The busy month of December is a joy for many people, but for employers, it can pose a logistical challenge when it comes to staffing. How can you ensure that your business runs smoothly during the holidays without overworking your employees? In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to prepare and optimize your staffing plans for the stressful holiday season.
It goes without saying, of course, but it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. It’s the busiest time of the year, and given the labor shortage, many employers are fishing in the same pool when it comes to hiring or (temporarily) bringing on extra staff. So make sure you know your staffing needs well in advance and—if necessary—start hiring permanent or flexible employees early.
How do you strike a good balance between permanent and flexible employees? Read about it here.
A great way to optimize your vacation planning is to analyze and evaluate historical data. What went well back then, and what didn’t? Look at previous years to determine which days and times were the busiest and what skills your team needed. This will help you create a well-informed plan. With good WFM software, you’ll have easy access to the data you need and can use historical schedules as a starting point. That way, you won’t have to start from scratch and completely reinvent the wheel.
No matter how well prepared you are, unexpected situations or changes can always arise, and it’s important that you be able to respond quickly. Make sure you have employees with flexible schedules or on-call staff available so you can act quickly when additional staffing needs arise.
Open communication is crucial. Make sure your employees are well informed about their work schedules, tasks, and any changes. Therefore, give employees the opportunity to indicate their availability during the holidays well in advance so that you can plan accordingly.
Working during the holidays can be a challenge for employees. Consider offering certain incentives, such as bonuses, extra days off, or special recognition for their efforts. This way, you make your employees feel like they’re part of the success and foster motivation and loyalty.
Everyone knows that the work doesn't stop once the planning is complete. Continuously monitor business performance, customer demand, and other KPIs, and make adjustments as the situation requires. It's an iterative process in which you can respond to changes—often with small adjustments—to achieve optimal performance.
Preparing and optimizing your staffing plans for the holidays can be a challenge, but with good workforce management software and the right strategies, you can ensure a smooth and successful holiday season. By starting early, being flexible, communicating clearly and openly, and using the right tools, you can ensure that your business navigates the holidays successfully and that your employees remain engaged and satisfied.
