Demand-based scheduling is setting your workforce schedule according to different levels of demand. Whether that’s staff demand for certain shifts, peak/off-peak times or consumer demand. The key part of this type of scheduling is the ability for companies to execute scheduling & data analytics concurrently. With employee scheduling software, the schedule can combine useful data and scheduling tools to accurately set schedules based on demand.
Below you will find 5 demand related factors that can accelerate the value and usefulness of demand-based scheduling.
Footfall
Customer footfall is the amount of customers that enter premises with the intent of making a purchase. The simplest example here is that of a retailer. Think of it in terms of leads from the perspective of a service provider. By using demand-based scheduling, a business can accommodate for trends in this demand. Whether they have high or low footfall, it can ensure there is enough staff present. Also, it helps management recognize gaps in their sales funnel, or pain points for customers.
“By counting footfall, retailers can identify at any time of day – how many purchasing opportunities they have in-store. Also, by incorporating that with sales data – how many they are missing.”
Employee Expertise
An important aspect for any business is having the right staff. Without the right people it’s hard for a business to expect to succeed. Going even deeper than this, a business must have the right staff, at the right place, at the right time. Where does scheduling come in? Scheduling software helps management ensure that each location is staffed appropriately, in terms of staff levels and expertise.
For example, take the case of a security firm. They need a certain amount of guards in multiple locations on the same day. But, they also need some guards in one location to have the relevant CPR certificate, and maybe some others need to have a firearm license. Planning all this manually would most certainly lead to an almighty headache for the scheduler. Employee scheduling software can remove the confusion and streamline the process, by setting the schedule based on the relevant demand attributed to those different locations.
Employee Availability
Employees feel happier when they are given freedom. Thus, be more productive and valuable to their organization. In this case, the freedom to bid for their own shifts gives them more autonomy. It also helps management as the shifts they can/cannot do are now clearly defined. Management can provide a great work-life balance for employees while ensuring the schedule is efficient. In this regard, demand-based scheduling improves the levels of customer service on two fronts. How?
- Happier employees pass this happiness on to consumers.
- It reduces understaffing, lateness, and last minute scheduling.
Just to stress the negative impact of understaffing, according to a study from workjam.com, 97% of managers who regularly contend with understaffing say it hurt sales with more than two-thirds (68%) of this group feels that understaffing has at least a six percent negative impact on store value.
Regulations
Government regulations are always evolving. In turn, so is scheduling software (and everything software related for that matter). Along with minimum wage, employee shifts and hours are now a topic for discussion. According to the Wall Street Journal, new regulations require employers among certain industries, like fast-food, hospitality, and retail, to set schedules as much as two weeks in advance. Basically, to make schedules more predictable so that employees can achieve a healthier lifestyle. Demand-based scheduling can allow organisations to abide by these regulations, setting schedules well in advance. This not only allows them to stay out of any potential legal trouble, it allows them to differentiate themselves as a fair employer, and a good place to work.
Historical Data
An extremely valuable factor when it comes to demand-based scheduling and employee scheduling software as a whole is the historical data and numerical information it provides. Potentially business-changing insights and trends can be gleaned from this kind of information. The software presents a clearer picture of the schedule and how it can be used as a way of making the entire process more efficient.
Celayix: A little bit about us & how we can help
Here at Celayix, we have been delivering best-of-breed employee scheduling software and workforce management solutions to a broad range of organizations for over 20 years. Celayix products help organizations effectively and efficiently manage their labor workforce. Our workforce management solutions can be deployed to provide enterprise-class technology that streamlines business processes and reduces costs.
In other words – we can introduce demand-based scheduling to your organisation, helping you to make your employees and customers happier, and your bottom line healthier. If that sounds good to you, why not get in touch with us today to see what we can do to help you!
