Mastering Shift Management Over Bank Holidays

Managing shifts over bank holidays can be a daunting task for managers, especially when balancing workforce availability with the increased demand for services. Bank holidays often bring a surge in visitors and customers, requiring businesses to operate at full capacity. However, with the right strategies and tools, you can navigate these challenges smoothly and ensure your business runs efficiently.

Understanding Workforce Availability

One of the most significant challenges during bank holidays is understanding and managing the availability of your workforce. Here are some tips to help you effectively manage your team:

Early Planning and Communication

Start planning well in advance of the bank holiday. Communicate with your team early to understand their availability and preferences. Use scheduling software like StaffSavvy to gather their input on preferred working hours and availability. This proactive approach will allow you to accommodate requests while ensuring sufficient coverage.

Flexibility and Fairness

Be flexible with shift assignments and try to accommodate as many requests as possible. Implement a fair system that rotates shifts so that the same employees are not always working the holidays. This not only boosts employee morale but also fosters a sense of fairness and equity within the team.

Managing Increased Visitors and Demand

Bank holidays often mean a rise in footfall, which requires careful planning and efficient management to ensure smooth operations. Here’s how you can tackle this challenge:

Forecasting and Staffing Levels

Analyse past data to forecast the expected increase in visitors and adjust your staffing levels accordingly. Ensure you have enough staff scheduled to handle the higher volume of customers. Use historical data, reservations, or ticket sales to predict demand and schedule appropriately.

Cross-Training Employees

Train your employees to handle multiple roles within the business. Cross-training ensures that staff can step in and assist in different areas when needed, providing flexibility and ensuring that all customer needs are met efficiently. You can create your complete training program with built-in training levels, modules and courses, plus feedback forms and an easy-to-use resource library.

Efficient Communication

Maintain clear and constant communication with your team throughout the bank holiday period. Use tools like StaffSavvy to share updates, shift changes, and important information in real-time. Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Utilising technology for Seamless Management

Leveraging technology can significantly ease the burden of managing shifts over bank holidays. Platforms like StaffSavvy offer comprehensive solutions for shift management, making it easier to plan, communicate, and adjust schedules.

Automated Scheduling

Use automated scheduling tools to create and adjust shifts based on employee availability and business needs. This reduces the time and effort required to manually create schedules and ensures optimal coverage.

Real-Time Adjustments

With real-time adjustment capabilities, you can quickly address any last-minute changes or emergencies. If an employee calls in sick or there’s an unexpected surge in visitors, you can easily reassign shifts and keep operations running smoothly.

Employee Self-Service

Empower your employees with self-service options that allow them to view their schedules, request time off, and swap shifts with other team members. This autonomy reduces the administrative burden on managers and enhances employee satisfaction.

Conclusion

Managing shifts over bank holidays doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By understanding workforce availability, preparing for increased demand, and leveraging technology, you can ensure a smooth and efficient operation during these busy periods.

At StaffSavvy, we’re committed to helping you master shift management and keep your business thriving, even during the most hectic times. Start planning now, communicate effectively, and use the right tools to make your next bank holiday a success.

“Our Front of House team runs some of the most complex shift patterns you’ll find. The fact that employees are responsible for updating their own profiles and availability really helps lift the time burden from our administration team. The platform has helped us make our rota, timesheet and payroll processes much more efficient. It’s smart and simple to use and saves time and money on the way we used to operate.“

Royal Albert Hall