4 Workforce Management Myths Busted
One of the main responsibilities of managers is to ensure that their team members are happy, productive and in good health. Managing human resources, however, is easier said than done. Earlier, businesses used inefficient and error-prone manual processes to manage their human resources. Unfortunately, these processes failed miserably to forecast labor requirements. Workforce management, a concept introduced between the late 1980s and the early 1990s, addresses the shortcomings of earlier methods.
What is workforce management?
Workforce Management (WFM) or Workforce Optimisation, is a term that encompasses all the activities that are needed to maintain a productive workforce. These typically range from employee scheduling and time-keeping to performance management. In a few words; it is about assigning the right person with the right skill to do the right job at the right time. Many companies nowadays use WFM tools that can help forecast workforce requirements and create staff schedules.
Though WFM is not a new concept, several myths surround it. Below are some misconceptions that managers and businesses hold as true about WFM.
1. It is time-consuming
Ask managers why their businesses still don’t use WFM concepts and tools, and many of them say that they take too long to implement a solution. However, this is definitely not the case.
If anything, a WFM system can help your managers save time. A study shows that once the initial setup is complete, the business’s managers can save 7-12 hours every week. This free time can be used to perform critical tasks.
2.WFM can be done using a spreadsheet
A spreadsheet can help you accomplish many tasks. Managing your workforce, however, is not one of them. Using a spreadsheet for scheduling, time management, and forecasting increases your chances of committing costly errors and it is a lengthy and inefficient process. WFM, on the other hand, advocates the use of advanced software that automates the entire process.
3. It is only for big businesses
Numerous managers wrongly think that WFM is meant only for big corporations. If designed and implemented carefully, a WFM solution can cover its costs by helping you save staff-hours and admin costs within a few months of its implementation.
Many workforce management consulting firms offer customized packages tailor-made to suit the specific preferences of their clients. Additionally, WFM systems have become more affordable than ever before, thanks to improvements in technology.
4. A WFM solution can only be used for scheduling
Scheduling is just one of the many things that a WFM solution can do. A well-rounded solution can help solve the headaches associated with attendance, task management, and forecast planning. A practical approach will also give you the freedom to manage your workforce from any part of the world.
If you would like to learn more about workforce management and how we can help you manage your shift-based employees in an empowered way, contact us today. Our professional team can provide you with a thoughtful response to the emerging realities of the contemporary business world in order to provide a competitive edge and create value for your business and customers.