In recent years, discussions around “work efficiency” have grown significantly. With the introduction of the 52-hour workweek in Korea and various flexible work systems, companies are now focusing more on the quality rather than the quantity of work.

Let’s explore how to reduce unnecessary overtime and improve work efficiency, along with potential systems that could help achieve these improvements.

When working with multiple teams within a company, the most time-consuming activity is often meetings. However, not all meetings disrupt work; regular meetings are essential for smooth internal communication and sharing project progress.

The problem arises when unnecessary meetings accumulate, slowing down work. Reducing unnecessary meetings could solve more than half of work-related issues. To achieve this, it's essential to distinguish whether a meeting is truly necessary for company operations.

Before scheduling a meeting, it's helpful to clearly define the purpose, goals, and objectives, and review them with team members. For example, sharing project timelines through shared documents or involving only essential members in quick reviews can streamline the process. Alternatively, team rules could be established where only the necessary content is confirmed by the relevant person beforehand. By reducing meeting time, employees can focus more on their core tasks.

Managing employee efficiency is an ongoing process that needs continuous improvement. Since each team member’s work varies in nature, the approach to improving efficiency should also vary depending on the team and the work involved.

One widely discussed method is “core working hours.” Often used in flexible work systems, core working hours refer to specific time blocks during which all team members are expected to focus entirely on their work.

During these core hours, team members concentrate on tasks, improving overall work efficiency. For example, if core working hours are set from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the morning and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon, team members avoid unnecessary breaks or outings and focus solely on work, leading to faster task completion and smoother communication. However, some argue that the core hours system might conflict with the 40-hour workweek, reducing the effectiveness of flexible work systems. In such cases, some companies adopt staggered working hours, allowing employees to work flexibly as long as they fulfill their required 8 hours each day, without mandating specific hours for work.

To facilitate smooth collaboration between teams, it’s essential to quickly address tasks with lower priority. Sometimes, employees may find themselves overloaded with excessive work. In such cases, it's crucial to prioritize by postponing less important tasks or delegating them to others.

If a team member is overwhelmed with two or more high-priority tasks, the workload can be distributed to another team member. For urgent projects, tasks with lower importance and more flexible deadlines should be deprioritized.

It is also essential to regularly check in with team members, share task statuses, and set clear deadlines. For high-priority tasks, ensure that the right number of team members are assigned and that all key members are aware of the task’s status. Recording and assigning to-do lists for detailed tasks helps in effectively managing the workload, allowing teams to focus on the most critical tasks first.

One of the major HR trends for 2024 is the digital automation of HR processes. Building a digital work environment will likely become the new standard. According to Verified Market Research, the global HR solutions system market is expected to grow from $15.6 billion in 2020 to $33.5 billion by 2028.

Implementing HR solutions can automate repetitive and complex tasks such as attendance management, workforce management, scheduling, clock-in/out tracking, payroll calculation, leave management, and request-approval processes, thus enhancing overall company efficiency.

Why not improve work efficiency by implementing a workforce management solution like Shiftee?

• Advanced Customization : Tailored to industry, business size, and work systems, Shiftee meets the requirements of all job types, including field workers and office staff.
  
• True Integration : Available on web, mobile, and desktop platforms, offering consistent access to advanced workforce management functions across all devices.
  
• Regulatory Compliance : Automatically updates in line with changing labor laws, helping you comply with legal regulations and manage risks.
  
• Unlimited Expansion : Shiftee is a global, scalable solution, offering a unified HR experience that integrates seamlessly with various systems, providing an enhanced user experience.

💡 Integrated Workforce Management Solution, Shiftee
Shiftee provides various functions required for HR tasks, from attendance management to workforce management, all available as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). It supports work scheduling, clock-in/out tracking, leave management, request-approval workflows, integration with third-party systems like SECOM/ADT CAPS, messaging, electronic contracts, payroll calculation, Shiftee Desktop (PC-OFF), and OPEN API, among others.

Shiftee is a flexible solution that can be adopted by companies of all sizes, from large corporations like Kakao, SK, and Hyundai to small and medium-sized enterprises. It offers customized workforce management for all sectors, including retail, manufacturing, construction, finance, and the public sector.

▶︎ Explore Systematic Solutions for Your Company

The most effective way to improve work efficiency is by finding the right balance between tasks handled by employees and tasks optimized through systems.

Why not manage your company’s work environment by automating repetitive, complex tasks, allowing employees to focus on more critical tasks that contribute to company performance?

Integrated Workforce Management Solution, Shiftee