RosterElf, the magically simple rostering solution, has clients and customers worldwide. Unfortunately, over the last 18 months, RosterElf has witnessed the challenges businesses face through lockdown after lockdown as they continue to ebb and flow with the virus.


With the Delta strain entering Australia, states are scrambling to stay afloat. In a recent interview, Simon Ingleson, CEO of RosterElf, discussed the impact of COVID they’ve seen on their customer base across Australia, including Melbourne, who’s gone through a total of five lockdowns.


When there's a hard lockdown, it affects almost every single industry. However, Melbourne has experienced strict and light lockdowns, which means some sectors have remained open. A new economic analysis conducted by Deloitte Access found that the virus has impacted Victoria the hardest of all the states in Australia.


Despite the economic shocks, the City of Melbourne has been able to act swiftly to accelerate the city’s recovery. The analysis found that Melbourne’s CBD is forecast to return to one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies in the coming years. Before COVID-19, Melbourne’s gross regional product (GRP) was $74 billion.


In 2020, it decreased by 53%. Now it’s expected to grow to a total of more than $41 billion in 2021. For example, several industries using RosterElf have shown increased rostering needs during lockdown periods. These industries include logistics companies, the medical industry, customers with substantial exposure to online retailing, and home improvement businesses.


When asked what the most significant concern with businesses who are using RosterElf during COVID is, Simon explained, “It's uncertainty; they're building rosters and not knowing if tomorrow the situation will change. However, governments that set out expectations and state, "If we get to this, then we can reopen or reduce restrictions." are leading the way and helping companies survive.”

 

Fortunately, the magically simple rostering solution offers many benefits to companies struggling through lockdowns. The most significant is their pricing model. RosterElf uses a pay-as-you-go system and only charges $1 per employee per week. When a company buys credits, they only pay for what they use, so it’s incredibly cost-effective.


“We've never wanted to charge customers for a service they're not using simply to line our pockets,” says Simon, “Our clients already have high costs to worry about when they're in lockdown, and it’s nice to know they don’t have to worry about their fees with us.”


In addition, RosterElf extended credit periods during the lockdown allowing businesses to resume their credit when they open back up. Overall, the pricing model is a benefit for RosterElf and its customers. Furthermore, companies using RosterElf can communicate changes immediately via SMS and email, allowing them to adapt to changing situations quickly.

 

As lockdowns continue, RosterElf has seen businesses change the way they operate. For example, during restrictions, RosterElf experienced a significant increase in sign-ups. Typically, time prevents companies from looking further into a tool like RosterElf. Instead, high-performing businesses are using the lockdowns to improve their operations and implement new systems.


RosterElf customers in the hospitality and entertainment industry have sustained a least 50% of their revenue and staffing numbers through the transition. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests hospitality businesses are shifting to home delivery and takeaway models to remain open. As lockdowns have ended, RosterElf notices these industries are bouncing back with zeal.


The core challenge is whether or not they have the cash flow to survive lockdowns without government support. In their experience, most businesses are coming out as strong as before the pandemic. Whether or not the trend continues in the same direction is still unknown. For some venues, driven by experience, delivery is only an interim solution to keep the doors open.


What’s next for RosterElf?

As businesses continue to operate in uncertain times, they seek tools that increase certainty and allow flexibility. As a result, RosterElf has received great feedback on its budgeting functionality. This tool allows businesses to quickly re-budget and adjusts their roster to meet demands and restrictions.


In addition, features that allow for visibility on live rosters, costs and staff availability contribute to keeping businesses open and profitable during tough times. While RosterElf has continued to operate, they’ve also experienced the pandemic's toll. With their most significant customer base, primarily small and medium businesses, the impact they experience flows through to RosterElf.


Simon says, “Our focus has been on keeping everyone focused, from a team point of view, and helping them understand things outside their control. Unfortunately, none of us can wave a wand and remove a pandemic. But this is an opportunity to look at what we can do to impact RosterElf and our customers positively. And that's what I'm encouraging everyone to do.”


To experience all the benefits of RosterElf’s magically simple rostering software, sign-up for a free 30-day trial.

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