When I Work

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 […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, People Management

How To Manage A Restaurant: 13 Proven Restaurant Management Tips

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll get restaurant management tips and practical insights on how to manage a restaurant effectively. From maintaining consistency in decision-making to proactively handling staffing needs, learning the operation by doing the work yourself, prioritizing staff retention, and keeping customer satisfaction as the top goal, this article offers a variety of strategies […]
Contest Terms

Rippling demo offer

Offer is available to current When I Work customers only. To be eligible you must complete a post-account review Rippling demo. 1 month free of When I Work will be offered as a discount or credit to your account depending on contract type: monthly customers will receive a discount on their next month after the […]
Newsletter, People Management

22 Employee Engagement Activities To Boost Team Morale

Engaged employees do more than show up. They collaborate more effectively, stay longer, serve customers more efficiently, and drive measurable results. In fact, highly engaged teams are 23% more profitable, and companies with strong engagement see faster growth and better overall performance. But engagement doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from creating a workplace where […]
Newsletter, People Management

Team Building Games For Work Your Team Will Actually Enjoy

Most employees dread “mandatory fun.” But the right team-building games for work don’t have to be awkward, and can be a fun break from the day. And when employees feel connected instead of isolated, their productivity can increase by up to 21%. Whether you’re meeting virtually or in person, the right activities can bring your […]
Newsletter, Product Blog, Product Updates

2025 Highlights: The Biggest When I Work Updates

Helping you be more efficient, compliant, and connected was on the to-do list for 2025. You do so much for your team, and your community, by keeping your business up and running, so we wanted to make sure you had everything you needed to do it right.  To say thank you for being such a […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy, Templates & Resources

Easy On-Call Rotation Schedule Template

Do you use on-call shifts to meet after-hours business needs? If so, then you know that keeping up with on-call rotations can be a nightmare—especially if you are still doing things the old-fashioned way. The good news is that you can save time and distribute after-hours responsibilities easily with our on-call rotation schedule templates. Step […]
Human Resources, Newsletter, People Management, Scheduling Strategy, Small Business Blog

Labor Laws For 12-Hour Shifts: Manager’s Guide 2026

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, People Management, Scheduling Strategy

5 Ways To Handle Employee No-Call, No-Shows

A no-call, no-show is an instance when an employee doesn’t get prior approval for missing a day off and then simply doesn’t show up or call in. In some cases, there’s a good excuse, such as a car accident. However, in most cases, employee not showing up for work requires attention from leadership. If you’ve […]
People Management

The Complete Guide To Human Resources For Small Business

Key takeaways Human resources is probably one of the more complicated aspects of running a small business. The complexities of working with people don’t fit nicely on a spreadsheet. Yet small business human resources is incredibly important; employee salaries and benefits make up a huge chunk of your operating expenses. Your employees are one of […]
Newsletter, Small Business Blog

Employee Attendance Policy: How To Write A Fair And Effective Policy

A fair employee attendance policy is crucial to protect both you and your employees and keep business running smoothly. Here’s how to get started.
Newsletter, People Management

How To Train Your Employees To Become Managers

Where do you find the perfect manager? Hiring a manager from within your current employees seems wise. Who better knows your business than those already working it? Managing, though, is a special kind of leadership. It can be challenging to be the middleman between the employees and the owner. Unfortunately, in many small businesses, formal […]
Contest Terms

PAYROLL20 Offer Terms

Offer Terms:Get 20% off When I Work for six months. Offer valid for new, first-time When I Work customers only. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time at the discretion of When I Work. Sign up for a 14-day free trial of When I Work and redeem […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, People Management

Seasonal Employees: A Manager’s Guide To Hiring, Training, And Managing

In today’s dynamic business landscape, seasonal fluctuations can significantly impact operations, especially for businesses that rely heavily on peak periods. Whether it’s the winter holidays for retail stores or the summer rush for beach resorts, having a competent seasonal workforce is key. This guide delves deep into the intricacies of managing seasonal employees, offering insights […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy

Night Shift Schedule Guide: Examples, Challenges, And Tips

Managers handling night shift scheduling know the challenges that come with staffing businesses during late nights and early mornings. Decreased employee performance, low morale, and difficulty maintaining fairness are just a few of the issues you may be facing. Keeping your operations running smoothly and your employees happy requires the right night shift schedule. Here […]
For Your Industry, Human Resources, Newsletter, People Management, Scheduling Strategy, Templates & Resources

Tips To Manage Your Full-time, Part-time, And PRN Staff Efficiently

Staffing shortages are hitting nearly every industry, but none so acutely as in healthcare. Shortages in the healthcare workforce continue to grow faster than before the pandemic. Nurses continue to leave the workforce or move to areas offering more competitive salaries. Despite the shortage, well-trained staff and adequate shift coverage aren’t optional, and this problem […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, People Management

How To Run A Hospital: 5 Effective Hospital Management Tips

Hospitals and healthcare were front and center during the pandemic.  Suddenly, the news headlines were filled with the things a hospital manager deals with almost daily. Patient census, healthcare labor shortages, and facility capability became a concern for people outside of the healthcare system. Hospital management is the magician behind the curtain, dealing with these […]
Newsletter, Scheduling Strategy, Small Business Blog

Time Tracking Software For Small Businesses: How To Choose

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve spent more hours than you’d like chasing down timesheets, updating spreadsheets, and double-checking payroll. It’s frustrating and a huge waste of time. The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in manual mode. Did you know that there’s software out there to solve your biggest […]
Newsletter, People Management, Productivity, Scheduling Strategy

Self Scheduling: Everything Managers Should Know

From its core concept to its myriad benefits, this article highlights the transformation self scheduling can bring to businesses and employees alike, backed by real-world examples and practical implementation steps. When I Work is a leader in shift-based employee scheduling, so we’ve seen firsthand how self scheduling can change a business for the better. Our […]
Productivity, Templates & Resources

11 Best Employee Time Tracking Apps

In the market for a handy employee time tracking app? The good news is you’ve got plenty of options. The bad news is there are so many choices that it can be challenging to pick one. Finding the right app is vital. If you choose wrong, you’ll be facing many of the same time tracking […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, Payroll Resources, Small Business Blog

8 Best Contractor Payroll Software In 2025

If you work with contractors, you know that efficient payroll management is a must. Choosing the right contractor payroll software can significantly impact your workflow, whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise. This article will explore the top 8 payroll services for contractors in 2025. We’ll compare features, consider important factors, and break […]
Payroll Resources, Small Business Blog

9 Best Payroll Software in 2025

Research shows that HR professionals at one-third of small businesses with five or more employees spend more than six hours per month—nearly one full workday—on payroll taxes alone. As HR pros look for ways to save time on payroll administration, a software platform is almost always the answer.   Here are some important things to know […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, Payroll Resources

Top 9 Manufacturing Payroll Software in 2025

Manufacturing is a multi-faceted industry in which many business owners must manage different locations and employee types simultaneously, while maintaining high accuracy and compliance levels. Manufacturing payroll software helps to simplify that process. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect manufacturing payroll platform, keep these key points in mind: Table of contents Benefits and […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources, Small Business Blog, Templates & Resources

7 Best Payroll Apps To Consider In 2025

Getting your payroll in order can help you start off the new year on the right foot. To end the headache that is payroll management, you’ll need a great payroll app that is scalable and packed with features.  Key takeaways Here are the key things you need to know about the leading payroll apps: Now, […]
For Your Industry, Payroll Resources

Top 7 Trucking Payroll Software 2025

As a trucking company owner, you face the challenges of managing payroll for drivers who receive compensation based on miles driven or delivered loads. You need a reliable and efficient payroll solution that streamlines the process, reduces errors, and ensures compliance with regulations. The right trucking payroll software can help you save time, reduce administrative […]
Articles

How To Create A Restaurant Budget: 5 Tips

Running a restaurant means juggling razor-thin mxargins, unpredictable costs, and the constant challenge of keeping staff and guests happy. Without a clear budget, it’s nearly impossible to know where your money is going or how to protect your profits. Maybe your food costs keep climbing. Or labor expenses seem to eat into every dollar of […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources, Small Business Blog

9 Top Construction Payroll Software

When it comes to construction payroll, HR pros and administrators have many compliance obligations to meet. It can be a struggle to keep up with it all using manual methods, but construction payroll software can help you streamline the process and get the job done with ease. There are several key things you should know […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

4 Top Cloud-Based Payroll Solutions

Sifting through mountains of payroll logs and account sheets is tiring you out. Your old-school payroll software prevents you from engaging in more dynamic tasks. Altogether, you want to free up hours every week and ensure everyone gets paid on time.  In that case, there’s no better time than now to implement cloud-based payroll solutions. […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

5 Best Direct Deposit Payroll Software 2025

Paper paychecks get lost in the mail, stolen, and even forged.  Strangers can also intercept them, obtaining your company’s bank account details and your signature, which grant access to your money.  Thankfully, according to a survey by National Payroll Week, more than 95% of employees receive their paycheck via direct deposit.  And the best solution […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources, Scheduling Strategy

Top 9 Payroll Management Software

Payroll management software should make it easy to track employee hours and attendance and deliver accurate, on-time paychecks. The best providers offer self-service portals for your workers and automated features that improve your tax compliance. Key takeaways Here are some of the key things to know about payroll management software providers: The following are some […]
For Your Industry, Newsletter, Payroll Resources, Productivity

Top 10 Payroll Software Solutions For Healthcare In 2025

As the healthcare industry continues to face strict regulations and overwhelmed workforces, healthcare payroll processing is more important than ever. If you’re looking for a way to simplify the process while keeping labor costs down and compliance on track, a software platform can help you do just that. Here are a few key things to […]
Payroll Resources, Scheduling Strategy, Small Business Blog

7 Tips For Payroll Summary Reports

Payroll summary reports provide a high-level overview of payroll trends and help you better understand how this critical expense impacts your bottom line. Understanding payroll summary reports and how to use them effectively can help you maintain accounting accuracy, identify sources of waste, and ensure compliance.  Key takeaways Here are the key things you need […]
Payroll Resources, Templates & Resources

8 Common Payroll Issues + How To Avoid Them

Here are five critical things you need to know about dealing with payroll issues: Imagine that you’re running your company’s payroll when you notice that a few employees seem to have much smaller paychecks than usual. You check their timesheets against your payroll data and realize you’ve just underpaid them. By then, their direct deposit […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

8 Payroll Best Practices You Should Know

What are some of today’s payroll best practices? Are you still struggling to handle payroll? For small business owners and HR professionals, payroll can feel like a juggling act. You’ll have to keep track of employee hours and time away. Then you can use this data to create accurate paychecks each period.  Mistakes and errors […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

Direct Deposit For Small Businesses: Ultimate Guide

Setting up 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 […]
Payroll Resources

Free Quarterly Payroll Report Template

Are you tired of sorting through dozens of paper logs every quarter? If so, it’s time to incorporate a quarterly payroll report template into your accounting workflow. Our template can save you time, reduce the risk of errors, and help you keep your budget balanced. How to use the quarterly payroll report template Step 1: […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

How Does Payroll Software Work?

If you are thinking about adopting small business payroll software, you’re probably asking yourself, “how does payroll software work?” Here are five things you need to know: Are you thinking about investing in new payroll software? Like any savvy business owner, you want to do your homework before investing in a new piece of technology.The […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

How Does Payroll Work for a Small Business?

Here’s what you need to know about how payroll works for small businesses: Building your business means taking on new staff and new responsibilities. One of the biggest tasks associated with business growth is payroll management. If you are relying on manual payrolling processes, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed with tedious tasks. The good news […]
Newsletter, Payroll Resources

How To Pay Employees: 4 Methods

Thinking about starting a new business? Already launched your venture? Either way, you’ll have lots of big decisions to make. One of them is deciding how to pay your employees.  There are multiple ways to tackle this important process. You can issue paper checks or pay them in cash. Alternatively, you can go with a […]
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