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7 COMMON WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT MISCONCEPTIONS

Written by Stephan Rancourt | Aug 25, 2023 5:20:30 PM

Over decades, time and attendance, HRIS, and payroll systems have come a long way. It's fair to say they have reached a certain level of maturity, becoming essential tools in daily employee management.  

In this digital age, where businesses have embraced technology, paper records have given way to computerized solutions. Going back to manually monitoring and managing employees' work hours today would be absurd to many who adopted different methods.   

By implementing a workforce management system (WFM), businesses can confidently know that all arrival and departure times, breaks, and absences are recorded accurately in a system. Further, it helps you respect all employer payroll obligations, tax regulations, etc.    

Unfortunately, there are still common myths that often outshine the benefits of WFM systems in the eyes of too many entrepreneurs.  

Thus, we've compiled a list of seven misconceptions about workforce management systems. There is no room for these myths in 2023.  

  1. OVERCOMPLICATED FOR COMPLETING SIMPLE TASKS

If we focus solely on the short-term, clearly stating that Paul will work from 9 to 5 this week is a simple task. However, this perspective disregards what management solutions can do in the long term.   

Firstly, the system automates repetitive tasks. Also, it centralizes all the data relating to schedules, compiled employee worked hours, and PTO. As a result, there's less wasted time in making last-minute adjustments and corrections.   

Moreover, storing all this data gives you access to endless reports containing valuable information about your team's productivity. You can then make informed decisions to improve the overall efficiency of your operations. 

  1. LIMITED TO ONLY CREATING SCHEDULES

It indeed revolves around creating schedules. Although, there is much more to it than that. 

The many features of time and labor management systems can also reduce the costs associated with unnecessary overtime, payroll errors, and penalties for non-compliance with labor regulations.   

Additionally, these systems provide advanced analysis and reporting tools, enabling managers to monitor performance and identify potential problems.  

The systems can also assess employees' skills, availability, and preferences. This way, allowing greater control over working hours and holidays helps to improve employee satisfaction, making it easier to manage work-life balance. 

 

  1. THE SPREADSHEETS ALREADY GET THE JOB DONE

As a business grows, spreadsheets become less practical and more complex to manage. Time management systems are evolutionary and adapt to the company’s growing needs.   

In addition, the direct integration to an HRIS and payroll software eliminates the need for double data entry. It considerably reduces human errors and consistency problems.   

Not to mention providing a better view of schedules, absences, and other exceptions. Employees can then more easily consult their work schedule, request time off, and track work hours, which promotes transparency and communication within the company. 

 

  1. MUST BE AN EXPERT IN OPERATING A WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

Modern time and attendance solutions today are designed to be a user-friendly and intuitive interface: Easy to use for any user.   

Moreover, providers offer comprehensive initial training for all users. Of course, some platforms may offer advanced functionalities, but most users do not need advanced technical skills to use them. The basic functionalities are simple to understand and use.  

Besides, users who encounter difficulties or have questions can always consult the resources available, such as contacting the customer service team, the e-learning platform, or any additional documentation given during their onboarding. There are always technicians available. 

 

  1. DIFFICULT & TIME CONSUMING TO IMPLEMENT

One of the beauties of it all is that you can configure it all to meet the specific needs of your business. Adapting them to your processes and requirements makes it easier for anyone to use them afterward.   

The information we request from new customers allows our project managers to configure their system to reflect their reality.   

Since modern systems are cloud-based, there is no need for any installation on every workstation. So, there are never any compatibility issues.  

Furthermore, it can import and integrate your existing data into your new management system. 

Finally, introducing a SaaS solution can be done gradually. Managers and employees can slowly get a grip on the new tools. 

 

  1. ONLY FOR LARGE BUSINESSES

Many small businesses believe that WFM systems are only for creating employee schedules. However, these systems have the potential to offer many other benefits. 

As tailored to meet the current needs and budget of the small business, time and attendance systems can grow with the company. They aim to improve organizational efficiency. Small businesses can save valuable time and resources by automating processes, optimizing schedules, and avoiding manual errors.  

The systems help to ensure that the company complies with the laws governing working hours, paid holidays, etc. They help avoid costly penalties.  

The time management system offers a better work-life balance thanks to clarity, transparency, and precise calculation. It increases employee satisfaction, which is a significant competitive advantage. 

 

  1. NO RETURN INVESTMENT

Return on investment achieved in 3 ways:   

Improved efficiency: A better management of resources leads to more efficient use of the workforce. It, therefore, ensures long-term productivity.   

Reducing human errors: Poor time management, such as unnecessary overtime, penalties for legal non-compliance, and payroll errors. By avoiding these problems, the system helps to keep costs under control. 

In-depth analysis: Time management systems offer advanced analysis tools that provide valuable information on productivity, resource use, and trends. These analyses enable managers to make informed decisions to improve operational efficiency. 

In conclusion, a time management system is an indispensable tool in modern management.  

The seven myths expressed above are misconceptions that are no longer relevant in 2023.   

The truth is that workforce management systems automate repetitive processes, saving time in the long term and facilitating human resources planning. They improve productivity, avoid penalties, promote employee satisfaction, and strengthen a company's competitiveness in the marketplace.

Would you like to find out more? Would you like to see how the MPEX time and attendance system can adapt to your company's specific needs?   

Request a DEMO today. You'll be pleasantly surprised. We promise!