December is a month full of festivities, but for employers it often means a spike in workload. How do you keep everything running smoothly without overburdening employees? This roadmap will help you be prepared for the rush during the holidays.
Start early! The busy December period calls for thoughtful staff planning. Don't wait until the last minute; determine early how many additional employees you need and, if necessary, start recruiting permanent or temporary employees.
Review data from previous years to see which days and times additional staff were needed. WFM software can help you easily review previous schedules and use them as a starting point, so you don't waste time completely rebuilding the schedule.
Flexibility is essential, especially when unexpected pressures arise. Provide employees with flexible hours who can jump in quickly if needed.
Transparent communication with employees is crucial. Make sure schedules and any changes are known in a timely manner and ask employees early to indicate their availability during the holidays.
Working during the holidays can be challenging, so consider showing employees extra appreciation. Consider incentives such as bonuses, extra days off or a special thank-you gift to increase loyalty and motivation.
Once the schedule is in place, the work is not done. Monitor performance customer demand and other KPIs and adjust the schedule as needed. Often small adjustments can make all the difference in maintaining optimal performance.
With early planning, flexibility, clear communication and good WFM tools, you can weather a busy December month. Prepare and make the holidays a success, for both your company and your employees.
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