Best Practices in Shift Work Operations (Part 4 of 10)
It takes an order of magnitude greater effort to recruit from another plant than from the ranks of the unemployed. During times of low unemployment, it is important to understand the cost of your options for keeping a position filled. You can hire people off the street but there is always the βWhy donβt they … Continue reading “Best Practices in Shift Work Operations (Part 4 of 10)”
A message to the shift worker
The question of when and how to address workers before a change can be challenging. One of the main reasons companies come to Shiftwork Solutions for help is our reputation for engaging the workforce β before a shift schedule change takes place. However, there is always the question of βHow should we first introduce Shiftwork … Continue reading “A message to the shift worker”
Make Flexible Scheduling part of your Shiftwork Operation
During the pandemic, many companies have found that flexible scheduling ideas such as work-from-home, helped them to attract and retain valuable employees. A neat trick during a tight labor market if you can pull it off. However, for many companies with production lines on-site, work-from-home is not feasible. Does this mean flexible scheduling is not … Continue reading “Make Flexible Scheduling part of your Shiftwork Operation”
Is it possible to implement multiple schedules at one site?
One of the most common questions we hear from our clients at Shiftwork Solutions is, βCan we implement more than one schedule?β The answer is yes! This may be the best solution for several reasons, but it comes with caveats. More schedules mean more complexity. The complexity must be evaluated on a risk v. reward … Continue reading “Is it possible to implement multiple schedules at one site?”
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”