Guide to Managing Night-Shift Workers

Consult a night-shift management expert

If you know you need to make changes but you’re not sure where to start, talk to the folks who specialize in helping companies with their night-shift issues.

I recommend: The consultants at Circadian Technologies, Round-The-Clock Systems and Shiftwork Solutions and can help you with just about any matter related to your night-time staff. That includes implementing new shift schedules, managing night-shift teams and enhancing employee productivity.

Schedule with care

You need to take into account multiple factors, ranging from shift length communication issues, when developing a new shift schedule. Be sure to get input from workers and managers who will be affected by the new schedule.

I recommend: At Shiftwork Solutions you can download sample shift schedules that include an overview of business and management issues to consider. You can also sign up to receive additional schedule samples via e-mail.

Make it convenient to connect

Night-shift employees should be able to exchange work-related information with their colleagues on other shifts. They should also have easy access to company news and announcements.

I recommend: If all of your employees have access to computers, create a private online forum where they can read messages from senior managers and post job-related messages to workers on other shifts. It’s easy to setup an online forum by using software from companies such as Boardnation and Jive Software. Employees who don’t work at computers can get company information around-the-clock from interactive kiosks that you install in their work area. Kiosk Information Systems has several kiosk models to choose from. Or, give employees a toll-free phone number that they can dial to hear and respond to messages from management. In Touch provides that service along with other phone-based employee communication options. Don’t forget the always-reliable company bulletin board where you can post announcements that everyone can see. Allen Display sells a variety of enclosed bulletin boards, including models with built-in lighting.

Ask for feedback

You don’t really know how employees feel about their work environment unless you ask them. Give your night shift an opportunity to confidentially share their thoughts and ideas by surveying them once or twice a year.

I recommend: Key Survey provides tools to develop your survey, distribute it via e-mail and analyze the results. Distribute printed surveys to employees who have convenient access to a computer. Encourage employees to give you feedback between surveys by writing down their thoughts and slipping them into a secured suggestion box such as those available from Displays 2 Go.

Evaluate employee performance

Get a clear picture of your night workers’ job performance by conducting detailed performance reviews.

I recommend: Among the easiest Web-based employee evaluation tools for small businesses is SuccessFactor's Manager's Edition. If you want to create your own evaluation form, start with a template from HIRT.com.

Celebrate milestones

Night-time workers often feel invisible to the rest of the company. Rectify that by reminding them that the company’s top dogs value their contributions. When an individual or a team meets a significant goal, ask an executive to present them with a gift that is a cut above the usual certificate or paperweight

I recommend: At Creative Gifts Galore  you can choose from a wide variety of high-quality items, including themed gift baskets. Treat a group of your best performers to a movie before work. Buy movie tickets for local theatres at Fandango.com. Or, go all out and surprise the entire night shift with a salsa band, a stand-up comic or other live entertainment. At Gig Masters you can arrange for professional entertainers to show up at your facility and do their thing.