Category: HR

automation, HR, staffing, workforce management

Top Benefits of Automated Staff Scheduling Solutions

Trish Steed

Inside fast-paced workplaces, many leaders are challenged with optimizing staff scheduling. While there are still companies managing staff scheduling manually, most are using automated staff scheduling solutions. There are many reasons for the move to automated solutions. The most important reason is to address the complexities around staffing and managing the workforce. Staffing solutions are providing ways for employees to manage their own requests via self-service. They offer real-time scheduling and allow employees to bid on shifts. These solutions also enable employees to manage their own leave requests. These features are quickly becoming the “now” of workplace best practices. These same solutions help managers wade through the complexities of staffing in a more effective way.

Optimizing staff scheduling is good for business and good for the customer.There are numerous complexities for managers that drive the interest in doing this. Managers must consider the availability of certain workers, their skill level and their job level when making staffing decisions. Managers also need to consider requests for time off. They must handle other types of leaves and holidays as well. Different types of shifts further complicate the situation. Lastly, unexpected events make the scenario filled with anxiety for managers and staff. These events are harder to predict, like weather changes and fluctuations in customer demand. These reasons all steer organizations to automated, integrated staff scheduling solutions.

Optimized scheduling solutions can impact your organization’s bottom line in several ways. Let’s examine the top 5 benefits organizations experience after implementing a staff scheduling solution.

  1. The ability to forecast business scenarios- In the past, staffing was either just replicated week after week. Staffing deficiencies were only addressed after they arose when someone failed to report to work. Today, managers have the ability to plan ahead based on all the complexities mentioned above.
  2. Reduces time spent on managing staff schedules. This change allows managers to spend more time focusing on client or customer needs. They can provide the best possible service to customers.
  3. Lowers payroll costs– Placing the right number of staff each day reduces the need for OT. It also prevents over-staffing. This accuracy helps you lower payroll costs. This reduction can be replicated on a regular basis.
  4. Having the right employee in the right place at the right time- When managers are able to staff at appropriate levels, they focus on having employees with the right skills or job experience. This ensures a higher level of customer service. There are no gaps due to lack of skills or experience.
  5. Better identify gaps in supply and demand- Staff can be selected in advance. This avoids them feeling like they are always notified at the last minute. Better communication between managers and staff builds trust. It emphasizes the importance of optimizing staff scheduling.

By implementing a staff scheduling solution, your organization can realize these and many other benefits. What is working in your organization? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.

HR, Learning & Development, work, workplace

5 Ways to Train Your HR Team With No Budget

Trish Steed
https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-black-android-smartphone-K05Udh2LhFA?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash

One common challenge expressed by leaders across various industries is the lack of budget for team training. This concern is prevalent in companies of all sizes, especially given the current economic uncertainty. Despite financial constraints, neglecting employee development can lead to significant issues, such as decreased employee satisfaction, diminished creativity, stunted skill growth, and increased turnover rates.

However, even with a limited or nonexistent training budget, leaders can still foster team development by leveraging free online resources. Here are some cost-effective strategies to support your team’s growth:

Leader as a Trainer: As a leader, you likely have a busy schedule, but dedicating time to personally train your team can have a substantial impact. This could involve sessions on coaching, communication, writing, presentation skills or practical tutorials on human resources. Your direct involvement demonstrates commitment and can significantly boost team morale.

Webinars: Many industries host conferences that offer free live streaming or recorded sessions. There are also numerous free HR-related webinars available online. You can assign each team member a different session to watch and then present the key takeaways at a team meeting. This not only disseminates valuable information but also integrates new insights into your team’s development plans. Some recent online sessions that are available include:

Podcasts: Listen to industry-related podcasts like all those in the HR Happy Hour Media Network. Encourage your team to listen to these podcasts and then come together to discuss the topics. This method promotes idea sharing and collaborative learning within the team.

Articles: The internet is a treasure trove of information. Assign relevant articles to team members and ask them to present key points at a team discussion. This exercise fosters critical thinking and opens up valuable conversations about industry trends and best practices.

Book Reviews: Traditional book reviews can still be highly effective. Invite team members choose books from your leadership or business collection, summarize the key insights, and lead a discussion on these topics during team meetings. This method not only enhances learning but also encourages public speaking and critical analysis. Here are a few to get you started on current learning in our industry:

Team learning should aim to stimulate discussions and explore new approaches to challenges. By guiding your team towards various free resources, you can promote continuous development, resulting in better retention and a more engaged, knowledgeable staff.

What strategies do you use to effectively develop your team? Please share them in the comments.

HR, work, workplace

A Leader’s Guide: Navigating the 2024 Workplace

Trish Steed
Photo by Gantas Vaiu010diulu0117nas on Pexels.com

Wouldn’t it be great to have a crystal ball? Unfortunately, we don’t and as a leader, we often operate using a mix of known “facts” and truths, data, and a bit of our gut instinct. In the rapidly evolving landscape of 2024, leaders across sectors face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The confluence of technological advancements, environmental concerns, social dynamics, and geopolitical shifts demands a reevaluation of leadership priorities. This article delves into key areas leaders should focus on to navigate this complex terrain effectively.

1. Embracing Technological Innovation and Digital Transformation

As we progress further into the digital age, leaders must prioritize technological innovation and digital transformation. This involves not only implementing cutting-edge technologies but also fostering a culture of digital literacy within their organizations. Leaders should focus on leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things to streamline operations, enhance decision-making processes, and provide better customer experiences.

2. Championing Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

The urgency of addressing climate change has never been more critical. Leaders need to champion sustainability and environmental responsibility in their policies and practices. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable supply chain practices, and setting ambitious yet achievable goals for reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, leaders must advocate for global cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.

3. Cultivating Inclusive and Diverse Work Environments

Inclusivity and diversity should be at the heart of organizational culture. Leaders must ensure that their teams are diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and background, and that these teams operate in an environment where inclusivity is a norm. This approach not only fosters innovation and creativity but also reflects a commitment to social responsibility and equity.

4. Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being

The well-being of employees has emerged as a paramount concern, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders must prioritize mental health and overall well-being in their workplaces. Initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days, and access to wellness programs can contribute significantly to employee satisfaction and productivity.

5. Focusing on Ethical Leadership and Corporate Responsibility

Ethical leadership and corporate responsibility are more important than ever. Leaders should be role models in ethical behavior, ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in all aspects of their operations. This includes responsible handling of data, fair labor practices, and a commitment to social and community engagements.

6. Strengthening Crisis Management and Resilience

The unpredictability of global events, as seen in recent years, necessitates robust crisis management strategies. Leaders must focus on building resilience within their organizations to navigate through uncertainties. This involves having contingency plans, maintaining agile operational capabilities, and fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience.

7. Encouraging Continuous Learning and Development

The pace of change in today’s world requires a commitment to continuous learning and development. Leaders should encourage an environment where continuous upskilling and reskilling are valued. This not only prepares the workforce for future challenges but also ensures the organization remains competitive and innovative.

8. Nurturing Global and Local Community Engagement

Finally, leaders must balance global perspectives with local engagement. This means understanding and acting on global trends while also being deeply rooted in local communities. Leaders should engage in initiatives that benefit local communities, whether through philanthropy, community service, or economic development programs.

The role of a leader in 2024 is multifaceted, requiring a balance of strategic foresight, ethical responsibility, and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and resilient organizations. By focusing on these key areas, leaders can not only steer their organizations towards success but also contribute positively to the broader societal and global good. The leaders of 2024 need to be visionaries, innovators, and, most importantly, responsible stewards of their organizations and the communities they serve.

HR, Life, work, workplace

Celebrating Music as the Universal Language

Trish Steed

Once a year, as the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade unfolds, a tapestry of floats, bands, horses and vocalists weave through the streets. Each float is a vibrant echo of societal values and aspirations and tie directly back to the theme of the year. These themes are not just decorative; they reflect the heartbeat of the community, acting as mirrors to our collective thoughts and feelings.

For as long as I remember, I’ve watched this parade. And since 2012, I’ve written about how the parade theme can influence my approach to the new year. A few of my favorites posts are Inspiring Stories, Just Imagine, Find Your Adventure, and Making a Difference. These all still provide great suggestions on how to start your new year off in the right mindset.

This year’s parade theme is Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language. While there have been other years that focused on music in the theme, I believe this year is different. Adding in language as a component, music becomes the medium in which we find commonality and community with other people.

As I watch the parade move gracefully by, it’s like watching a story of inspiration and motivation unfold. When you think of the countless hours spent on creating each masterpiece, you appreciate the intricacy of each petal, seed and piece of natural material it takes to create a float. The entire process takes a year to complete and many thousands of dollars. Volunteers gift their time and expertise to create art to inspire each of us as we watch and contemplate the year ahead.

Among the blooms and the bands, this year’s theme promotes awareness and action. It’s a gentle yet powerful nudge, pushing all of us toward critical issues such as environmental conservation, peace, or social justice. Music as a universal language helps us realize we need to find news ways to communicate and come together on the big issues in our world. As the parade marches on, it’s a reminder of how traditions can bind us, and celebrations can uplift us.

Lastly, this theme symbolizes the collective goals and dreams of a society. It’s not mere fantasy; it is a manifestation of ideals like harmony, innovation, and exploration. It beckons the community to not just dream but to strive towards realizing these dreams.

Music as a Work Benefit

How can you specifically use the theme of music as a universal language at work? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Enhanced Concentration and Focus: Certain types of music, especially instrumental or classical pieces, can help in enhancing concentration and focus. This is particularly helpful in tasks that require sustained attention or creative thinking.
  2. Stress Reduction: Music has been shown to lower stress levels. Listening to calming music can help employees relax, thereby reducing workplace stress and creating a more pleasant work environment.
  3. Improved Morale and Motivation: Upbeat and energetic music can boost morale and motivation among employees. It can create a positive and dynamic work atmosphere, which can be especially beneficial in team-based tasks.
  4. Cultural Inclusivity and Diversity: Since music is a universal language, it can help in celebrating cultural diversity in the workplace. Sharing music from different cultures can be a way of building understanding and respect among employees of diverse backgrounds.
  5. Enhanced Creativity: Music can stimulate the creative parts of the brain, aiding in tasks that require creative thinking or problem-solving skills. Background music can sometimes provide just the right amount of stimulation to help generate new ideas.
  6. Improved Communication: Music can be a medium for building relationships and fostering better communication among colleagues. It can act as a conversation starter or a shared interest, helping in team building and improving interpersonal relations at work.

Whether you’ watch the parade or not, take time to think about how you can start the new year considering how music can enhance your interactions with people. Is there a commonality you can build with someone you’ve had issues with in the past? Maybe music will be that universal language you need. After all, every note of music is a story, a message, a dream shared with the world. Happy New Year 2024!