When you think of companies that use workforce management systems, your mind may go to Fortune 500 companies and retailers but the truth is that workforce management systems support a variety of businesses from small to large. In fact, small businesses and non-traditional businesses can benefit just as much from a comprehensive workforce management system as multi-million dollar businesses. These are just three unexpected businesses using workforce management software to optimize their productivity, create better schedules and meet rising demand in their industry.
Homecare Businesses
Caregiving and homecare has long been a cottage industry made up of individuals and small business owners. Offering care and companionship to elderly or disabled adults in their home doesn’t seem like it requires fancy software or tracking but in actuality, homecare businesses who implement a workforce management system have found that the increased communication and continuity of care gained from a workforce management system benefits both employees and patients.
One challenge facing homecare businesses is ensuring communication between caregivers. When patients are receiving 24-hour care in eight hour shifts, each caregiver is responsible for documenting patient activity and relaying that information to the next shift. While written logs have long been the norm, using a workforce management system allows caregivers and business owners to monitor care on a long term basis. Declines in health and well-being are caught quicker because documentation is easier to access and monitor. This, in turn, betters the outcomes for patients and reduces incidences of hospitalization and illness.
Family Owned Businesses
When the business has a handful of employees and a have a single location, it may seem wasteful to spend too much time on technology better suited for larger businesses but workforce management software is one piece of technology that helps large and small businesses alike. Many family owned business use workforce management software to reduce the amount of time spent on timekeeping and payroll while still keeping in compliance with labour law regulations.
Time is precious when running a family owned business and the cost of a workforce management system is offset by the peace of mind and decreased time spent on payroll. Many small businesses don’t have the training and personnel necessary to prevent payroll fraud or comply with labour regulations but a workforce management system automates the process. Business owners can spend more time focused on excelling their business rather than being bogged down by paperwork.
Remote Industries
With the increase in technology, less jobs take place in an office and more are offered remotely. Even though these positions require software and electronic systems to work, many are surprised to learn that a workforce management system is still a significant benefit in these industries. A workforce management system gives remote employees and employers a platform to communicate more efficiently and a place for employers to disseminate information to all employees.
The lack of an office causes many employees feel disconnected from their employer and their co-workers while managers often have a more difficult time effectively managing employees. A workforce management system provides an online “office” for all employees to find business information, communicate with colleagues and managers, and brainstorm solutions to job issues.
Employers can post policies and procedures for employees to access at a click of a button and employees can find contact information for different departments or positions to find answers to their questions. When the company needs to make widespread changes, instead of playing a game of telephone with managers, they can post that change on their workforce management system and require employee review.
