Right people, right time, right place - effective summer scheduling
As the summer months approach, hospitality businesses gear up for a surge in guest demand.
With increased footfall, it becomes essential for department heads to schedule staff effectively, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences.
Here are some ideas on how department heads can optimise staff scheduling and minimise costs during busy periods.
1. Analyse historical data
Utilise historical data from previous summer months to gain insights into peak hours, guest trends, and staff requirements.
By analysing this data, department heads can identify patterns and allocate resources accordingly.
They can look for specific days or times which have consistently been busier and schedule more staff during those periods to meet the increased demand.
2. Forecast staffing needs
Based on the analysis of historical data, department heads can create accurate staffing forecasts for the summer months, considering factors such as special events, holidays, and local tourism trends that may affect guest traffic.
By having a well-informed estimate of staffing needs, it becomes easier to schedule the right number of employees at the right time, avoiding understaffing or overstaffing situations.
3. Implement flexible scheduling
During busy periods, flexibility in scheduling becomes crucial.
Implement shift rotations and create a pool of on-call, or casual, staff members who can be asked to work during peak hours or unexpected rushes.
By having a mix of full-time, part-time, and flexible staff, department heads can ensure optimal coverage while maintaining a balanced workload for employees.
4. Cross-training and multi-tasking
Cross-training employees across different roles and departments can be highly beneficial during busy periods.
When the workload increases, having staff members who can handle multiple tasks or switch between roles becomes invaluable.
This flexibility allows department heads to adjust staff allocation based on real-time needs, which both optimises efficiency and reduces bottlenecks.
5. Prioritise communication and collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration among department heads are vital for successful staff scheduling.
Use collaborative tools or a scheduling system that allows managers to share real-time updates, shift changes, and requests for additional staff.
Regular meetings to discuss upcoming schedules, challenges, and adjustments can ensure everyone is on the same page, encouraging a supportive and proactive work environment.
6. Employee preferences and work-life balance
Consider employee preferences when creating the summer schedule.
While it may not always be possible to accommodate everyone’s preferences, making an effort to strike a balance can boost morale and reduce turnover.
Additionally, be mindful of providing adequate rest periods and days off to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance for staff members.
7. Monitor and adapt
Continuous monitoring of staff performance and guest feedback is crucial during busy periods.
Keep track of any staffing issues, such as prolonged wait times or overwhelmed employees, and address them promptly.
By regularly assessing the schedule’s effectiveness, department heads can make necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operations and optimise the guest experience.
Efficient staff scheduling is essential for hospitality businesses during busy summer months, so embracing the strategies covered can enable hospitality businesses to thrive during the bustling summer season and leave a lasting impression on their guests.
If you would like a system which can help your hospitality business manage and schedule your staff effectively (and not just for the summer but all year round!), then EPS by Eproductive, the people management system designed exclusively for hospitality, could be for you. Please get in touch with us by emailing info@eproductive.com.
