Blog

January 27, 2022

Are your managers and employees running on empty?

Amidst a global pandemic, employees and managers are openly expressing their discontent. There’s a lot of talk about exhaustion, burnout and resignations. Workers across all industries seem to be experiencing these conditions. In simple terms, the workforce is running on empty.

What can today’s employers do to address what may feel like endless dissatisfaction in their employee population? A good place to start is by looking at the HR technology you’re using. If you have solutions in place, be sure that the tech is supporting – not detracting from – the employee experience.

If you’re still using manual or outdated people management systems, consider filling the gap with HR tech, such as workforce management (WFM) technology. WFM technology can streamline administrative tasks, boost scheduling effectiveness and improve satisfaction for your workforce.

While eight in 10 respondents to our State of the U.S. Workforce believe technology can enhance how things are done, they also shared that many back-office functions and activities are still done manually by humans.

Now is the time to make innovative technology investments that can assist employees and managers and relieve some of the stress they’re experiencing at work.

Automate WFM to increase time for connection
Our survey results indicate that organizations are trying new initiatives to address burnout. Sixty-five percent of leaders who responded said they’ve created new recognition programs, better benefits and career growth planning – all in an effort to improve engagement.

These companies are on the right path. However, to successfully implement these programs, companies must empower managers. People supervisors need time each day and every week to connect and engage with their employees through these programs.

When managers are stressed out about time cards, files, leaves of absence and scheduling shifts, they don’t have time to engage. That’s when WFM solutions can help. Rather than struggling with time-consuming manual processes, managers should have access to technology that automates some administrative tasks.

Respondents to our survey said they believe better technology would help:

  1. Streamline and automate everyday tasks (40%)
  2. Enhance decision-making speed (39%)
  3. Improve team communication and/or alignment (38%)
  4. Increase collaboration across hybrid work environments (37%)

Keep in mind that adding technology requires forethought and planning. Don’t overload managers with too many new tools. Instead, evaluate each solution so that you deliver a streamlined, integrated tech stack that supports both managers and employees.

Use technology to strengthen foundational operations
Workforce management automation not only benefits managers, but it’s also a powerful way to engage employees. Just as managers struggle to manage their tasks, responsibilities and teams, employees are strapped for time to engage in work that inspires and motivates them the most.

Thanks to the mobile device most of us carry in our pockets, we know what technology can do and accomplish. Understanding the power technology offers, employees wonder why companies don’t invest in making their jobs easier. They may even resent the manual tasks around their schedule, time records and employment records.

Technology can alleviate that frustration and create opportunities for better employee engagement. For foundational operational activities such as payroll and scheduling, it’s essential to maximize what technology can deliver. The right WFM solution helps solve pay and scheduling issues that can wreak havoc on employee morale. When employees aren’t saddled with scheduling challenges or manual time-off requests, they can be more productive and focus on what inspires them about work.

Furthermore, employees gain from the time savings that technology creates for managers. While they may have been too busy working on a schedule in the past, now a manager has time to engage with their team. Just like kids want their parents’ attention and students seek out accolades from their teacher, employees want to connect with their manager. Staff members may not eagerly raise their hand or pull on a manager’s pant leg (in fact, we hope they don’t), but they’re still eager to engage with their manager in other ways. WFM solutions allow managers space to engage on a deeper level.

Your workers may be experiencing difficult times, but technology can help. Look for ways a WFM system can alleviate mundane or stressful tasks so that employees and managers can focus on human-centered tasks. By streamlining and automating everyday tasks for your workforce, your organization will also benefit from enhanced decision-making speed, better alignment and increased collaboration in hybrid environments.

Want to more insights from TCP Software’s exclusive research? Download the full report today: The State of the U.S. Workforce: Bridging the Tech Gap to Manage Your People.