Even the best companies have occasional no call, no shows, but there is much you can do to limit these:
- Make sure staff are fully aware of their shifts and informed in advance if these change. Have a clear schedule that workers can access from anywhere and a procedure for making changes. Use emails or texts to remind staff about upcoming shifts and any scheduling revisions. Consider using a scheduling app.
- Mandate that staff confirm their shifts with management. Get this information in writing, signed off on by both parties.
- Promptly address any scheduling problems. Sit down with employees with the highest number of no call, no shows and find out if there is something about the system that is contributing to the problem. Work with employees one-on-one to try to address any personal challenges affecting their ability to comply with their schedule. Additionally, the use of automated scheduling systems and other technology may be useful.
- Consider allowing shift replacements. A mobile workforce management app can help with this.
- Create an on-call list. This can be a solution for last-minute absences.
