A holistic staffing approach respects the need for accountability, preserves worker input, and creates transparency and flexibility. It is possible to utilize resources effectively, limit over-time, and improve staff satisfaction by using a variety of different scheduling methods.

Scheduling is a complex and dynamic process that’s influenced by organizational structure and culture. Some organizations manage staffing and scheduling with centralized systems through a central staffing office. Others are decentralized and schedule at an employee level. No one solution fits all organizations, so companies must create systems that fit the unique needs of their organization and staff. The following review of self-scheduling and shift pattern-based scheduling illustrates how adhering to solid scheduling principles can lead to positive organizational outcomes and staff satisfaction.

Self-Scheduling

In the self-scheduling approach, managers are relieved of most scheduling responsibilities, but the crew’s common governance needs to be shared among members. Among self-scheduling’s benefits, employees feel more ownership of the scheduling and for vacancy coverage on the crews.

Requirements:

• Easy access to the WFM system
• Team-driven collaboration
• Conflict Resolution Skills
• Communication Skills

When Done Right:

• Meets organizational workload requirements
• Complies with budgetary expectations.
• Enhances staff satisfaction.
• Reduces manager time spent scheduling.
• Reduces overtime
• Facilitates supplemental staffing.

Shift Pattern Scheduling

Shift pattern (block, core, cycle, master, rotating) schedules provide a repeating shift pattern. Shift pattern refers to a specific combination of workers and working hours that meet a specific need. Schedule templates are provided by some employee scheduling applications making it easy to generate such recurring patterns. Requests and vacations are overlaid on the master schedule. Day of the week and shift demand differences should be incorporated into the repeating patterns.

Requirements:

• Planned weekend and shift balance that corresponds to budget and position control
• Balanced combinations of experienced and inexperienced staff to meet organizational needs on shifts
• Low number of vacancies or open shifts
• Desirable/workable schedules from an employee perspective

When Done Right:

• Allows predictability/stability for employees and company
• Balances weekends and shifts with budget and position control
• Reduces overtime

Examples:

• southern-swing-shift-pattern
• pitman-shift-pattern
• kelly-shift-pattern
• dupont-shift-pattern
• fortyeight-ninetysix-shift-pattern
• twentyfour-fortyeight-shift-pattern
• sixfour-tenhour-shift-pattern
• fivethree-tenhour-shift-pattern
• fourthree-tenhour-shift-pattern
• fourtwo-fourthree-tenhour-shift-pattern
• fourfour-twelvehour-shift-pattern
• fourfour-fourfour-twelvehour-shift-pattern
• twotwo-threetwo-twelvehour-shift-pattern

About Resonance Software

Resonance Software Inc. created the WorkSight workforce management solution — a secure SaaS application trusted by many Fortune 500 companies, including some of the most recognized brands in North America. The secret to the company's success is that its products work how employees want, while also granting enterprise IT teams the data security, visibility, and control they require.

Resonance Software - www.worksightflow.com