What is shift management?
A shift is a block of time that is assigned to employees to handle tasks. When a company has more than a single working shift, shift management is needed to make sure the transition between different shifts goes smoothly. Simply put, it connects different working shifts and minimizes any disparity that can arise. It often includes work reporting, checking attendances, setting up a timetable, considering incentives, etc.
Why do businesses need shift management?
Shift management is needed in any business that has multiple working shifts. Especially in the service industry where 24/7 customer service is required, this process ensures that employees do not overwork or underwork.
Moreover, as different groups of staff take over similar positions, there might be disparities and misunderstandings between them. Therefore, managing shifts helps maintain a smooth-running business.
In the long run, good shift management can increase the productivity and well-being of the staff.
Tips for effective shift management
- Be selective in hiring people: It is important to choose the right employees for specific work shifts (especially during odd hours). Remember to consider how many shifts your employees can work, and how it fits with your plan.
- Keep a standardized onboarding before a shift: To minimize any misunderstanding in the future, it is advisable to have a standardized onboarding process. The procedure should include a description of the tasks, the products, and any technological tools that employees should understand.
- Use shift management software: For companies that have a lot of working shifts, monitoring them manually can be overwhelming. A software can help you to do repetitive tasks and provide reports for more complex business analysis.
- Have a backup plan: Employees may not be available to work some days, for example, due to sickness. It is essential to have a plan B ready in such situations to avoid poor service or overwork of other employees.
- Offer incentives: Shift work can be tough as they have to adjust their own routines for work. Offering incentives based on performance can be an encouragement for them to work efficiently and become more motivated.
