Workforce management

Workforce management (WFM) is the strategic organization of labor to achieve optimal productivity and company objectives. Workforce management typically includes:

• Employee scheduling
• Time tracking and attendance
• Forecasting
• Compliance tracking
• Payroll and benefits 
• Time off and vacation planning 

A basic form of workforce management has always existed– for example, businesses would track work hours or plan employee vacation times. Today workforce management has evolved into an integrated part of HR software systems, automating and streamlining HR processes to create highly efficient, precise, and reliable results.    

Why should HR leaders care about workforce management?

WFM software removes a portion of the heavy work burden from HR professionals. Through automation, WFM can:

• Improve labor planning 
• Lower labor and administrative costs
• Boost presenteeism
• Promote agile business functioning
• Support transparency and equity

Employees as well benefit from WFM. WFM can enrich the employee experience, particularly for hybrid and remote employees, through a supportive onboarding process and virtual relationship building. Moreover, WFM provides an efficient framework for employees, enabling them to receive real-time updates, adjust their schedules, and clock in and out with ease.   

What can HR leaders do to enhance workforce management?

Maintaining a high level of workforce management demands constant attention and readiness to fine-tune the system. The following practices can help HR leaders organize and direct personnel in a manner that’s beneficial to the company while promoting employee work performances:

• Implement an organizational network analysis chart (ONA). HR leaders can establish a strong WFM foundation by using a visual org chart to facilitate collaboration, teamwork, efficiency, and goal-oriented decisions. 
• Integrate a dynamic performance management system. A User-friendly platform that facilitates frequent feedback between individuals is essential to an effective performance management system; employees can receive support, encouragement, and direction, while managers gain valuable insights to promote productivity. Furthermore, due to the many employee classifications, an integrated performance management system helps keep all the employees organized. 
• Incorporate a hybrid work system when possible. Establishing a hybrid work model, when appropriate, can fuel greater productivity, innovation, job satisfaction, and employee wellbeing.  
• Assess the state of the workforce. HR leaders can analyze the productivity and engagement of personnel by using pertinent KPIs. For instance, measuring turnover, absenteeism, and retention can provide HR leaders with insights to improve the employee experience and boost efficiency.
• Prioritize the employee experience. Nurturing a pleasant, simple, safe, and meaningful employee experience is key to maintaining a motivated workforce. Addressing the differing employee needs and implementing a centralized, user-friendly digital platform can support overall job satisfaction and employee enthusiasm. 

How can workforce management tools improve company culture?

Workforce management contributes to a positive work experience for personnel. By implementing a system that promotes self-service, employee relationships, camaraderie, and organization, businesses can nurture employee satisfaction. Keeping pace with fast-paced tech innovations while providing employees with reliable, real-time services can support a motivated and engaged workforce. Strategically building a sound organization based on strong work relationships and seamless teamwork, in turn, nurtures a robust company culture.