How Mobile Time and Labor Helps Managers

December 18, 2023

Let’s discuss benefits to managers in detail. Frontline managers have considerable influence because of their broad range of responsibilities. Above all, managers need to know what’s going on with their teams. This is more difficult when employees aren’t in one physical location. With a mobile time and labor solution, supervisors can see at a glance who is on duty and where they are located.

 

Centralize Communication with Mobile Access

 

Communication and mobile productivity go hand in hand. Managers and employees communicate about schedules, timecards, time off, and shift swapping bidirectionally through the system. When everyone can see changes in real time, it ends the back-and-forth texting so common in small businesses.

 

Scheduling is one of a manager’s critical tasks and can take up a lot of time. Though spreadsheet scheduling is a step up from pen and paper, it is slow and tedious, and it doesn’t allow managers to respond to changes. A mobile time and labor solution allows managers to build schedules quickly and staff shifts with a 360-degree perspective. A virtual trade board allows employees and managers to work together to keep shifts staffed. This keeps both managers and employees happy. With the board, employees can swap shifts–subject to manager approval, if needed. Managers can choose their level of oversight, but the system handles the heavy lifting.

 

Simplify Approvals for Managers on the go

 

Let’s discuss another ongoing managerial responsibility–approvals. Managers must approve timecards, PTO requests and, as mentioned previously, shift changes. If your organization is still doing approvals manually, you have a great opportunity to increase efficiency. It’s time to put modern mobile tech to work for your business!

 

Let’s discuss timecards, for example. A mobile solution creates timecards as employees punch in and out. The system tallies the hours for each shift and pay period as well as overtime and PTO accruals. The software doesn’t make arithmetic mistakes, so the manager doesn’t need to double check. They also don’t need to decipher sloppy writing or investigate missed punches.

 

Good PTO management is essential for employee retention and a positive corporate culture. A mobile system helps you administer PTO so employees can take time off without impacting business operations. Employees request time off in the system and managers can see all requests in a centralized location. Importantly, managers can see PTO when building schedules. This ensures adequate shift coverage when employees are on leave. Simplified approvals are a compelling reason to use a mobile solution.

 

Alerts and Threshold Warnings

 

Alerts and threshold warnings are additional features that make a manager’s job a lot easier. In effect, they allow a manager to outsource their memory, schedule policing and compliance tracking. Managers can set alerts for no-shows, impending overtime, employee double-booking, missed punches and early punch-in for mandated breaks. When a mobile system automates timekeeping, scheduling and PTO, managers have more time to help their teams be productive and engaged.



THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. BUSINESS FINANCIALS, INC. (BFI) IS NOT ISSUING SPECIFIC FINANCIAL OR TAX ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH A LICENSED FINANCIAL PLANNER, TAX ATTORNEY, OR ACCOUNTANT FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION. IF YOU NEED HELP, WE INVITE YOU TO CONTACT US. WE WILL BE HAPPY TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS OR REFER YOU TO A LICENSED PROVIDER WHO MAY BE BEST SUITED FOR YOUR SITUATION.


By kim February 7, 2025
How to Set SMART Goals in the Workplace Setting clear, actionable goals in the workplace is crucial for driving performance and achieving success. One effective way to do this is by using the SMART framework. SMART goals are: Specific : Clearly define what needs to be accomplished. For example, instead of saying, "Increase sales," set a goal like, "Increase monthly sales by 10% by the end of the quarter." Measurable : Attach metrics to your goal so you can track progress. This ensures you know when the goal is achieved. Achievable : Set a goal that’s challenging but realistic, considering available resources and time. Relevant : Align the goal with broader team or company objectives. It should contribute meaningfully to the organization's success. Time-Bound : Assign a deadline to keep everyone focused and motivated.  For example, instead of saying, "Improve customer service," a SMART goal would be: "Reduce customer response time to under 24 hours within the next three months by implementing a new ticketing system." Encourage employees to set their own SMART goals by offering guidance and feedback. This not only improves performance but also increases engagement and accountability. Sources: https://www.officernd.com/blog/examples-of-smart-goals-for-work/ https://www.oneadvanced.com/news-and-opinion/how-to-get-employees-to-write-smart-clear-objectives-to-improve-performance/
By kim February 7, 2025
Building a well-functioning team is essential for the success of any small business. A strong team fosters collaboration, boosts morale, and helps your business reach its goals efficiently. Here are some actionable steps to create a successful team: 1. Define Roles and Responsibilities Ensure every team member knows their role and how their work contributes to the overall success of the business. Clearly outlined responsibilities reduce confusion and enhance productivity. 2. Hire for Both Skills and Culture Fit While technical skills are crucial, it’s equally important to hire individuals who align with your business's values and culture. A cohesive team starts with shared principles. 3. Promote Open Communication Establish an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. Regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins encourage transparency and collaboration. 4. Set Clear Goals Define short-term and long-term goals that the team can work toward together. When employees understand the bigger picture, they’re more motivated to contribute. 5. Encourage Team Bonding Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships and trust among employees. This can be as simple as a lunch outing or a structured activity designed to enhance collaboration. 6. Provide Opportunities for Growth Invest in your employees’ development by offering training, mentorship, and opportunities to learn new skills. A motivated, growing team is a productive one. 7. Recognize and Reward Efforts Acknowledge hard work and celebrate team achievements. Small gestures, such as a shoutout in a meeting or a handwritten note, go a long way in boosting morale.  By taking the time to build a cohesive and motivated team, you’re setting the foundation for your small business to thrive. When employees feel valued and empowered, they’re more likely to contribute their best work, leading to long-term success for everyone. Sources : https://hr.berkeley.edu/hr-network/central-guide-managing-hr/managing-hr/interaction/team-building/steps https://www.pnc.com/insights/small-business/running-your-business/build-a-successful-team-11-tips-for-small-business-owners.html
By kim January 4, 2025
Setting clear employee expectations is crucial for small business owners to ensure alignment, productivity, and overall success. Here are some strategies to effectively establish and communicate expectations with your team:
Share by: