DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
schedules , request time off , and swap shifts . This level of autonomy and flexibility boosts employee engagement and satisfaction , leading to higher retention rates and a more positive work environment .”
Another crucial benefit is improved compliance management . With labour laws and regulations becoming increasingly complex , maintaining compliance is a significant challenge for many businesses . “ Compliance management also becomes more achievable with WFM technology ,” emphasises Andrew . “ Automated updates and tracking help organisations stay on top of changing labour regulations , such as the newly proposed Right to Disconnect in the UK , reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential legal issues .”
Implementing workforce management : The challenges While the benefits of workforce management are clear , implementing these systems and practices is not without challenges . Steve Elcock , founder and CEO of elementsuite , points out : “ One significant challenge is the mindset shift required to understand that workforce management is not a binary process but a continuous improvement journey . Companies often try to implement these systems too quickly without adequately preparing their staff or understanding their labour model – in other words they shouldn ’ t try to eat the whole elephant !”
Organisations , Steve adds , must navigate issues such as data privacy concerns , resistance to change from employees , and the need for ongoing training and support . “ There may also be resistance from managers who may be uncomfortable relying on AI-driven scheduling . The transition requires careful staging , sufficient data input , and cultural adjustments to ensure successful implementation and adoption while remembering that it is a continuous process not a quick fix .”
To overcome these challenges , Steve recommends a staged approach . “ Organisations should adopt a staged approach when implementing workforce management solutions ,” he notes . “ This involves gradually introducing the system , starting with simpler tasks and progressively moving towards more automated scheduling . It ’ s crucial to ensure that the organisation ’ s culture is aligned with the new system ’ s
78 October 2024