s how to get started.
Employee Scheduling Made Simpler
1. Have Strong Policies
First and foremost, you need to create clear policies regarding schedule expectations and rules. For example, employees need a clear understanding of what does or doesn’t qualify as an excused absence, minimum notice requirements, whether they have to arrange their own coverage, and anything else scheduling related.
Without clear policies, you’ll struggle to enforce certain requirements. Plus, you may not be able to take action against those who are abusing the schedule without formal disciplinary procedures in place.
2. Know Your Needs
Many companies have shifts in demand, altering how many employees they require. For many businesses, the pattern is fairly predictable. For example, it might be tied to the seasons or specific events.
By looking at your past data, you can identify periods when you need more or fewer employees. This allows you to prepare in advance, creating enough slots for an appropriate level of coverage. Additionally, it can allow you to refine your workforce, ensuring you have the right kind of employees available based on the anticipated duties that need to be performed.
3. Get to Know Your Team
By learning about your employees’ preferences and needs, you can schedule them in ways that best fit their lives and make them happier. For example, you can accommodate school schedules for students, choose timing that aligns with daycare hours for parents, or align work hours with when an employee feels most energetic and productive.
Plus, you can identify those who are the most flexible in advance. If you need to call someone in to replace a no-show, you will already know who is most likely to say yes. This can make sudden scheduling needs easier to manage, reducing the overall level of stress.
4. Add Some Predictability
In many cases, employees are more reliable when they can anticipate their schedule. When they can predict when they will or won’t be working, they can adjust their personal lives accordingly. This can reduce the number of call-outs and no-call/no-shows, as employees won’t be caught off guard.
Plus, if you opt for a schedule pattern, you won’t have to make major adjustments each and every week (or scheduling period). When things are running per usual, you can essentially copy the previous schedule and keep going with it until a change is actually necessary.
Looking for staffing solutions?
Ultimately, all of the tips above can make it easier to manage employee scheduling. If you’d like to learn more, the team at TRC Staffing Services can help. Contact us with your questions today and see how our scheduling expertise can benefit you.
