Work scheduling

9 important questions on Work scheduling

What is the purpose of a work schedule in the hospitality industry?

Scheduling is a complicated managerial task in hospitality. The objective is to ensure hotel’s profitability and productivity. Labor costs are crucial within every department. Avoid understaffing as it impacts the hotel's image, and overstaffing due to high costs. Right people in right jobs at the right time are essential for customer demand.

What should the schedule consider in terms of occupancy?

The schedule should consider the occupancy of the establishment, including:
  • Number of check-ins and check-outs
  • In-house guests and their market segment
  • Individuals and groups
  • Events taking place

Why is anticipating business volume activity important?

Anticipating the business volume activity within the hotel and surroundings is imperative. It involves considering:
  • Events taking place in the hotel
  • City events that might augment client numbers
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How does a good analysis of business volume help the hotel?

A good analysis of business volume helps the hotel sequence tasks better. It allows for:
  • Sequencing tasks that must be done by staff
  • Understanding the types of work tasks

What are the two types of work tasks mentioned?

There are 2 types of work tasks:
  • Uncontrollable work: Done on the spot, with the client, such as "check-in".
  • Controllable work: Planned and timed, such as "making the bed".

What is the difference between uncontrollable and controllable work?

Uncontrollable work is done on the spot, with the client, like "check-in". Controllable work is planned and timed, such as "making the bed".

What are the different shifts when scheduling staff?

Staff work an 8-hour shift or straight shift. The 4 main types are:
  • Morning shift: 7am to 3pm
  • Evening shift: 3pm to 11pm
  • Mid shift: 10am to 6pm
  • Graveyard shift: 11pm to 7am, same team members
Morning, evening, and mid shifts can be in a rotating shift or swing shift.

What is a rotating shift and a swing shift?

The Rotating shift is when an employee works different shifts week by week. The Swing shift is when an employee works different shifts throughout the week. The schedule type depends on the type, category, location, and segmentation of the lodging establishment.

What are the different factors that impact scheduling?

Consider hard and soft constraints. Hard constraints include legal regulations like maximum shift hours, contractual obligations, 80% contract, days off, bank holidays, and vacation. Soft constraints include employee skills and experience. Managers should consider employees' requests for preference in terms of days or times.

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