Reclaiming Time: A Recap of the Ending the Tyranny of Time Clocks’ Webinar

The reality of modern working life is complex. For many, the traditional 9-5 work model is as outdated as the office time clock. WorkForce Software’s recent webinar, hosted by Sandra Moran and Dr Steven Hunt, offered a deep dive into how modern self-rostering technology redefines work-life balance.

Work rosters might seem like a minute detail in the grand scheme of business operations, but they profoundly influence employee experience (EX). When an organisation controls a person’s time, it essentially wields control over their lives. Modern self-rostering technology puts the power back in the hands of the employees, leading to a more empowered and engaged workforce.

The Changing Workforce Landscape

Workforce demographics are shifting. People live longer and have fewer children, and the economic size is growing, adding more jobs. This shift has led to significant labour shortages, not due to a lack of willing people but because traditional work models no longer fit into people’s lives.

A massive influencer in this shift is the current imbalance between work and personal life. Overwhelmed by family commitments, multiple job responsibilities, commuting issues and more, employees find it increasingly challenging to stick to rigid work rosters. As a result, organisations that offer flexibility and control over work rosters are more likely to retain their talent.

Bridging the Experience Gap

The ‘Workforce Experience Gap’ is the disconnect between employers’ and employees’ perceptions of work needs. According to the 2021 report, there was a significant difference between the views of managers and deskless shift workers on rostering and flexibility.

Organisations have started to recognise this discrepancy. In 2022, the gap narrowed as employers became more aware of their rostering inefficiencies. However, recognising the problem and implementing changes are two different things. The correct technology is needed to bridge this gap effectively.

Technology: The Future of Employee Scheduling

Technology plays a crucial role in overcoming rostering barriers. To accommodate evolving work-life dynamics, modern workforce rostering must offer the following:

• Transparency: Visibility into time worked, pay earned and benefits accrued.
• Clarity: Detailed information on when and where employees are needed.
• Consistency: Clearly defined criteria for rostering decisions.
• Accessibility: Mobile and remote access to work rostering systems.
• Influence: The ability for employees to influence shift rosters and make changes.

Leveraging Technology to Improve Rostering and Workforce Costs

With the right technology, organisations can automate rostering decisions based on real-time information about employees, improving the employee experience and optimising workforce costs. Smarter rostering can reduce overtime and unplanned labour costs, a significant source of savings.

Digital natives will form 75% of the workforce by 2025. Organisations that leverage technology to manage and engage this workforce stand to gain a significant competitive advantage over those still relying on manual, outdated processes.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the tyranny of the time clock is ending. It’s time to break free from the constraints of rigid rostering and embrace a more flexible, tech-driven approach to managing work and time. The future of work lies in giving employees control over their rostering, improving well-being and optimising business operations.

Watch the full webinar here, and to start building your case for a better employee experience, read the Workforce Experience Activation Guide.