The Benefits of Stable Scheduling: A Path to Increased Sales, Productivity, and Employee Well-being

In today's fast-paced business environment, the way we schedule work can have a significant impact on both business outcomes and employee well-being. A recent study conducted by The Center for WorkLife Law, the University of Chicago, and the University of North Carolina sheds light on the benefits of stable scheduling practices. The study, titled "Stable Scheduling Increases Productivity and Sales" provides compelling evidence that implementing stable scheduling practices can lead to a host of positive outcomes for businesses and employees alike.

What is Stable Scheduling?

• Predictable Schedules: Stable scheduling involves providing employees with consistent and predictable work schedules. This includes setting regular start and end times for shifts and minimizing last-minute changes to the schedule. Recent estimates suggest that nearly 90% of hourly retail workers experience some degree of instability (Lambert, Fugiel & Henly, 2014).
• Adequate Hours: Stable scheduling also entails ensuring that employees are scheduled for an adequate number of hours each week. This can help employees plan their finances and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Advance Notice: Employers should provide employees with advance notice of their work schedules. This allows employees to plan their personal lives around their work commitments. One experimental study found that workers would take a 20 percent cut to wages in exchange for a job that provides one week of advance notice of work schedules (Mas & Pallais, 2017).
• Fairness: Stable scheduling practices should be fair and equitable. This means that schedules should be based on factors such as seniority, skill level, and employee preferences.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Increase in Sales: Businesses that implemented stable scheduling practices saw a significant increase in sales (2.9 million over a 35-week period). This increase is attributed to several factors, including improved customer service due to more consistent staffing levels and higher employee morale.
• Boost in Productivity: Stable scheduling practices were also found to boost productivity. By providing employees with more predictable schedules, businesses were able to reduce absenteeism and turnover, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
• Enhanced Employee Well-being: Perhaps most importantly, stable scheduling practices were found to have a positive impact on employee well-being. Employees reported lower levels of stress and greater satisfaction with their work-life balance when they had more stable schedules.
• Improved Employee Retention: Stable scheduling practices can lead to improved employee retention. When employees have more control over their schedules and know what to expect, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
• Better Customer Service: Stable scheduling can lead to better customer service. With more consistent staffing levels, businesses can ensure that they have the right number of employees available to meet customer demand.
• Cost Savings: Stable scheduling practices can also lead to cost savings for businesses. By reducing turnover and absenteeism, businesses can save money on recruiting, hiring, and training new employees.
• Legal Compliance: Implementing stable scheduling practices can help businesses comply with labor laws and regulations. By ensuring that schedules are fair and consistent, businesses can avoid costly legal issues.

The findings of this study make a strong case for the implementation of stable scheduling practices in businesses. However, achieving stable scheduling can be challenging, especially for businesses with complex scheduling needs. This is where automation and scheduling software can play a crucial role.

Automation and scheduling software can help businesses create more stable schedules by taking into account factors such as employee availability, skill levels, and business needs. By automating the scheduling process, businesses can ensure that schedules are fair and consistent, leading to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.

The benefits of stable scheduling are clear. By implementing stable scheduling practices and leveraging automation and scheduling software, businesses can increase sales, boost productivity, improve employee well-being, enhance employee retention, provide better customer service, realize cost savings, and ensure legal compliance. It's time for businesses to embrace stable scheduling as a key driver of success in today's competitive business landscape.