Exploring the challenges of shift scheduling in a state-of-the-art facility, this insightful blog delves into how a leading manufacturer harmonizes operational efficiency with employee satisfaction.
Introduction:
"Imagine a scenario where your organization must adapt to changing demands while ensuring operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. How do you design a shift work schedule that not only meets production requirements but also resonates with your workforce? This challenge, faced by a cutting-edge manufacturer, serves as a benchmark in redefining shift scheduling strategies in a state-of-the-art facility."
New Facility = New Operational Requirements
We received a phone call from a manufacturer building a 14-story, fully automated, state-of-the-art warehouse. Our forward-thinking client realized that to fully reap the benefits of this new, modern, and efficient warehouse a new schedule may be required.
The facility‘s 4-crew schedule, the norm in many 24/7 operations, was developed over several decades. It started as a 5x8, became a 4x10, and eventually transitioned into a 4x12 schedule with a unique twist: double coverage on Wednesdays.
Everybody worked four 12-hour shifts a week and got three days off. Two crews work Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, while the other two work Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Employees liked the schedule because of its predictability (i.e., worked the same days each week) and the built-in weekly overtime (8 hours of weekly OT).
Our client, however, realized that his operational criteria would change with the introduction of their state-of-the-art building. The double coverage on Wednesdays would no longer be beneficial with an automated building, eliminating the need for built-in overtime.
CIRCADIAN's Role in Schedule Optimization
CIRCADIAN's expertise was sought to navigate this transition. Our approach hinges on three pillars: operational requirements, health & safety standards, and employee preferences.
- Operational Requirements: We assessed staffing needs and coverage essentials to maintain seamless operations.
- Health & Safety Standards: Our focus was on aligning the schedule with industry best practices for worker well-being.
- Employee Preferences: Understanding the workforce's values – be it weekends off, shorter shifts, or fixed schedules – was crucial.
Using our Shift Schedule Optimization Process, we blended these elements, developing biocompatible schedules that resonated on all fronts.
Effective Communication: The Cornerstone of Change
A crucial facet of this shift involved the communication between the staff and management. It was important to provide an explanation for the scheduling modification. Although there was initial resistance, open communication promoted acceptance and understanding.
Conclusion: A Success Story in Employee-Centric Scheduling
This саse exemрlifies the imрortаnсe of emрloyee eԁuсаtion аnԁ unԁerstаnԁing in enhаnсing sаtisfасtion аnԁ oрerаtionаl effiсienсy. By рrioritizing а сollаborаtive аррroасh, the mаnufасturer not only moԁernizeԁ its oрerаtions but аlso nurtureԁ а workforсe аttuneԁ to the ԁemаnԁs of а ԁynаmiс work environment.
Emрower Your Shift Sсheԁuling with CIRCADIAN
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Emрower your workforсe with CIRCADIAN, where oрerаtionаl exсellenсe meets emрloyee sаtisfасtion.
In addition, we invite you to explore our insightful white papers, each delving into key aspects of shift Scheduling and performance
- Shift Scheduling & Employee Involvement
- Staffing Levels
- Reducing the Costs, Risks, and Liabilities of Shiftwork
Explore more whitepaper here.
