Many restaurant managers are in a bind when scheduling employees’ shifts. Young workers expect flexibility, predictability, and some control over their schedules. However, staffing each shift with just the right number of workers is a bottom-line issue for managers.
Some chains are addressing the challenges with new technology. An operations platform called Crunchtime predicts staffing needs for each shift based on customer traffic. It also offers a free scheduling app, Teamworx, that allows employees to trade shifts online. Managers can approve shift swaps via the app. Two restaurant chains, Sweetgreen and Five Guys, are using the platform to manage staffing more efficiently, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. Crunchtime says Jersey Mike’s and Caribou Coffee are also using its technology.
Shift swaps have traditionally been a cumbersome process, often requiring multiple signatures on paper forms. New shift-swapping technology places more responsibility on workers to anticipate time-off needs and find someone to cover for them. At best, the process can reduce no-shows and foster collaboration among employees.
Managers need to set guardrails, however. Poorly run shift swaps can be a nightmare, creating confusion and inadequate staffing. Also, hours worked must be monitored to comply with overtime and other labor laws.
Other companies in service industries are finding benefits in shift swaps. IKEA has been testing a self-scheduling intervention at some U.S. stores. In the past, employees who wanted to exchange shifts with a coworker had to go through the tedious process of getting paper forms signed by the other employee and both of their managers.
Under the new program, employees use an app by Kronos to update their availability before schedules are posted. Afterward, they are allowed to swap shifts by sending direct requests to coworkers, according to the Shift Project, a research organization. The initiative is part of a larger effort by IKEA to improve pay and working conditions. The effort has lowered voluntary 2023 turnover in U.S. stores to about 25% from 33% previously, according to Bloomberg.
