When I Work

Newsletter, People Management

Employee Discipline In The Workplace: 9 Steps To Discipline Employees Fairly

Employee discipline is one of the hardest parts of managing a team. Problems rarely appear all at once, they build over time. An employee starts arriving late, a shift gets missed, standards slip, and no one addresses it early enough. Left unchecked, these issues affect performance, morale, and trust across the team. React too harshly, […]
Newsletter, People Management

32 Employee Rewards To Motivate Your Team (Without Breaking The Bank)

Employee rewards are one of the simplest, most effective ways to boost engagement, morale, and retention. And they don’t have to cost much.  It’s more important to spend a minute showing your team members that you value the contributions they give to your company, every single day. You can start small—just make sure you do […]
People Management, Productivity, Small Business Blog

7 Proven Tips For Labor Cost Optimization

Labor cost optimization is one of the main ways business managers can boost profitability. If your labor expenses are rising and eating into your bottom line, you can get them under control.  You’re not the only manager dealing with this issue. There are proven strategies you can use to streamline your labor costs without compromising […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

Direct Deposit For Small Businesses: A Guide

Direct deposit for small businesses is easier than you might expect. Here are the key things you need to know: Thanks to modern tech tools, setting up direct deposit for small businesses isn’t just attainable—it’s pretty easy! You can pay your employees in a way that is more convenient for everyone. Explore the ins and […]
Newsletter, Templates & Resources

Labor Cost Calculator: Free Excel Template To Calculate Employee Costs

You need a labor cost calculator if you find yourself wasting hours every week trying to calculate employee labor costs? Or if you’re trying to figure out how to decrease overtime. However, you might not have the time or Excel know-how to build your own. Fortunately, you can take the hassle out of creating a […]
People Management

Best Motivational Books For Employees: 12 Picks

Finding the best motivational books for employees is one of the simplest ways to show appreciation for your team. You’re also investing in their personal and professional growth. As a small business owner, you know how important your employees are to your success. Recognizing your top employees is an important part of retaining the best […]
Human Resources, Newsletter, People Management, Templates & Resources

How To Calculate Vacation Pay For Hourly Employees

We’ve put together a guide to help you understand how to calculate vacation pay for hourly employees—and make sure you and your employees get the time off everyone deserves.
Scheduling Strategy

11 Work Schedule Types To Consider For Your Business

Choosing between work schedule types and creating a consistent and effective work schedule for your staff is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face as a business leader.  Here’s a deep dive into 11 of the best work schedule types. Discover which are worth considering for your business.  Here’s what you need to know about […]
Newsletter, People Management, Scheduling Strategy

Employees Not Showing Up For Work? 5 Ways To Handle No-Call, No-Shows

When an employee is not showing up for work and doesn’t get prior approval for missing a day off, that’s called a no-call, no-show. In some cases, there’s a good excuse, such as a car accident. However, in most cases, employees not showing up for work requires attention from leadership. If you’ve found yourself frequently […]
People Management

What is Timesheet Approval? Tips & Examples

Timesheet approval is an important but often frustrating part of shift planning. You don’t want to waste hours of your week sifting through numbers and logging each worker’s time. There are so many more productive things you could be doing. If you’ve ever thought, “There’s got to be a better way to handle timesheet approval,” […]
Newsletter, People Management

Google Calendar For Employee Scheduling: 3 Free Methods

Google Calendar for employee scheduling is one of the most accessible free options for small businesses. WhatsApp and When I Work are also great calendars for work schedule options with their own respective strengths.  Dive into the step-by-step processes, benefits, and potential disadvantages of each, and learn how these tools can transform the task of […]
For Your Industry, Scheduling Strategy

Everything You Need to Know About Nurse Self Scheduling

An overburdened nursing department kills your nurses’ work-life balance. That leads to burnout and compromised patient care. Nurse self scheduling and workforce flexibility holds the key to preventing all that. 87% of nurses consider self scheduling the best solution for creating a flexible workplace. Nurses, nurse managers, and healthcare executives agree that more flexibility at […]
People Management, Templates & Resources

How To Write An Employee Handbook (Step-By-Step Guide)

What if there was one tool that could keep all of your employees on the same page, knowing exactly what you expected from them? That’s exactly what an employee handbook does. Your handbook is your uniform message and your all-purpose tool. Table of contents What is an employee handbook? An employee hand book is a […]
Leadership, Newsletter, Productivity

Time Management For Leaders: 5 Proven Strategies

Cringe when you hear the words “work-life balance?” Time management for leaders is complicated, but there are some things you can do. Half of all full-time employees work more than the standard 40 hours a week, and 4 out of 10 report working at least 50 hours a week. There isn’t a way to add […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter

How To Run A Coffee Shop: 9 Efficient Tips

Loving coffee so much that you want to open a cafe and knowing how to run a coffee shop are two very different things.  You definitely need to be passionate about what you’re doing, because running a small business is not an easy road. But small businesses are an essential part of the economy, so […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

Restaurant Labor Cost Formula: Complete Guide

Running a restaurant is hard work. One of your biggest headaches involves managing labor costs. Runaway labor expenses can eat away at your profits and leave you in a cash crunch.  If you’ve ever looked at your payroll numbers and thought, “This seems way too high,” you’re not alone. Most restaurant managers have felt this […]
Newsletter, People Management, Productivity, Scheduling Strategy

Shift Planning: 6 Steps To Build Better Schedules

Labor costs are all over the place, with some employees not showing up and others quitting. And instead of dealing with these serious management issues with better shift planning, you’re hunched over your desk, wasting time on a spreadsheet to build a schedule that further alienates your team. Poorly-planned shifts are where a lot of […]
Business Growth

How To Get Customer Referrals: 5 Proven Ideas

Good “word of mouth” is indisputably the most effective marketing device available to small companies and customer referrals are vital. In this post, you’ll find creative, proven, and effective methods your shop can use to retain repeat buyers and, more importantly, build your business through referrals by your best customers. Retention vs acquisition costs Table […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

Creating A 24-Hour Schedule: Tips, Examples, And Templates

If your doors never close and the lights never go off, you’re always on and always open.  That means you’re dealing with a 24-hour schedule, and while your customers probably appreciate the convenience of being able to come to your place of business any time of day or night, that 24-hour availability can take a […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

Deputy Vs When I Work (2026): Features, Pricing, And What Actually Matters

If you’re comparing Deputy vs When I Work, you’re deciding how your team handles the day-to-day reality of running shifts. That means building schedules, fixing gaps when someone calls out, tracking hours accurately, and making sure payroll isn’t a mess at the end of the week. Both platforms sit in the same category of employee […]
Human Resources, Newsletter, People Management, Scheduling Strategy, Small Business Blog

Labor Laws For 12-Hour Shifts: A Manager’s Guide

Managing a 24-hour workplace comes with many challenges. And creating optimal schedules is at the top of that list. One solution that can ease many of your staffing hurdles is a 12-hour shift. But before you set one up, you must know about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It sets rules for businesses that […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

1st, 2nd, And 3rd Shift Hours: Manager’s Guide

As a manager, you already know how important shift coverage is. But figuring out the right schedule for your team isn’t always simple. Your job gets even harder when you’re weighing the pros and cons of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift hours.  Do you need around-the-clock coverage? Can you get reliable staff for overnight shifts? […]
Scheduling Strategy, Small Business Blog

Employee Scheduling Statistics (2026): Shifts, No-Shows, Labor Costs, And Workforce Trends

The U.S. workforce in 2026 is shaped by slower hiring, tighter labor planning, and rising expectations around flexibility. A demand for flexibility has replaced the standard workweek, and the latest jobs statistics show that businesses failing to adapt are paying the price in turnover. The 2026 snapshot: The following table provides a high-level summary of […]
Business Growth, Newsletter

How To Grow Your Salon Business: 8 Proven Strategies

Uncover eight effective strategies on how to grow your salon business. From attracting more clients to investing in your staff, you’ll learn the nuances of each approach and how they can lead to substantial growth. Dive in to discover how to run a successful salon and  foster a loyal clientele and motivated team. While many […]
Business Growth

The Pros And Cons Of Raising The Minimum Wage

In this comprehensive article, you’ll delve into the multifaceted debate surrounding the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage. You’ll gain insights into the historical context, the current federal minimum wage, and the potential impacts on both employers and employees. By the end, you’ll be equipped with a well-rounded understanding of the implications of […]
Newsletter, People Management, Scheduling Strategy

9/80 Work Schedule: Benefits, Drawbacks, And How It Works

What if you could tell your employees they get an extra two days off each month? Not vacation days. Not counting weekends. No loss of hours. Two genuine three-day weekends each month while still hitting full-time hours. With a traditional 9-to-5 work schedule, that’s not going to happen. Even with staggered and alternating shift work, […]
Newsletter, People Management

Internal Communications: A 101 Guide for New Managers

Think your employees are engaged at work? You’re probably wrong. A recent Gallup poll showed that nearly 70% of employees were anything but engaged at their workplace. Much of this problem has to do with how you approach internal communications. So how do you get that 70% engaged? How do you get them to listen, to […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, Templates & Resources

Creative Tip Jar Ideas: 13 Ways To Boost Employee Tips & Engage Customers

To tip or not to tip, that is the question. And creative tip jars can be the answer. The data on tips can be fascinating. The average tip in the U.S. is 15%-20%, but that varies by region and income. The question of who to tip and how much is one we often ask—there’s a […]
Leadership, Newsletter, People Management

How To Be Promoted At Work: 7 Traits Employers Look For

Do you wonder how to be promoted at work? Are there uncomfortable struggles between employees who think promotion is based on nepotism, longevity, hard work, favoritism, or various other standards? Does the whole thing make your head spin when you think about getting promoted from within? Maybe your manager thinks promotion is just a job […]
Newsletter, People Management, Templates & Resources

The Complete Guide To Hiring Seasonal Employees

Whether you’re a ski lodge or a beachfront souvenir shop, you’re looking to hire seasonal employees to help out in peak seasons. Cold or hot—customers will come at some point. Seasonal staff are different from part-time staff. It doesn’t hinge on hours, but on the seasonal highs and lows of customer demand. If you’re that […]
Articles, Scheduling Strategy

Homebase Vs ZoomShift (2026): Finding The Best Scheduling App For Your Small Business

When you’re looking for the best scheduling app for a small business, you’re likely trying to solve a specific time-management problem. For many managers, the manual effort required to coordinate shifts has become a significant administrative burden. These are the same issues that typically push teams to move away from spreadsheets or entry-level scheduling tools. […]
Articles, Scheduling Strategy

Homebase Vs Sling (2026): Which Scheduling App Wins?

If you’re comparing Homebase vs Sling, you’re probably trying to solve a very specific problem. You need to get off spreadsheets, stop chasing people via text, or get a schedule out without turning Sunday night into unpaid admin. At first glance, Homebase and Sling look very similar. Both offer free entry points, and both help […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

12 Hour Shift Schedule: How It Works + How Software Helps You Implement It

When you first start managing a team on a 12-hour shift schedule, it’s easy to underestimate things. Chief among them was how tricky it would be to keep everyone happy. It sounded simple on paper. But you’re probably always rushing to fill gaps to cover the company’s operational needs. And it takes little time for […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy, Small Business Blog

Third Shift: How It Works + How Software Helps You Implement It

Running a business that operates around the clock isn’t easy. If you’re in charge of scheduling staff for overnight hours, you are bound to run into some challenges. Simply finding people willing to work the third shift can be tough. Filling gaps in coverage when people call out adds to your headache. Even if you […]
Newsletter, People Management, Small Business Blog

6 Steps To Manage Absenteeism In The Workplace

At first glance (or late clock in), tardiness and absenteeism in the workplace may not seem like that big of a deal. After all, emergencies happen. Shifts get rearranged, and it can feel good watching your team come together and cover for a sick coworker. But what if every once in a while becomes at […]
Human Resources, Newsletter, People Management

7 Best Practices For An Effective Employee Performance Review

Gain a comprehensive understanding of an effective employee performance review process. Explore its significance, best practices, and the potential impacts these reviews can have on both employees and the overall workplace. Equip yourself with strategies to make performance reviews more effective and beneficial for all involved. Key takeaways What is an employee performance review? An […]
Newsletter, People Management

How To Motivate Employees: 70 Awesome Ideas

When it comes to growing your business, you can use all the fancy tools and systems you want, but if your employees aren’t motivated to do great work, you’re not going to get very far. There are a number of reasons why your team members might lack the motivation they need in order to do […]
Leadership, Newsletter, People Management

4 Types Of Management Styles: Which One Is Right For You?

What’s your approach to managing people? Discover the 4 types of management styles and learn how each can impact team morale, productivity, and engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, understanding management styles can help you bring out the best in your team. Key takeaways Table of contents Match your management style […]
Newsletter, People Management, Productivity, Scheduling Strategy

Rotating Shift Schedules: A Manager’s Guide And Examples

Shift work is simple on paper. Creating a schedule that holds up in day-to-day shift-based workplaces, stays fair, and avoids burnout is where most teams run into problems. That’s where a rotating shift schedule comes in. Instead of assigning the same employees to the same shifts indefinitely, a rotating schedule moves employees through different shifts […]
Newsletter, People Management

20 Ways To Stay Positive At Work (Even On Difficult Days)

When people think of having a positive attitude, they often picture surface-level happiness, like forcing a smile or trying to think positive thoughts. But a positive attitude at work goes deeper than that. It shapes how you respond to challenges, interact with coworkers, and handle the day-to-day realities of your job. While negative attitudes tend […]
Newsletter, People Management

25 Employee Incentive Ideas to Improve Motivation, Retention, and Performance

Employee incentive ideas are used by managers to improve performance, reduce turnover, and keep teams engaged without constantly increasing labor costs. In hourly workplaces like retail and hospitality, incentives need to be practical and immediate to have any real impact. Employee incentives can include bonuses, preferred shifts, extra time off, or simple recognition tied to […]
Newsletter, People Management, Scheduling Strategy

What’s The Difference Between Double Time, Overtime, And Time And A Half? Plus, How To Calculate Overtime Pay

Paying hourly employees sounds simple until overtime, double time, and time and a half start stacking up across different shifts. A missed rule or miscalculation can lead to payroll errors, compliance issues, or unexpected labor costs. In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between double time, overtime, and time and a half, how each is […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, Templates & Resources

Server Job Description (Free Template): Duties,  Skills, & Responsibilities

Get your copy/paste template and a complete list of server responsibilities by restaurant type A well-written server job description helps restaurant managers attract qualified candidates by clearly outlining essential server duties and responsibilities. This article emphasizes the pivotal role servers play in shaping the customer experience and underscores the need for clarity in outlining their […]
Newsletter, People Management, Templates & Resources

How To Calculate A Direct Labor Budget (With Formulas & Examples)

You budget for everything, including supplies, rent, marketing, and labor. Especially your direct labor budget, which can make up about 70% of your costs, depending on your industry. Runaway labor costs can decimate your profits. Your direct labor budget takes into account how much it will cost to achieve production or service goals, both financially […]
Newsletter, People Management

Team Building Games For Remote Workers (10 Fun Ideas For 2026)

25% of remote workers say they feel isolated, with lower employee engagement as a result. You can avoid this with the best team building games for remote workers that gets your employees connected and having fun. You’ll discover activities that not only foster camaraderie but also enhance communication, collaboration, and overall team spirit. Think about […]
Newsletter, Small Business Blog

Employee Appreciation Ideas: 40 Ways To Boost Retention And Engagement

In today’s competitive job market, employee retention and engagement are crucial for the success of any organization. One of the most effective ways to improve retention and engagement is through employee appreciation. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to stay with the company and be productive. However, showing appreciation can be […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy, Templates & Resources

Monthly Employee Schedule Template And How To Use It

This monthly employee schedule template can make your life easier by giving you a simple way to organize and track employee schedules, time-off requests, and staff availability. It’s perfect for hourly, shift-based teams, like those in restaurants, retail, healthcare, and more, to make sure you have enough shift coverage to provide your standard of service […]
Articles, Scheduling Strategy

Connecteam vs Sling (2026): Key Differences In Scheduling Tools

If you’re comparing Connecteam vs Sling, you’re probably trying to fix a scheduling problem. Maybe it’s Sunday night schedule building, overtime creeping up, or staff constantly requesting shift swaps. Both Connecteam and Sling offer employee scheduling, messaging, and time tracking tools. On the surface, they can look similar. But once you start using them, the […]
Articles, Scheduling Strategy

Connecteam vs Homebase (2026): Which Workforce Platform Fits Your Team?

If you’re comparing Connecteam vs Homebase, you’re likely looking for a scheduling and time-tracking platform that can keep your team organized without creating extra administrative work. Both tools offer employee scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging. On the surface, they appear similar, which is why many managers exploring a Connecteam alternative or reading Homebase reviews […]
Scheduling Strategy

When I Work vs Connecteam (2026): Is All-in-One Slowing You Down?

If you’re searching for the Connecteam login or reading Connecteam reviews, you’re likely comparing tools for scheduling, time tracking, and day-to-day coordination across a shift-based team. Connecteam and When I Work both support frontline workplaces. The difference lies in how each platform approaches workforce management. Connecteam is built as a broad employee operations platform, combining […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

Comparing Homebase vs When I Work in 2026

If you’re currently searching for the Homebase login or the joinhomebase app, you likely fall into one of two camps: you’re a brand-new business looking for your first digital calendar, or you’re a growing team starting to feel the limits of a basic scheduling tier. Looking for the Homebase login page? You can access it […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

Sling vs. When I Work: Why Teams Switch To When I Work

If you’re researching Sling (Getsling), you’ve probably been drawn in by the Sling free plan. It’s a practical starting point for small teams. However, some managers find that ‘free’ can mean more manual coordination and fewer built-in tools to support accountability. In the Sling vs. When I Work comparison, the real question is simple. Are […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

When I Work vs. ZoomShift (2026): Which fits your team?

If you’re searching for the ZoomShift login or comparing ZoomShift pricing, you’re likely trying to solve a specific problem—your current scheduling system is taking up more time than it should. Looking for the ZoomShift login page? You can access it directly at zoomshift.com. If you’re comparing platforms to decide which scheduling system better supports your […]
Human Resources, Newsletter, People Management, Templates & Resources

How To Write Up An Employee: 8 Simple Steps + Free Template

Use this write-up format to document issues, set expectations, and protect your business. Knowing how to write up an employee at work doesn’t come naturally to most people. And it isn’t anyone’s first choice of a skill to learn, either. But it’s a necessary part of managing staff, so we’re here to help. Often, written […]
More Articles