News

Optimizing Staffing Levels – Part 2: Industry Specific

Every industry has its own needs which define their particular optimized staffing level.

Optimizing Staffing Levels Part 1 – Knowing Your Costs

A discussion about the costs of various labor options including overtime, straight time and temporary workers.

Optimizing Staffing Levels – Part 3: Operational Roles

Different operational roles require different staffing considerations when changing schedules.

A Few Words About Shift Length

Scheduling Supervision

Both, Plant Managers and HR Managers have questions about scheduling supervision; especially with regards to a schedule change. Let’s cut right to the chase on this one: Should supervisors be on the same schedule as the people that they supervise? The answer is unequivocal – YES. Supervisors have one of the most complicated tasks at … Continue reading “Scheduling Supervision”

A Few Words About Rotating and Fixed shifts

What is the difference between fixed and rotating schedules as well as any other type of schedule?

Expanding Operations With a Scarce Labor Pool and an Unpredictable Workload

AsΒ demand picked up for their products, the machine parts shop wanted to expand its operation to keep up with the orders. And immediately many questions emerged.Β What to plan for whenΒ demand is not only growing but fluctuating? How to match the workforce to the increased workload when it takes 3 years to train them? How to … Continue reading “Expanding Operations With a Scarce Labor Pool and an Unpredictable Workload”

Don’t tell me what to do!

Plant managers and Human Resource managers that work with large groups of employees have almost certainly learned one clear truth: People don’t like to be told what to do. Knowing this, at Shiftwork Solutions, we have developed a process of communication and participative employee involvement to help companies through our change process. Companies typically come … Continue reading “Don’t tell me what to do!”