10 tips for getting your Workforce Management in shape

1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE

So many people fall at the first hurdle because they haven’t thought about what they want to achieve. Establish your main drivers, just as you would if you were embarking on a training programme and trying to shift some excess Christmas weight! Whether it’s improving your efficiency or increasing your profitability, having a clear view on what you want to achieve makes the journey towards reaching your goals much easier.

2. SET REALISTIC GOALS

When we train hard for something we like to feel like we’re getting somewhere and achieving what we set out to do. This is why it’s incredibly important to set realistic goals. It’s a big jump to say you’re going to compete in an Ironman event before even running a triathlon. Challenge yourself with your targets but make sure you’re able to reach them.

3. PLAN HOW TO REACH THEM

Get your road map in place at the start of the journey. Having a clear plan in place means you have something you can stick to, and something that can guide you. Be honest about the resources and help you will need. Not everything can be achieved in house, so if you are going to outsource certain tasks or if you will need to purchase a piece of software, make sure that is factored in to your road map and your budget.

4. PUT THE TIME IN

Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have at our disposal. If you’re serious about getting your workforce in shape and sticking to your plan then you have to allocate the time to do it. One of the key steps to take towards better workforce management is improving your communication with staff – this won’t happen overnight, and it certainly won’t happen by itself, so safeguard your time to deliver it.

5. BE DISCIPLINED

Discipline is what turns goals into success. You have to be disciplined with yourself and your team if you want to deliver on the targets you’ve outlined in your plan. Look at your existing processes and analyse what’s working and what’s not. Like all things, you will get out of it what you put in. Trim the fat and get rid of any excess to maximise the return on all your efforts.

6. COMMIT TO IT

Commitment to the plan and strategy is a huge factor in determining success. If you set out to do something then make sure you do it right. This means giving it your all and raising that bar. Go further than you think you can and keep surprising yourself. If you give something your all and can hold your head up high at the end of it then you will have reached the place you want to be.

7. MEASURE THE GAINS

Tracking the success of your efforts will allow you to understand what works and what doesn’t. Make sure you have a way of measuring the activity and know the metrics you want to measure so you can smash through those KPIs. You may want to consider setting up regular meetings with your staff too, so you can track the impact your efforts are having on their day-to-day working environment.

8. STOP DELAYING

You’ll be amazed at the results you can achieve with simple hard work, dedication and application. It’s easy to delay and it’s even easier to talk about plans. Make this year the time to stop talking and stop delaying. It’s easy to stick to the status quo but if you’re serious about making a change, there’s no better time than now.

9. ENJOY IT

The most successful plans are the ones people enjoy implementing. Be passionate about delivering it, be determined to make it succeed and do it all with the right attitude.

10. STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME

Stay ahead of the game by seeking out the latest developments in the workforce management industry. Developments such as automatic scheduling and forecasting now exist, and if you’re not experimenting with them you can’t track the potential impact they have on your business.