Workforce management is all about finding the right balance between various factors, including personnel costs, staffing, employee satisfaction and customer experience. One of the most important facets is the division between permanent and flexible employees. Permanent employees provide stability and continuity, while flexible employees are essential to handle the peaks and troughs in workload. In this article, we explain why finding this balance is crucial and how it contributes to an organization's success.
Permanent employees are the permanent core, the backbone of an organization. They offer many important benefits, including:
Stability and continuity: Permanent employees are the cornerstone of an organization. They provide stability and continuity because they are often long-serving. This is especially important for tasks that require in-depth knowledge of the organization, such as managerial positions or specialized tasks.
Knowledge and expertise: Because of their long-term involvement with the organization, permanent employees have often built up in-depth knowledge and expertise in their field. This expertise can be invaluable when dealing with complex situations, changing processes and improving overall efficiency. It also provides recognition and familiarity among staff and customers.
Teamwork and culture: Permanent employees have more time to build strong relationships with their colleagues and fit well into the company culture. This team spirit can strengthen cooperation and cohesion within the organization, leading to a positive work environment and increased productivity.
Flexible employees are the dynamic component in workforce management. Here's why they are so important:
Flexibility during fluctuations in workload: Companies often experience fluctuations in labor demand. During peak periods, such as seasonal crowds or at unexpected times when demand for staff is high, flexible employees can be quickly deployed to handle the extra workload. This creates a flexible and responsive workforce that allows you to respond quickly to change.
Cost control: Hiring permanent employees can be expensive because of rates that are often relatively high. Flexible employees, on the other hand, can be used in a more cost-effective way because you only pay for the hours they work. This can help keep staffing costs under control, especially during quieter periods.
Diversity of skills and perspectives: Flexible employees can bring with them a wide range of skills and perspectives because they may have worked in different organizations and industries. This diversity can lead to new ideas, innovation and improved problem-solving skills within the organization.
Temporary specialization: In some cases, an organization can hire flexible employees for highly specialized tasks or projects for which they do not need full-time employees internally. This allows the organization to benefit from specialized knowledge without the cost of long-term employment contracts.
Finding the right balance between permanent and flexible employees is no easy task. It is also an iterative process. Of course, there are constant changes that you need to respond to, and the right balance also depends heavily on your company's situation and goals. However, there are some good tools to help you understand and find the balance.
Data analytics: Use data and analytics to generate insights about availability, work demand and workload, among other things. This allows you to make informed choices and determine whether and where to use flexible workers.
Flexible scheduling system: Invest in a sophisticated scheduling system that allows you to easily and quickly respond to changing needs.
Communication: Keep open lines of communication with your employees, both permanent and flexible, to ensure everyone is on the same page. A good workforce management system provides this and provides the basis for employee engagement.
A good balance between permanent and flexible employees is critical to effective workforce management. Especially in the tight labor market we all face. Permanent employees provide stability and expertise, while flexible employees help regulate workload and control costs. By making strategic use of both types of employees and implementing the right tools and systems, you will ensure the right staffing at the right time at all times.
