Hourly workers are often the backbone of many businesses, especially in the retail, hospitality, and food service sectors. However, these workers also face high turnover rates, which can negatively impact the productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction of the businesses they work for. According to a report by WorkJam, the average turnover rate for hourly workers in the US was 82% in 2020, costing employers an average of $5,500 per employee.
Fortunately, technology can offer some solutions to help employers reduce turnover rates and retain their hourly workers. Here are some ways that technology can help improve the employee experience and engagement for hourly workers.
Streamlining The Hiring And Onboarding Process
One of the first steps to reduce turnover is to hire the right people for the job. Technology can help employers streamline the hiring and onboarding process, making it easier and faster to find and onboard qualified candidates. For example, employers can use online platforms to post job openings, screen resumes, conduct interviews, and perform background checks. Employers can also use digital tools to automate the paperwork, training, and orientation for new hires.
By using technology to simplify the hiring and onboarding process, employers can save time and money, as well as improve the quality and fit of their hires. Additionally, technology can help create a positive first impression for new employees, making them feel valued and welcomed.
Enhancing Communication And Feedback
Another way to reduce turnover is to enhance communication and feedback between employers and employees. Technology can help employers communicate with their hourly workers more effectively and efficiently, using channels such as text messages, emails, mobile apps, and chatbots. Employers can use these channels to share important information, updates, schedules, policies, and recognition with their employees.
Technology can also help employers collect feedback from their hourly workers, using tools such as surveys, polls, quizzes, and gamification. Employers can use these tools to measure employee satisfaction, engagement, performance, and retention. By collecting feedback regularly, employers can identify and address any issues or concerns that their employees may have before they escalate or lead to turnover.
Providing Learning And Development Opportunities
Another way to reduce turnover is to provide learning and development opportunities for hourly workers. Technology can help employers offer flexible and personalized learning and development programs for their employees, using platforms such as e-learning courses, webinars, podcasts, videos, and virtual reality. Employers can use these platforms to deliver relevant and engaging content that can help employees improve their skills, knowledge, and competencies.
By providing learning and development opportunities for hourly workers, employers can help them grow professionally and personally. This can increase employee motivation, confidence, loyalty, and retention. Moreover, it can also benefit the employers by improving employee performance, productivity, quality of service, and customer satisfaction.
Increasing Employee Autonomy And Flexibility
Another way to reduce turnover is to increase employee autonomy and flexibility. Technology can help employers empower their hourly workers to have more control over their work schedules and preferences. For example, employers can use software solutions that allow employees to view their schedules online, swap shifts with their co-workers, request time off, and bid for open shifts. Employers can also use mobile apps that allow employees to clock in and out, track their hours, and access their pay stubs.
By increasing employee autonomy and flexibility, employers can help their hourly workers achieve a better work-life balance. This can reduce employee stress, burnout, and absenteeism. It can also increase employee happiness, engagement, and retention.
Technology can be a powerful ally for employers who want to reduce turnover rates in hourly jobs. By using technology to streamline the hiring and onboarding process, enhance communication and feedback, provide learning and development opportunities, and increase employee autonomy and flexibility, employers can create a more positive and rewarding employee experience for their hourly workers. This can help them retain their valuable talent and improve their business outcomes.
