Writing the Work Schedule

Small retail shops that are owner operated may find the need to hire one or two part-time employees to ease the work load. Scheduling in those stores may consist of saying, "I can afford $120 each week and I need you to work from 3 PM until closing each night." There is no posted schedule. There is no hassle. If that sounds like your operation, be thankful.

Chain stores and larger independent retailers with several workers face a more complex task--writing the weekly work schedule. It can be very frustrating juggling the needs of the store with the needs of the staff.

My biggest complaint in managing several workers is that after spending two hours fine tuning the schedule and making sure there is plenty of coverage or that we don't exceed our payroll dollars, I post the schedule only to hear, "I forgot to tell you, I can't work Tuesday morning." Back to the drawing board I go!

What is your biggest complaint when scheduling employees?