The consistent productivity level of the workers is essential for enhancing business performance. The tasks sometimes require more hours to complete, and because of that, the workers are often required to extend their shifts by several hours. It is necessary for business owners and managers to handle overtime wisely – to keep the processes running smoothly at pre-set manpower costs and, at the same time, avoid employee burnout.
An increase in employee burnout rate causes a high employee turnover rate. This may lead to poor business performance due to decreased employee productivity. Here are practical tips to help you manage overtime issues and create a fine balance between productivity and output.
Evaluate workload assigned to employees
A company may record more business at specific times. This may require workers to work overtime. You may notice some employees are consistently finishing their work late. Working overtime for a few days only can be acceptable. However, it becomes a challenge when this is the norm.
The workers with more workload may feel they are being overworked. They can become fatigued and decrease productivity. Some workers may develop higher levels of fatigue and require sick leave. You may want to evaluate the workload assigned to each employee.
Some of the workers might have too much work. The job descriptions might not be clear. There might not be a clear flow of communication between managers and their teams. One of the best solutions is to create a positive company culture where communication flows seamlessly, and problems are addressed in the quickest possible time. Another solution is to distribute the workload in a balanced way.
Invest in upskilling and reskilling
Workers who have the right skills can be more productive. They can complete their tasks quickly without the need for overtime. Workers who lack the right skills can spend more time completing the same task. They may require overtime often, which increases the overall cost of running the business.
The best solution to reduce the need for overtime is to upskill and reskill employees. Establish the training needs of each employee and provide it. It gives a chance for employees who joined at the entry level to advance their careers. It is a good way to improve employee satisfaction rates and motivate them. The employer should use available resources to bring innovation to the workplace for enhanced productivity.
Reskilled workers can perform a wider range of tasks. It ensures workers in each shift can perform all duties for the shift correctly and fast. Upskilling may involve skill diversification through cross-training. It enables workers to work better in teams and complete tasks without overtime.
Eliminate technical problems with computers
In modern offices, almost all work is dependent on computers and other devices. Computers can fail to work due to technical issues. This can be due to challenges with hardware or company software. The company could be handling large volumes of data that fill storage quickly. When this happens, computers begin to slow down due to a lack of memory or simply because it lacks processing power. Some of the computers may begin to shut down. This eventually causes work delays and requires employees to work overtime.
Solving too many technical issues at the same time can be a problem for most technical specialists. Both designers and people who deal with big data get challenges when their computers start to work slow and working tools load too long. To get a lasting solution, ensure your workers have access to fast IT support. The IT team should regularly clean up storage on their computers and uninstall apps which take too much memory.
Allow overtime only when it’s extremely necessary
Excessive overtime hours increase a company’s running costs. Employees may want to work overtime due to the extra pay they get. They may look for every opportunity to get overtime pay, especially in companies that pay well. Sometimes there might be no need for workers to work overtime.
Some work may not affect service delivery if it waits until the next day or shift. There should be a way to evaluate each worker’s productivity to see whether they are underperforming. Worker underperformance may necessitate the need for overtime.
Although they benefit from overtime pay, their productivity can be adversely affected. The company management should create better ways for overtime management. They should allow workers to work extra hours only when necessary. Assign tasks that an employee can complete as per the schedule.
Reschedule shifts and staffing
One of the leading causes of the need for overtime is understaffing. The work could be more in one shift and less in another. The workers in the shift with more work will be overworked, while those in the shift with less work will be underworked. The workers in the busy shift may experience fatigue, stress, and burnout.
Establish which shifts require more workers. Reschedule the shifts and increase staffing in the busy shifts. This will ensure that you reduce or eliminate the need for overtime. You may consider allowing some workers to work from home. If you consider this option, discuss it with the HR team and create a smart strategy for recording remote employees’ time.
Most companies consider using employee management software to manage work schedules and overtime. Shifts rescheduling should be done with care. Some workers may not agree to work in certain shifts for personal reasons. Consult with workers before you assign them different shifts, and never force things on them. A happy employee is more productive and loyal to the company.
How to enhance productivity with overtime
Overtime can be beneficial to a company, but it can add to the business’s running costs. Business owners and management should create better strategies to reduce and manage overtime. There should be strong reasons that warrant the need for overtime. The employer should have a strategy for managing employee overtime. Upskilling and reskilling empower workers with the right skills required for various tasks. These tips will help a business enhance productivity by reducing and managing overtime effectively.
5 Best Ways to Reduce and Manage Overtime for Employees
- Evaluate workload assigned to employees
Create a positive company culture where communication flows seamlessly, and problems are addressed in the quickest possible time. Another solution is to distribute the workload in a balanced way.
- Invest in upskilling and reskilling
Reduce the need for overtime is to upskill and reskill employees. Establish the training needs of each employee and provide it.
- Eliminate technical problems with computers
Ensure your workers have access to fast IT support. The IT team should regularly clean up storage on their computers and uninstall apps that take too much memory.
- Allow overtime only when it’s extremely necessary
Allow workers to work extra hours only when necessary. Assign tasks that an employee can complete as per the schedule.
- Reschedule shifts and staffing
Establish which shifts require more workers. Reschedule the shifts and increase staffing in the busy shifts. This will ensure that you reduce or eliminate the need for overtime. Consult with workers before you assign them different shifts, and never force things on them.
