Choosing the right staff scheduling software for your business

From busy call centres to hectic restaurants and commercial businesses, effectively structuring, maintaining, and distributing staff schedules can be a difficult task. Fortunately, online solutions for staff scheduling do exist that make the process a simple and intuitive one - effectively reducing your workload while ensuring an accurate flow of scheduling information. When looking for a simple staff scheduling solution there are a number of factors you need to consider, ensuring you get the best solution for your needs.

Traditional programs vs. Web applications

Printing schedules to paper is fraught with problems. Even by uploading schedules to the web, you’re still offered little in the way of true benefit. A true web based solution gives you and your employees the ability to log in and collaborate on your staff schedules in real time. Being entirely web based, there are no IT requirements other than a web browser and no need to download or install software. Online scheduling applications not only provide a convenient, central location for all scheduling data but also offer a quick and easy solution that can be accessed anywhere, from any web browser.

Simple & intuitive interface

The key to simple staff scheduling is in its ease of use and access. The most effective online scheduling software provides an intuitive and informative interface. This way, you can quickly add, view, and amend schedules as well as employee information and other details. In turn, employees will receive notification of any updates and can easily log in and view and accept their schedule. Complex interfaces tend to lead to an unwillingness to use the software.

Truly wireless access

As well as looking for online solutions, you should consider services that offer a completely wireless experience. This enables all users, both managers and staff, to monitor and maintain schedules on mobile devices such as mobile or cell phones, smart phones, and laptops. You may not always be able to access the Internet from your home or work computer but the majority of us have access to a wireless device most of the time.

A fast flow of information

Once you've added or updated a weekly or monthly schedule you will need employees to view this information in a timely manner. Simple staff scheduling applications not only enable you to update the information but should contact the relevant parties in order to inform them of any updates. The best software will allow you to send emails and SMS text messages to employees informing them of these updates. Similarly, you will also receive messages informing you when new schedules have been accepted.

Additional features

Just because an application offers easy staff scheduling doesn't mean it shouldn't offer more advanced options. Notice boards allow you to update staff of any important dates or announcements. Budget tracking will let you forecast and keep track of your costs. Payroll exports provide information on staff hours direct from the schedule. Staff holiday requests let you manage and approve holiday applications online. Facility management allows you to allocate meeting rooms and other shared resources. All these features make for powerful but simple staff scheduling software.

Simple personnel scheduling

Personnel scheduling is considered an integral facet of running any business. Using simple online software allows you to easily schedule and contact employees from a single, central location. A completely wireless solution will enable you to do this from any computer or mobile device any time of the day while advanced features will allow you to track staff, wages, facilities and holidays.

findmyshift.com is an online service providing simple and intuitive tools for staff scheduling. findmyshift.com combines an intuitive easy to use interface with a powerful toolset to simplify staff scheduling for you, your business, and your employees.