What is shift management?

What is shift management?

Shift management is the process of organising and overseeing employee work schedules to ensure that business operations run smoothly and efficiently.  

It involves assigning shifts, tracking attendance, handling requests for time off, and balancing workforce coverage based on demand. Effective shift management helps prevent understaffing or overstaffing, reduces scheduling conflicts, and improves employee satisfaction.  

Ultimately, shift management plays a crucial role in maintaining productivity, managing labour costs, and supporting a positive work environment in industries that rely on shift-based work. 

What technology is used for shift management? 

The technology often used for shift management includes scheduling tools or software, which help managers optimise coverage, accommodate employee preferences when possible, and adapt to changing business needs.  

The best shift management technology also incorporates built-in approval workflows, enabling employers to review and authorise both scheduled shifts and payments 

This approval process can be handled manually for direct oversight, or, on more advanced platforms, automated options are available to streamline routine approvals, save time, and reduce the time spent on administrative.  

These features help maintain accuracy and compliance while offering flexibility to suit different organisational needs.  

How is automation used in shift management? 

Employers can use automation in shift management technology to streamline the timesheet approval process by automatically verifying and approving timesheets once employees have completed their required attendance markers.  

This means that when an employee signs in and out - or otherwise confirms their attendance - for a scheduled shift, the system can automatically cross-check these attendance records against the shift schedule.  

If all attendance criteria are met and there are no discrepancies, the technology can approve the timesheet without the need for manual intervention. This not only saves time for managers but also helps reduce errors and ensures that payroll is processed accurately and efficiently. 

How is technology used to simplify signing in and out of shifts? 

Forward thinking businesses now make use of QR code technology to simplify the sign-in and sign-out process for shifts.  

With this method, employees can quickly scan a unique QR code displayed using their phones or mobile device, instantly recording their attendance without the need to wait in line to manually check in at a computer or sign a physical clipboard.  

This system not only speeds up the process and reduces bottlenecks at the start and end of shifts, but it also enhances accuracy and minimises the risk of errors or lost records. 

How can you improve retention with good shift management? 

Retention can be improved by using efficient shift management technology and practices to offer flexible scheduling, accommodate employee preferences, and reduce conflicts 

Effective systems also ensure fair coverage, timely approvals, and accurate payroll, leading to higher satisfaction. Integrating technology streamlines processes, minimises errors, and creates a positive work environment, making employees more likely to stay. 

What is Shift Control by Comensura? 

Shift Control by Comensura is a digital platform designed to streamline shift management. It allows organisations to efficiently schedule shifts, track attendance, and automate approvals, helping ensure optimal coverage and compliance.  

The platform supports flexible scheduling, reduces administrative workload, and improves workforce satisfaction by simplifying and digitising the entire shift management process. 

People also asked

Efficient shift management gives managers better visibility into coverage, streamlines scheduling, and reduces time spent on admin, freeing up time for more strategic tasks. 

Yes, technology-based shift management solutions help organisations maintain compliance with employment law by automating recordkeeping and flagging potential issues. 

Industries with variable staffing needs often use shift management tools and technology, health and social care, hospitality, facilities management, catering, consumer goods and retail commonly rely on shift management tools to optimise workforce operations. 

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