AI-Powered Employee Scheduling: How Does It Work?

For some, the thought of artificial intelligence (AI) conjures up some rather Doomsday-like imagery…robots taking over the world or the banishment of humankind altogether. But that’s just Hollywood. In reality, we interact with forms of AI every day. Do you rely on auto-correct when drafting emails or sending texts? That’s AI. Ever binge a show Netflix recommended for you? That’s AI. Do you use Waze or Google Maps to get around town? That’s AI, too.

AI technology is often used to perform tasks that humans are inherently bad at—such as remembering and applying large and complex rule sets. Let’s see shift schedulers, can we think of a common task that requires you to remember lots of rules, data and requests? That’s right, those frustrating, but oh-so-critical weekly or monthly employee schedules! Who is eligible to work? Who has requested time off? Who is already pushing overtime? Am I at risk for labor law non-compliance?

Shift schedulers know that employee scheduling is anything but simple. And when employees’ schedules aren’t right, everyone suffers. Fluctuating demand means employees wind up either overworked or bored. Customers may not get the attention or service they need. And the business suffers with dissatisfied employees, frustrated managers and labor compliance issues. How can you make sure you have the right people in the right place at the right time?

Introducing AI-powered scheduling from TCP’s Humanity Scheduling

What Is AI-Powered Employee Scheduling & Who Needs It?

TCP’s Humanity AI-powered scheduling experience uses 2 key features— Demand-Driven Scheduling and Auto-Scheduling—to build out schedules optimized for both demand and compliance while providing flexibility for their employees. And it saves managers countless hours in the process.

When it comes to managing demand, some industries have it harder than others. Retail, restaurants, hospitality and higher education have definite ebbs and flows, and not being prepared is bad for business; however, these areas have a certain level of predictability. Healthcare, on the other hand, can be very unpredictable and the stakes are about as high as they come when lives are on the line.

How Does AI-Powered Employee Scheduling Work?

Generally speaking, artificial intelligence and machine learning are not linear processes, but cyclical processes that continuously learn and evolve to offer an optimal output. In this case, a conflict-free schedule that ensures you have the right people in the right place at the right time. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Set Up Metrics and Staffing Rules

Identify key drivers for your organization and set up staffing rules for Humanity to translate them into labor demand

Step 2: Forecast Labor Demand

Schedulers can use Humanity Forecast to project labor demand in the coming weeks with both Humanity’s AI engine and through their own metrics

Step 3: Build Out Schedule

Create schedules that are based on forecast demand, and compliant to preset conflicts by using Auto Scheduling and the conflict management engine.

Step 4: Assign Shifts to Employees

Use Auto Scheduling to publish schedules that match demand as well as roles, employee availability and compliance requirements.

Rinse and repeat! Humanity’s AI-Powered Schedules continuously improves over time. The more historical data it has, the more ideal your employee schedules will become.

If haphazard shift scheduling practices have you tearing your hair out, opt for a data-driven, demand-based approach with AI-powered scheduling. You’ll get optimal schedules that will leave both managers and employees smiling. Learn more about TCP’s Humanity AI-powered employee scheduling.