Understaffing

Understaffing (in shift work): Insufficient employees scheduled for a shift.

Understaffing

A situation in shift planning where insufficient employees are scheduled for a shift, leading to potential workflow disruptions and decreased productivity.

What is understaffing

When a team is understaffed, it means there are fewer employees on duty than needed to adequately meet workload demands. For example, if a retail store typically requires five cashiers during peak hours but only schedules three, they’re understaffed. Being understaffed can result in longer customer wait times, reduced employee morale, and increased stress.

It’s crucial to analyze your scheduling patterns to see when you’re consistently falling short on staff. This under-scheduling can happen often due to lack of oversight in shift planning or unexpected employee absences that aren’t accounted for in advance.

On the flip side, overstaffing can waste resources, but the key is finding that sweet balance. Ultimately, being aware of peak times and getting feedback from your team can help you forecast staffing needs effectively. Consider using a self-scheduling tool, as they can offer insight into when your workforce is most available and engaged, reducing the risk of being understaffed.

Best practices

• Always analyze historical data to understand peak staffing times. This allows you to predict when you’ll need more hands on deck.
• Engage your team in discussions about their availability and preferences; tapping into your employee insights helps build a well-rounded schedule.
• Maintain flexibility in your scheduling; encouraging employees to swap shifts can keep your workforce adaptable, reducing the risk of being understaffed.

Common pitfalls

• Neglecting to account for employee leave can leave you scrambling when someone calls in sick; always have contingency plans.
• Sticking to outdated scheduling methods often leads to missing key insights about shifts, so be open to tech solutions.
• Ignoring employee input can create disconnect and dissatisfaction; always communicate and involve your team in the planning process.

How we can help

There are numerous options for shift scheduling out there, but not all will suit your unique needs. We’re currently working hard on building a self-scheduling software that aims to tackle issues specific to shift planning, especially on-demand shift signup that can help with last moment understaffing.

If you’re looking for a tool that understands the nuances of managing a contingent workforce, we invite you to explore our app. Try out Zelos Team Management by signing up for a free account on our website and see if it fits your organizational needs!

Shift work glossary