Running a small business is no small feat; more often than not, small business owners wear many hats. Whether it’s bookkeeping, inventory control, or employee scheduling, small business owners often find themselves doing tasks that can be better handled by someone else. This blog post will look at the benefits of employee scheduling software for small businesses. Keep reading to learn more!

What Is An Employee Scheduling System, And How Can it Benefit Your Small Business?

An Employee Scheduling System (ESS) is a tool that tracks employee hours, schedules shifts, calculates payroll, and notifies management when employees arrive and leave work.

An ESS is a valuable tool for small businesses as it is expensive to hire and train new employees. With unique employee onboarding costing an average of $3,200 per employee, an ESS can save companies significant money.

An ESS also benefits the business through more accurate payroll, as the system keeps track of hours worked by each employee.

When a business uses an ESS, managers can communicate better with employees. The software alerts managers when employees are close to reaching overtime or approaching their shift limits.

An ESS also allows managers to assign shifts to employees online, allowing employees to see what time they are scheduled to work.

Benefits of Implementing An Employee Scheduling System in Your Small Business

If you run a small business, you may need help arranging your staff to meet your customers’ needs. Whether trying to get enough hands on deck to serve everyone at a busy restaurant or you need enough people to help stock the shelves at a large retail store, employee scheduling can be a complicated process.

Implementing an employee scheduling system into your small business can make this process easier. They can run reports and determine which employees are working at any time. They can also schedule vacations for each employee, so they won’t need to be left out of the rotation.

This type of software can be a lifesaver for a small business owner. It can help you schedule your employees based on your store’s needs, as well as help you keep your employees happy.

What Are The Different Ways To Implement An Employee Scheduling System?

Depending on your business needs and preferences, there are various ways to implement an employee scheduling system. Here are a few examples:

Manual system

A manual method is the least efficient and most time-consuming option, requiring frequent input from employees and managers. This system is often used in low-tech businesses or those that need access to computerized scheduling software.

Computerized system

An automated system is a most efficient and most accessible option, as it uses software to manage employee schedules. This system is often used in businesses with many employees who need to manage their time and workload efficiently.

Hybrids

A hybrid system is a combination of both manual and computerized systems. It uses various software and hand-written schedules, providing the advantages of both approaches. This system is often used in businesses that want to adopt a computerized system but are wary of the changes it may bring.

Things To Consider Before Implementing An Employee Scheduling System In Your Small Business

Employee scheduling systems are crucial for any small business to run smoothly. By automating the scheduling process, management and employees can better work together and meet company objectives.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind before implementing a scheduling system in your business:

Determine Reason for Implementing a Scheduling System

Before implementing a scheduling system, determine your reason. Is it to increase efficiency? Is it to reduce costs? Is it to highlight certain employees?

Identify Goals and Objectives

Research and understand the goals you want to achieve by implementing a scheduling system. For instance, if your goal is to understand your employees better, then set one objective, such as absorbing employee feedback.

Understand the Features of the Scheduling System

Research the scheduling system that works for your company. Some plans include but are not limited to the following:

• Online and Offline
• Mobile
• Multi-user
• Integration with other applications

Determine Who Will Use the System

Identify all individuals who will be using the system. Determine the employees who need access to view schedules, enter time, and modify programs.

Identify Your Maintenance Requirements

Some scheduling systems require maintenance every so often. Ensure you understand how much care is needed, if any, and who will be responsible for it.

Identify Your Training Requirements

Some scheduling systems require training to work effectively. Furthermore, every employee who uses the system should be trained to use it effectively.

Understand the Costs

Be sure to understand the costs associated with the scheduling system. Some systems may require a maintenance fee. Others may require software licensing fees.

Understand the Requirements

Lastly, understand the requirements for implementation and implementation. Some scheduling systems can be installed within minutes, while others may take months to implement.