Blogs & Latest News
A brief introduction to Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
This article looks at Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours and covers strategies to implement and manage this resourcing system
Our expert consultants can help you find the most efficient, effective & engaged way to manage your shift workers.
For over 25 years, Working Time Solutions’ subject matter expertise has helped create highly productive shift-based workforces for organisations of all sizes & sectors.
Our team has extensive experience in workforce optimisation strategies, shift pattern design, shift worker management systems, union engagement & employee communications.
This specialist knowledge & consultancy
is the foundation for a range of services.
So, whether it’s training around scheduling best practice, or implementing Annualised Hours & Demand-Led Rostering systems, our experts can provide you with professional, dependable support.
Labour Demand Planning
Shift Pattern Design
Employee Engagement
Implementation
Insight
Labour Demand Planning
Our expert consultants will help you maximise productivity & efficiency by creating an accurate demand model & a forecast of precise staffing requirements:
- Source & overlay demand data from across your organisation, including undertaking process mapping & activity sampling.
- Map variability & volatility 24/7/365 to build an accurate picture of demand through the day, week, month, season & year.
- Use as a platform to design & implement fully optimised shift patterns.
- Analyse overtime, absence & labour cost data to identify & overcome challenges or issues.
- Model demand, cover & throughput requirements, factoring in variations from seasonal peaks to hour-by-hour changes.
Our comprehensive labour demand planning service & consultancy will help you to understand the challenges you face & the best route to
simplifying complex patterns or pay rules.
It is the best starting point for workforce optimisation & can be used as the basis to implement new resourcing models
such as Demand-led Rostering & Annualised Hours.
You can learn more about demand planning here.
Shift Pattern Design
Our specialist consultants will help you find the best solution by appraising shift pattern options, experimenting with variants using
WORKSuite® design tools & understanding their potential impact:
- Design shift patterns that resolve issues identified as harming productivity or shift worker wellbeing.
- Harness WORKSuite®’s interactive tools in a working party environment to co-design shift patterns with employees & ensure their preferences are reflected.
- Model potential scenarios & create a bank of patterns designed to maintain productivity, efficiency & compliance.
- Create custom patterns that are differentiated from the competition & well suited to different employee demographics.
- Combine the service with WORKSuite®’s shift pattern design tools to create innovative, flexible shift patterns that meet your specific requirements.
You can use our shift pattern design service & consultancy to access deep workforce optimisation subject matter expertise, knowledge & experience in shift working environments.
Our team have the know-how to design shift patterns that effectively balance the needs of organisations (productivity & efficiency) with employees (health & work-life balance).
Employee Engagement & Communications
Our expert consultants will help ensure your employees & unions are fully engaged in the workforce planning & management process & that shift patterns reflect their needs or preferences:
- Use demand data & analysis to evidence the need for change & the positive impact on stable pay, job protection/creation, work-life balance, health & wellbeing.
- Collaborate with employees to ensure their insight & preferences are considered & that you create appealing patterns that support recruitment & retention.
- Create comprehensive communication & engagement strategies that effectively support the shift pattern design & implementation process.
- Achieve transparency & fairness in design by using WORKSuite®’s
visual & interactive design tools to directly involve the workforce in the shift pattern design process.
- Reduce the time taken to implement new patterns by ensuring solutions are optimised for both the organisation & its employees.
Our employee engagement & communications services & consultancy enables employees & unions to engage in the shift planning, scheduling
& management process in a transparent, collaborative manner.
We’ll help ensure your shift workers understand the need for changes to working time & that they can play a central role
in arriving at the best solution.
Implementation & Project Management
Our specialist consultants will help you take the optimal approach to changing shift patterns…making sure you get it right first time:
- Adopt a structured implementation based on best practice project management techniques.
- Secure organisation-wide buy-in for the project by evidencing the quantitative & qualitative benefits of making changes.
- Reduce risk around implementation & see the benefits of optimised shift patterns & rotas realised quicker.
Our team of consultants is qualified in project management & highly experienced in helping employers implement new processes & approaches.
Let them help you find the best way to optimise your shift-based workforce.
Data Analysis & Insight
Our expert consultants will ensure your shift patterns & rotas remain optimised & aligned to changing demand & employee needs:
- Establish regular monitoring, reviews & fine-tuning of systems to anticipate & respond to change
- Regular compliance & best practice ‘health checks’ to keep up with changing regulations, policies & standards.
- Sharing best practice in shift work planning & management through comprehensive training courses suitable for all levels of management.
- Helpline support for consultancy, training or technical enquiries.
Our data analysis & insight services & consultancy will ensure you maintain a fully optimised workforce & continuously improve your approach to planning, management & monitoring.
Through knowledge transfer, we’ll help you build the skills, understanding & capabilities in-house to maintain productivity & shift worker wellbeing over the long-term.
You can learn more about continuous improvement here.
Book a free 1-2-1 consultation at our Shift Planning Clinics
Consult free with experts in working time, shift pattern design & workforce planning & management
Blogs & Latest News
10 signs you should consider Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
Adopting Annualised Hours enables truly responsive Demand-Led Rostering systems to be created
Blogs & Latest News
Overcoming common shift work planning and management challenges in manufacturing
Exploring shared sector pain points and how to address them
Blogs & Latest News
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Blogs & Latest News
Working Time Solutions views on skills shortages featured in Manufacturing Management
A summary of our article in Manufacturing Management which discusses whether manufacturers’ shift patterns are fit for purpose in tackling staff shortages.
Blogs & Latest News
Ports & Airports - Why continued Brexit uncertainty is pushing workforce planning up the agenda
Workforce planning will be key to avoiding operational problems or capitalising on opportunities.
Blogs & Latest News
On route to optimisation: Transforming shift working for field-based employees
This article explores the benefits optimised shift working delivers for employers and field-based service managers or engineers
Blogs & Latest News
Shifting the dial: Workforce optimisation and regulatory frameworks in Utilities
Creating optimised and flexible shift patterns and rotas could strengthen utilities companies’ RIIO-2, PR19 and AMP7 plans.
Blogs & Latest News
Seasonal shift patterns in manufacturing: Don’t let peak production periods harm your business
Responsive resourcing systems are key to managing cyclical demand efficiently and effectively.
Blogs & Latest News
The importance of cloud software in shift working environments
Major new release brings our specialist workforce planning and management system to the cloud
Blogs & Latest News
Views from the ‘Digital Works for People’ conference 2018
We're proud to have been recognised as delivering one of the most innovative European projects in the 'digitalisation at work’ field
Blogs & Latest News
Increasing predictability with Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
Organisations which depend on zero hour contracts to meet fluctuating demand need to look at alternative resourcing models
Blogs & Latest News
Sharing best practice at the Emergency Services Roster Review Seminar
Working Time Solutions hosted a unique event for Emergency Services focused on designing dynamic rosters that respond to changing demand profiles
Blogs & Latest News
Rotas that meet demand and employee aspirations will be key to the future of ambulance services
Discussions at the Ambulance Leadership Forum highlighted the importance of engagement and adapting to change
Blogs & Latest News
Managing 24/7 shift patterns for Siemens
WORKSuite® software helps Siemens Healthineers manage 7 days a week operation
Blogs & Latest News
Ambulance Leadership Forum - Time is of the essence
Rosters, rotas, shifts…call them what you will; but resourcing patterns have the potential to influence many of the issues under discussion
Blogs & Latest News
Looking to improve shift patterns? Our Workforce Planning Events and Webinars will help
We regularly host Workforce Planning events and free webinars designed specifically to help organisations looking to improve the productivity and wellbeing of shift workers
Blogs & Latest News
Workforce Optimisation…plugging technology gaps in an airport environment
Airports looking to optimise shift patterns need to ensure their workforce planning and management systems are capable of handling seasonal peaks and fluctuations in demand
Blogs & Latest News
2017 - Working Time in review
Barely a week goes by without something related to Working Time hitting the headlines
Blogs & Latest News
4 steps to minimise the impact of adverse weather this winter
Adverse weather conditions can have a catastrophic effect on organisations which do not have contingency plans in place to ensure that the workforce is managed successfully
Events
Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours Clinic
Free 1-2-1 consultation with one of our expert workforce planning and management consultants
Events
Workforce Planning Masterclass
The UK's leading event on optimising shift work - 14th May 2020
Events
Shift Planning Clinics
Free 1-2-1 consultation with our leading workforce planning and management consultants
Events
Join WTS at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2019
Transforming shift work at the UK’s key HR event
Events
Emergency Services Roster Review Seminar: Sharing best practice - 20th June 2019
Build your knowledge around designing, implementing and managing demand-led rosters
Events
Fatigue Risk Management in Practice: Working Time Solutions & HSE Joint Event - 2nd July 2019
Develop your understanding of fatigue, share risk management experiences, discuss challenges & create solutions
Case Studies
Siemens Healthineers
A workforce planning and management solution to help Siemens Healthineers work 7 days a week
Case Studies
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
By designing optimised shift patterns, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency could meet variations in demand while reducing labour costs and protecting vital skills
Case Studies
Premier Foods
One of the UK's largest food manufacturers saved £1m by designing seasonal shift patterns that better met demand...reducing use of overtime and temporary labour
Case Studies
Wales & West Utilities
This utility company modernised shift patterns for 300 emergency engineers to boost efficiency, streamline practices and meet new regulatory requirements
Case Studies
Dublin Airport Authority
Dublin Airport Authority made significant and sustainable payroll savings by designing shift patterns that accurately reflect seasonal demand
Case Studies
PPG
Introducing Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours delivered a wide range of benefits for this manufacturer
Case Studies
Thames Water
This utility company designed new shift patterns to create £10m of efficiencies and meet regulatory demands
Case Studies
Unilever
This food manufacturer's new shift patterns increased efficiency from 55% to 85%, while reducing administration time and boosting staff morale
Case Studies
Emirates Aluminium
New shift patterns prioritise work-life balance for Emirates Aluminium employees
Case Studies
Accolade Wines
This wine distributor implemented a new shift pattern with fully rostered holidays and an allowance of reserve hours to use during seasonal peaks in production
Case Studies
Celtic Manor
This venue removed its over-reliance on agency workers by designing efficient new shift patterns
Case Studies
INEOS
Installing specialist software to provide a comprehensive database for the day-to-day planning, management and monitoring of working time
Case Studies
l'Anson
Implementing new shift patterns allowed this feed manufacturer to flex up during very busy periods and flex down during the quieter summer months
Case Studies
York Minster
This venue's security team implemented an annualised hours system that reduced administration and provided clear visibility over shift patterns
Case Studies
The University of Northampton
The security team at this university reduced high levels of overtime, improving operational planning and giving employees a better work-life balance
Case Studies
University of London
This university implemented an annualised hours system which helped save money, reduce overtime and improve employees work-life balance
Case Studies
Health Assured
This healthcare business designed a 24/7 shift pattern to meet fluctuating demand for its services and provide flexibility for growth
Case Studies
Transportation and logistics services
Shift pattern design and rota scheduling software and services
White Papers
A ticking time bomb?...The 'top 10' Working Time risks
Does your approach to managing shift workers put you at risk of punitive fines, lost business or reputational damage?
White Papers
Workforce optimisation...plugging technology gaps in an airport environment
As passenger numbers increase, airports face significant challenges in ensuring that they have the right amount of staff in place at all times
White Papers
Healthy…happy…flexible - Using shift patterns to enhance employer brand
The battle for talent feels like it’s turning into a war of attrition
White Papers
Mind the gap - Overcoming Working Time shortfalls in T&A / ERP systems
Identify where the principal Working Time-related gaps may be in T&A/ERP systems and the common issues this creates
White Papers
Shifting sands...Brexit's impact on workforce planning and management
We explore the questions Brexit poses around workforce productivity, flexibility and compliance
White Papers
Smarter not harder...avoiding the trap of excessive working hours
Identify common causes of excessive hours, evidence the impact and look at how to tackle overworking
White Papers
Weather the storm…preparing the utilities workforce for extreme events
How workforce planning can be used to mitigate risk, increase resilience and maintain compliance
White Papers
National Living Wage...using shift patterns to offset rising costs
Offsetting rising labour costs through shift pattern design and effective roster management
White Papers
Solving the puzzle...improving workforce productivity
We look at how organisations can improve their productivity through changes to Working Time
White Papers
Holiday headaches...planning annual leave for shift workers
Identify common issues, evaluate gross/net hours systems and explore how to maintain productivity whilst accommodating annual leave
White Papers
All aboard...gaining employee buy-in for a Working Time change
The importance of employee engagement when making changes to Working Time
White Papers
The great debate...8 Vs 12 hour shift patterns
We look at the 8 vs 12 hr shift debate, explore the advantages and disadvantages of both and help define the best solution for your organisation
White Papers
Mind your step...managing a workforce during adverse weather
Tips and guidance on how to minimise disruption to the workforce during adverse weather
White Papers
Hard day's night ...permanent night shifts and the alternatives
Arguments for and against these shift patterns and potential alternatives
White Papers
Flexi friend...handling flexible working requests from shift workers
Explore changes to flexible working regulations and how to assess requests in a shift work environment
White Papers
In the mix...rotational Vs fixed shift patterns
We provide an analysis of these two systems including advice for designing new shift patterns
Blogs & Latest News
A brief introduction to Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
This article looks at Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours and covers strategies to implement and manage this resourcing system
Blogs & Latest News
10 signs you should consider Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
Adopting Annualised Hours enables truly responsive Demand-Led Rostering systems to be created
Blogs & Latest News
Overcoming common shift work planning and management challenges in manufacturing
Exploring shared sector pain points and how to address them
Blogs & Latest News
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Blogs & Latest News
Working Time Solutions views on skills shortages featured in Manufacturing Management
A summary of our article in Manufacturing Management which discusses whether manufacturers’ shift patterns are fit for purpose in tackling staff shortages.
Events
Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours Clinic
Free 1-2-1 consultation with one of our expert workforce planning and management consultants
Events
Workforce Planning Masterclass
The UK's leading event on optimising shift work - 14th May 2020
Events
Shift Planning Clinics
Free 1-2-1 consultation with our leading workforce planning and management consultants
Case Studies
Siemens Healthineers
A workforce planning and management solution to help Siemens Healthineers work 7 days a week
Case Studies
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
By designing optimised shift patterns, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency could meet variations in demand while reducing labour costs and protecting vital skills
Case Studies
Premier Foods
One of the UK's largest food manufacturers saved £1m by designing seasonal shift patterns that better met demand...reducing use of overtime and temporary labour
Case Studies
Wales & West Utilities
This utility company modernised shift patterns for 300 emergency engineers to boost efficiency, streamline practices and meet new regulatory requirements
White Papers
A ticking time bomb?...The 'top 10' Working Time risks
Does your approach to managing shift workers put you at risk of punitive fines, lost business or reputational damage?
White Papers
Workforce optimisation...plugging technology gaps in an airport environment
As passenger numbers increase, airports face significant challenges in ensuring that they have the right amount of staff in place at all times
White Papers
Healthy…happy…flexible - Using shift patterns to enhance employer brand
The battle for talent feels like it’s turning into a war of attrition
White Papers
Mind the gap - Overcoming Working Time shortfalls in T&A / ERP systems
Identify where the principal Working Time-related gaps may be in T&A/ERP systems and the common issues this creates
White Papers
Shifting sands...Brexit's impact on workforce planning and management
We explore the questions Brexit poses around workforce productivity, flexibility and compliance