Wednesday April 12, 2023

Are you fed up with the constant stress and headaches of employee scheduling? It’s time to bid adieu to those worries.

Scheduling can be difficult, but sadly, many myths out there make it even more challenging than it has to be. From assuming it is simply about calculating staff hours to believing Excel sheets can solve all your problems, these misconceptions can cause more harm than good.

In this blog, we’ll dispel some employee scheduling myths and provide workable solutions to help simplify the procedure and enhance workforce management. That said, continue reading to learn about the biggest scheduling misconceptions.

Myth 1: Employee scheduling is a set-it-and-forget-it task

Employee schedules are dynamic and affected by multiple factors, including changes in customer demand, unexpected absences, and employee requests for time off. As a result, managers must constantly review and modify schedules to guarantee their continued applicability and efficacy.

Regular reviews of scheduling data can also help managers spot patterns and trends that might need adjustment for upcoming schedules. For example, suppose certain employees consistently call in sick on specific days or during particular shifts. In that case, managers can proactively address the issue by hiring more staff or redistributing the workload.

Myth 2: You don’t need technology; pen & paper do the job

First and foremost, manually managing employee schedules is a time-consuming process that can take valuable management time. Shift scheduling software automates the scheduling process, freeing management time to focus on more strategic tasks.

Besides, the risk of errors is high when managing employee schedules manually, especially when dealing with large teams or complex shift patterns. In this case, scheduling software eliminates this risk by automating the scheduling process, ensuring that schedules are accurate and up-to-date.

Read more about how software and automation can help optimize workforce management by clicking here.

Myth 3: Employees do not mind if the schedule comes out late

This belief stems from the assumption that employees have flexible schedules and can quickly adapt to changes, but it fails to consider the negative impact on an employee’s personal life and work productivity.

For instance, when an employee’s schedule is released late, it can create uncertainty and anxiety. They may have made plans outside of work or arranged childcare based on the original schedule, only to find out they need to change their plans at the last minute. This unpredictability can create stress and resentment toward their employer.

Myth 4: Shift Scheduling software doesn’t have any ROI

With scheduling software, optimizing employee schedules based on variables like skill level, workload, and availability becomes easier. Managers can make the best use of their resources, boost productivity, and increase efficiency by designing schedules specific to the company’s needs.

Scheduling software can also increase employee satisfaction by offering more flexibility and predictability in scheduling. Employees can request time off or switch shifts more efficiently, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.

Myth 5: Tracking labor hours isn’t worth it

Managers can determine the ideal staffing level needed to run their business operations successfully by calculating labor hours. This is especially crucial during peak times or busy seasons when a lack of staff can cause unhappy customers or lost sales. Managers can improve customer satisfaction and their bottom line by scheduling the correct number of employees at the right time.

Summing It Up

Don’t let misconceptions prevent you from achieving a more efficient and effective scheduling process. Scheduling manually can be complex and time-consuming, especially when dealing with large teams. 

So, why wait? Try Vocantas’ user-friendly interface and advanced features to streamline the scheduling process and ensure optimal staffing levels; click here to request a demo.