As the pandemic drags on, employees may need more flexible work schedules to help homeschool children, care for elderly family members, or handle other responsibilities. If you don’t find a way to accommodate workers’ scheduling needs, you risk losing them to the competition. To determine what steps might be most practical and popular, consider these questions:
- How does my organization’s scheduling practices affect employee effectiveness and well-being? A variety of nonstandard work schedules, including rotating shifts, night work, and flextime, can reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.
- Can we better align our work schedules with the needs, desires, and personalities of our employees? Scheduling shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all proposition. Seek ways to personalize schedules (as much as possible) for workers with different needs and priorities.
- What are the implications of creating customized schedules or giving employees more control over their schedules? “Job crafting” allows workers to have a say in what they will work on, who they work with, and how and why they work. Consider what impact this might have on workflow and processes before making any changes.
- Can we effectively balance the needs and desires of both the organization and employees? Look for ways to avoid constantly changing and precarious schedules. Try to match workers with the schedules that are most comfortable for them and keep these consistent.
