The HR department of any business has several difficult tasks to handle. One is creating schedules that meet the needs of management and staff members. Regardless of whether a business has 10 or 100 employees, keeping track of employee availability is typically a challenge.
While there are several options to simplify the scheduling process, one of the best is employee self-service software. However, before jumping in and implementing an entirely new process, you likely want to know if this is a smart move. Any savvy business owner needs to make sure this solution fits their company.
Flexible Scheduling is the New “Norm”
An important factor modern businesses need to embrace is flexible scheduling. Long gone are the days where working 9 to 5 is acceptable. Today’s workers want more flexibility.
The entire topic of flexible working schedules is an interesting one. It means different things to different companies.
If you want to adopt this type of scheduling for your business, you need to discuss the option with your employees. They are likely going to have some input about the process. However, for HR departments, it may seem difficult to implement. After all, flexible shifts means workers are going to pick and choose what days and hours they work. Department managers may believe this means their job is going to get more difficult.
After all, what happens if no one wants to work on Tuesday? Or, handle the weekend shift? There is good news. You can avoid these situations. Auto-rostering based on employee availability creates a flexible shift with a bit of structure. When adopting flexible scheduling, make sure employees know it doesn’t mean complete control of their working hours. You still have to ensure productivity is upheld.
Creating the flexible scheduling plan is the first step for success.
Create a Process Using Employee Self-Service Software
Flexible schedules cannot lie completely in employee’s hands. Members of your HR department have to create the “rules” of this scheduling process. This includes letting employees know that they can choose their working hours, but if enough workers are not choosing certain hours or days, they are going to be assigned these times.
This still leaves quite a bit of flexibility. In fact, this is more flexibility than most business’s offer. Think about it. How many offices, retail establishments, warehouses, and other organizations still abide by the 8 to 5 workday? You can likely think of quite a few. Embracing a flexible scheduling process allows you to stand out. As a result, potential workers are going to find the company more appealing to work for.
Benefits of Implementing Flexible Scheduling Based on Employee Availability
Are you still on the fence? When you own a business, big decisions like this require ample consideration. After all, the old saying goes, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” However, there are many benefits offered by using employee self-service software for creating flexible schedules.
Improved Job Satisfaction
When workers are in control, have a good work-life balance, and have control over their working hours, they are happier. Happier workers lead to a higher level of job satisfaction. This satisfaction helps improve employee retention rates. All this is beneficial for any business, regardless of size or industry.
Those who work part-time may also find the new scheduling process beneficial. They can easily let the HR department know what hours they are available. The scheduling software can then use the information on the employee availability calendar to create schedules automatically. This reduces the work for the entire department.
Higher Levels of Productivity
Another benefit of flexible scheduling is an increase in worker productivity. When employees are working on their terms, they are going to work harder during those hours. This leads to higher levels of productivity. In the long run, higher productivity leads to increased business profits.
Is Collaborative Management Right for You?
Putting scheduling in the hands of employees is beneficial for management and workers. While they don’t have the final say, it is extremely helpful. For example, workers can mark their availability. This allows them to have time off when needed.
Remember, this scheduling process may not be right for all businesses. However, if you believe flexible scheduling is a smart option, it can lead to increased employee satisfaction. It can also result in workers dedicating the time they are working to getting things done.
The fact is, the old strict scheduling isn’t appealing to many millennial workers. With these individuals entering the workforce now, businesses have to change their methods to attract the right talent. In many situations, this is easier said than done. However, a great way to stand out from other employers in the industry is to offer flexible scheduling based on employee availability.
When software solutions are used, they can simplify the entire process. Flexible scheduling is streamlined, which leads to happier employees and a more productive business. Avoid scheduling woes with this technology in place.
