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Did you know that the team at HR2day can work with your organisation on a consultancy basis?

Recently, we did just that when a client asked the team to support the implementation of new shift patterns for its workforce.

The client identified ways in which the business could save costs by altering shift patterns. It was really important that the staff bought into this, so they carried out a survey to gauge their reaction to the change. Fortunately, feedback from staff was positive and aligned with what the organisation had in mind.

The new shift patterns affected seven different roles.

The team at HR2day was brought in on a consultancy basis to outline, and support, the process of implementing the new shifts. With this being a contractual change, a formal consultation process needed to be followed. It also had to be concluded at least a month before the change came into effect, to provide staff with the appropriate notice under legislation. HR2day advised on the suggested shift patterns to ensure that they were compliant with HR legislation and in addition, identified areas for possible contention.

The timing of the changes was critical which meant the team had a month to complete the project.

Working with the Operations Manager and on-site HR advisor, a plan was devised to see what the process would look like. Several bespoke documents for each member of staff were drawn up including:

• a business case
• presentation slides
• individual benefit statements
• invitation letters to consultations
• consultation checklist

The team then advised on the best way to execute the changes, highlighting the key benefits to the staff. They made suggestions for provisions to be made for staff who might have unique circumstances and how to avoid disruption from other staff who might disagree with these exceptions.

Supporting the in-house HR Advisor, a drop-in session was organised to allow employees to come forward and ask questions prior to their individual consultations.

To fully understand the business, the culture and the staff, the team built a strong relationship with the HR Advisor and Operations Manager. A tour of the premises was organised to the team so that they could gain an insight of the working environment and nature of the individual roles.

The changes to the shift patterns were implemented successfully providing a number of benefits to the staff including:

• improved work-life balance
• positive working environment
• increased productivity and staff engagement
• strengthened communication channels with staff working on the night shift
• abolished Sunday night shift
• half day working on a Friday
• increased hourly rates
• reduced weekly working hours

If you would like to speak to us about implementing changes in shift in your workforce , or any of our other services, then please contact us a helpdesk@hr2day.co.uk or call us on 01325 288299 (opt. 2).