In any industry, managing a workforce effectively can be challenging, especially without the right processes and structures in place.
This is not an issue confined to start-ups; even well-established businesses can struggle with common pitfalls that can hinder their operations.
With the advancement of workplace management software, businesses now have better tools to gain a clearer view of their operations, allowing them to identify and address issues promptly. Damien McKenna, a workforce management specialist at BORIS Software Ltd., sheds light on some of the most common workforce management challenges businesses face and offers solutions on how to overcome them using the right software and processes.
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Lack of Communication
Clear communication is the backbone of any successful business. When communication falters, confusion, errors, and a drop in productivity often follow, leading to a less cohesive team. Effective communication processes ensure that information is accurately interpreted and smoothly executed.
Workplace management software can be a powerful tool in improving communication within a company. It enables leaders to assign tasks, distribute information, and notify employees of updates or remote tasks efficiently. Moreover, employees can collaborate seamlessly and raise concerns directly with leadership through these platforms. The software also enhances client communication by offering real-time project updates and comprehensive reports.
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Absence of Structure
In a dynamic business environment, where tasks, staff schedules, holidays, and absences constantly shift, a lack of structure can spell disaster. Without a robust framework for task and people management, organisations risk falling into disarray.
A well-designed software management system can be instrumental in maintaining organisational structure. These systems allow businesses to track everything from holiday requests to clock-ins, and provide an easy way to create and follow up on tasks. This structured approach offers peace of mind to both employers and employees, ensuring smooth operations.
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Schedule and Resource Inflexibility
Overloaded schedules and rigid resource management can lead to employee burnout and a poor work-life balance. To prevent this, it’s crucial to manage tasks effectively and monitor individual workloads.
Workforce management software provides clear, adaptable schedules that allow employers to review and adjust workloads as needed. This flexibility helps maintain a healthy balance between work demands and employee well-being.
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Staff Safety
In industries with inherent health and safety risks, such as trade sectors, it’s essential to have measures in place to protect workers. Workforce management software can play a critical role in enhancing safety through features like GPS tracking, which helps monitor the location of lone workers in case of lost communication.
Also, the software allows for logging errors via mobile forms and ensures safety procedures are communicated effectively to staff. It also stores employee certifications and qualifications, ensuring that only qualified personnel are assigned to specific tasks.
“Workforce management software offers numerous benefits across various industries, streamlining processes and providing clear, concise information to both employers and employees,” McKenna notes. “It’s vital not only for day-to-day management but also for fostering company growth, setting structures, and upholding core values.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
