What are the best time and labor management practices?
Let's assume that your company already has an automated time and labor management system in place. Are your managers making the most of it? A solid time and labor management system is a powerful tool, but only if managers know how to use it.
When it comes to keeping labor costs low and customer satisfaction high, operations experts have developed some best practices, which are especially helpful in complex labor environments.
According to experts, no matter what else is on your managers' daily to-do lists, these activities should be, too:
Review employee timecards
Keeping a close watch on punctuality and attendance helps control costs, manage performance, and maintain service levels. In addition, reviewing timecards promptly allows managers to make corrections before they become violations.
Run overtime reports
Analyzing overtime allows managers to identify which departments and cost centers need increased staffing or review. It also allows them to make scheduling changes proactively, nipping OT costs in the bud.
Reassess employee schedules
Scheduling efficiently not only ensures you have the right resources in the right place--a key to customer happiness--but reduces costs. Remember, for most businesses, payroll is the single largest cost factor.
Review employee change and vacation requests
Your managers' job is to balance your customers' happiness with that of your employees. It's an ongoing juggling act. A daily review of employee requests gives managers time to address potential conflicts before problems occur.