Staff rostering may seem simple, but you should think it through carefully, as an effective roster is one of the essential elements of running a successful business. 


Give importance to how to roster effectively because this will heavily affect your business. “Why is rostering even such a big deal?” you ask. 


Having an effective rostering system is crucial for your business to thrive. When done correctly, rostering will enhance productivity, keep your staff happy and optimise customer service while cutting labour costs. Have the right staff at the right time! 



Start rostering like a boss by doing the following: 


1. Work on your Budget


Know how much of your business's budget is allocated for your staffing (daily and weekly). This will help you determine which staff members to assign for that day, depending on their wages. By doing this, the financial health of your business will not be overlooked. 


2. List the Roles that you Need Before Adding your Names

 

Take note of the tasks and the different roles that you need for a particular day. Then, based on the budget, allocate the staff members that fit each part. By doing this, you will not have too many people working in the same position. This system will also help you focus on what is best for your business. 


3. Peak Hours Require Skilled Staff Members


Busy periods are critical since this will make or break your reputation and the financial health of your business. That is why it is crucial to put your best staff here. After all, customers dislike inexperienced staff, especially when they are in a hurry. During the quiet periods, you can pair an experienced manager with less experienced staff to get the training they need without compromising your customer service. Over time, these less-skilled employees will improve and be prepared to handle even the peak hours. Once you get to this point, all your staff will be able to work at any time of the day – days, nights, weekends, weekdays, and holidays. 


3. Rewards and Burdens must be Shared Fairly

 

Some shifts are easier and shifts that are busier. There are days when your staff receives better tips, too. With the varying rewards and stress, shifts must be managed carefully, ensuring that these are distributed fairly, with all the staff members getting their turn. This will help the staff members handle their shift since everything is fair and you refrain from favouritism. 



Source: Israel Andrade | Unsplash



4. Handle Availability and Time-Off Requests


Your employees are people too; they get tired and will need and want to take time off. When your staff request breaks, it would be wise to grant them their requested days, or your business may be negatively impacted. Some may call in sick when you deprive them of their request, while others may hand in their resignation. 


5. Be Transparent


Let your employees live their life by notifying them in advance about their shifts. You can also prepare the roster online so your staff members can view their schedules up to 4 weeks in advance, anytime, without needing to call in. This transparency will let them plan their lives and help the business reduce absences and last-minute changes. 


6. Two Days Off is a Must

 

Steer clear of burnouts to prevent a decline in the performance of your employees by allocating two days off per week. Even if someone insists on working long hours, this should be avoided to ensure that your staff members can maintain their productivity. 


7. The Busiest Day Should be the Beginning of your Roster Week

 

Instead of starting your roster based on the usual Monday to Sunday workweek, begin yours on the week's busiest day. This technique will ensure that most of your staff members are available since it is unlikely that they will take a day off on the first day of their work week.


Follow the above tips, and you will be guaranteed a roster that is effective for your business, and your employees will be informed and motivated. 

Important Notice

The information contained in this article is general in nature and you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs. Legal and other matters referred to in this article are of a general nature only and are based on RosterElf's interpretation of laws existing at the time and should not be relied on in place of professional advice.

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