When managers need a new shift schedule for their group, they usually start by searching the Internet for:

• Free examples of popular schedule patterns (e.g., 2-3-2, DuPont, or 4-on-4-off)
• Information about certain shift lengths (e.g., 10-hour or 12-hour shifts)

In larger organizations (50+ employees), this is not the best approach because:

• They are not involving the employees. The best way to gain support for a new schedule is to involve employees in the selection process.
• They are not considering multiple options. Employees will view the schedule as something forced on them by management.
• They often fail to revise the organization's pay-related policies to match the new schedule. This can be a costly mistake.

In smaller organizations (<50 employees), this is not the best approach because:

• The schedule may not be a good fit with their staff size. Most schedules rely on 4 crews. When organizations have a staff that's not a multiple of 4, the four crews won't be the same size which means the coverage will be inconsistent.
• The schedule may not match their workload distribution. Most popular schedules assume constant coverage around-the-clock. If the workload is lighter on the night shift or on the weekends, the shifts will be overstaffed. Scheduling people to work when they aren't needed is an expensive way to use personnel.
• The schedule may not make the most efficient use of their resources (staff and overtime).
• They are not considering different approaches or options.
• The schedule may be intended for a different overtime/pay week.

So why do they do this? I believe there are four reasons:

• They forget that the true purpose of a schedule is to deploy the staff effectively and efficiently, not to force the organization to adapt to a popular work pattern.
• They don't realize the value of a schedule that is matched to their specific resources and requirements.
• They aren't aware of the importance of involving employees in the selection process.
• They don't understand the value in paying for scheduling help.

Custom-designed schedules from Shift Schedule Design are matched to the organization's staff size, business requirements, and schedule preferences. This means you get:

• Benefits. Make optimal use of your resources:
• • Match the coverage with the workload during all your hours of operation.
  • Consistently achieve or exceed the minimum coverage requirements.
  • Make the most efficient use of your staff and overtime.
  • Increase employee satisfaction by maximizing weekends off.
• Quick turnaround. Get multiple options in 2 days or less.
• Money-back guarantee. If you can find a better schedule in the following year, we'll refund your money ("better" is defined as meeting all four of the above criteria).
• What you avoid. Hours or days spent searching for free schedules. Forced to choose from only one or two options. Schedules that don't deploy your employees effectively. Schedules that increase operating costs by not using your resources efficiently. Schedules that don't maximize weekends off.