- Engage with employees using Facebook and Twitter
- Enhances leading cloud workforce management solution for retailers
NRF, New York City, NY - 16th January 2012 - WorkPlace Systems plc, the leading provider of cloud retail workforce management solutions, today announced that it is launching Shift Bidding as a new component of its WorkPlace OnLine workforce management solution. Utilizing the widespread use of social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, the solution will engage with employees to streamline the shift bidding process to reduce administration costs and improve both associate retention and the level of service provided to customers.
Shift Bidding makes it easy for managers to offer available shifts to a group of qualified associates rather than contacting staff individually, saving time and the costs associated with managing the process. Unfilled shifts are identified in the Schedule Management module and advertized to suitable employees via SMS, email, Facebook, Twitter or other social media services. Managers can then review the list of bidding candidates and assign an associate, notifying them that their bid has been successful.
Shift bidding will enable retailers to maintain a high level of customer service by ensuring that planned schedules are appropriately staffed. It will also help retailers improve staff engagement and retention by empowering associates to control additional shifts within their schedule.
"Many retailers are taking advantage of associates being willing to work extra shifts at short notice, this benefits both the employee and the retailer," commented James Freshwater, Vice President, WorkPlace Systems Inc. "Associates can control exactly which extra shifts they bid for and if successful easily update electronic calendars. For retailers Shift Bidding helps fill those unplanned short notice absences such as sickness or compassionate leave with minimum administration."
WorkPlace OnLine delivers a comprehensive suite of Retail Workforce Management (WFM) modules over the web including; Schedule Management, Attendance Management, Forecasting, Advanced Scheduling, Shift Bidding and Reports & Dashboards.
"Shift bidding makes it quick and easy to fill shifts. Associates can register to receive shift notifications by following the application on Twitter or registering for the Facebook app. These social networking media sites are part of people's everyday lives and allow retailers to communicate with their employees in a modern, secure and convenient manner," concluded Freshwater.
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January 2012