Best Practices in Shift Work Operations (Part 3 of 10)
Donβt assume a 15-minute change in shift times is βno big dealβ. Managers judge a schedule by βthe coverage it provides.β Shift workers, on the other hand, judge a schedule by βthe time off it provides.β In other words, they are looking at the type of lifestyle they can carve out around the time they … Continue reading “Best Practices in Shift Work Operations (Part 3 of 10)”
Attracting and Creating a Sticky Workforce
Over the last several years, the number one issue that companies bring to Shiftwork Solutions is the difficulty they are having with keeping vital job postings filled. This comes from a combination of high turnover and less than fruitful recruiting efforts. Letβs start with the obvious β there is a lot of value in … Continue reading “Attracting and Creating a Sticky Workforce”
Things to Consider when Changing Shift Schedules
by Jim Dillingham, Partner, Shiftwork Solutions Itβs amazing how something that looks so simple can be so hard. After all, what could be easier? Just post a new schedule on the bulletin board and implement it on Monday. Or post a couple of schedules and let the workers choose the one they want. How could … Continue reading “Things to Consider when Changing Shift Schedules”
Characteristics of Effective Shift Schedules
When considering alternative shift schedules, you should evaluate how they affect your cost structure and whether they make your operation easier to manage. At a minimum, an effective schedule should: Keep your best and/or most expensive equipment productive, i.e. maximize your equipment utilization. Provide continuous coverage in areas that have significant start-up and shutdown costs. … Continue reading “Characteristics of Effective Shift Schedules”
How to Manage Variable Workloads
How to maintain the right amount of coverage and minimize the costs by Dan Capshaw & Bruce Oliver- Shiftwork Solutions LLC Does the demand for your companyβs product(s) follow a seasonal pattern or exhibit other periodic variations? As long as the changes in demand are not βpermanent,β there is no reason to hire enough employees … Continue reading “How to Manage Variable Workloads”
Reducing Employee Turnover
A case study Problem This food processing company was experiencing severe problems with employee turnover. The underlying cause of this turnover problem was excessive overtime. Located in a small town with several other labor-intensive companies, the company constantly competes for labor, often operating with less than a full complement of personnel. This staffing shortfall was … Continue reading “Reducing Employee Turnover”
Communicating Major Changes: how a production facility did it successfully
Jim Dillingham, Partner, Shiftwork Solutions LLC When leaders initiate a major change that affects their employees, they want everything to proceed smoothly. They donβt want to alienate the workforce or create any long-lasting disruptions or unnecessary delays. Change that affects the personal lives of people is the most difficult and riskiest type of change. Yet … Continue reading “Communicating Major Changes: how a production facility did it successfully”
Are Maintenance Workers Really Different than Other Shiftworkers?
By Bruce Oliver and Dan Capshaw, Shiftwork Solutions LLC Many maintenance managers will tell you their workforce is different than other shift workers β that their attitudes and behaviors are not the same. Recognizing, understanding, and accounting for how maintenance personnel evaluates shift schedules are essential to finding a schedule that will satisfy their needs … Continue reading “Are Maintenance Workers Really Different than Other Shiftworkers?”
Considerations in Changing the Work Schedules of Non-Exempt Employees
by Bruce Oliver, Consultant, Shiftwork Solutions LLC (Republished with permission from the Society of Human Resource Management) Organizations change the work schedules of their non-exempt employees for a variety of reasons: Change the hours/days of operation to match the demand for their products or services. Fix problems such as high absenteeism, hiring/retention issues, or excessive … Continue reading “Considerations in Changing the Work Schedules of Non-Exempt Employees”
Employee Shift Work Schedules: an Introduction
Be sure to look at our News Topics (on the menu bar above) to find a wealth of information about all sorts of shiftwork issues, including schedules, staffing, overtime and change management. by Bruce Oliver, Consultant, and Dan Capshaw, Partner, Shiftwork Solutions LLC (Republished with permission from the Society of Human Resource Management) According to the Bureau … Continue reading “Employee Shift Work Schedules: an Introduction”