Optimizing Operational Efficiency- The Impact of Employee Scheduling Systems

Optimizing Operational Efficiency- The Impact of Employee Scheduling Systems

Time Clocks

Time clocks are important in the business setting because they are used to monitor the employees’ working hours. The process of clocking in and out ensures that all staff members get to work at a suitable time and leave at the appropriate time. This way, an employer does not pay for fewer or more hours. In addition, employers can also reimburse employees for overtime accordingly. The time clock system allows employers to oversee the volume of employees on any given day (Golden, 2012). It is possible to avoid absenteeism or track the attendance of staff members. In case there are employee shortages, the HR department can identify this immediately based on the timesheet for each shift and take the necessary action.

The work flexibility concept that has overtaken the workplace also demands proper accountability for each employee’s working hours. In the recent past, the utilization of flexible work schedules has been forced upon employers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Research suggests that the adoption of flexible work schedules could increase the efficiency of workers. The employers’ schedules may lead to higher absenteeism rates, the likelihood of abusing sick leave, and tardiness. However, when employers allow employees the autonomy to choose their work schedules, their performance is likely to improve due to self-motivation. The aspect also introduces a balance between work and life making employees more productive and less burnt out. For these reasons, it is necessary to have an efficient clocking system that captures accurate data for each employee. The HR can also use this data to identify areas in the payroll costs that can be reduced due to a lack of need (Golden, 2012). For instance, when flexible work schedules are introduced, the need for full-time managers in every shift may diminish. This provides an opportunity to reorganize the workforce to achieve efficiency.

Compliance with ADA

More than 56 billion people are disabled in America. The most common disabilities include poor vision or impairment of eyesight. These numbers imply that every small business caters to or should cater to this exclusive group. However, it is common to find small business owners giving excuses for failing to comply with the ADA requirements. Walking through a store, I notice that the entrance lacks a ramp and only has a staircase or steps. In addition, the washrooms are not designed to enable disabled individuals to use them safely and easily. The arrangement of the store leaves minimal space for a wheelchair to go through. These small aspects make it impossible for disabled individuals to frequent the small businesses in their localities. As a result, big businesses attract the group because of their accessibility and compliance with the ADA (The Justice Department, 2020).

ADA recommends that all organizations create accessibility by providing ramps, handrails, curbs, landings, curb ramps, and doorways that meet various conditions. This is a critical step in minimizing the likelihood of discrimination (Americans with Disabilities Act, 2020). When a business increases or creates accessibility for the disabled, it also positively impacts its market share and profitability. This occurs as more clients visit the establishment. During these visits, they spend money that the business could not access before.

Furthermore, the tax credits that such a business can access can reach $15,000 each year (Compliance with ADA Laws Can Improve Small Businesses, 2017). These tax credits reduce the amount of revenue that is consumed by taxes. Compliance is highly advised for small businesses to gradually increase the number of clients and compete with larger organizations.

References

Americans with Disabilities Act. (2020). Retrieved from U.S. Access Board: https://www.access-board.gov/ada/#ada-405

Compliance with ADA Laws Can Improve Small Businesses. (2017).

Golden, L. (2012). The effects of working time on productivity and firm performance: A research synthesis paper. ILO.

The Justice Department. (2020). Ten Small Business Mistakes. YouTube.

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Most businesses and organizations use a variety of general operations practices to support areas such as Human Resources, employee scheduling, loss prevention, and sales/customer service processes. Choose one operations procedure that you believe helps increase any company’s operating efficiencies. For example, you might consider choosing the system used by employees to clock in and out, a new customer service initiative, opening/closing procedures, procedures for receiving merchandise, etc.

Based on this week’s course content and your research, answer each of the following questions:

Describe a specific operating process, its purpose, and profitability.

How do you think this process influences operational efficiencies?