How TimeForge Helps Independent Grocers Manage Labor Effectively

Managing labor effectively is crucial for independent grocers aiming to optimize operations, control costs, and enhance employee satisfaction. But as busy as retailers are, it's hard to find the time to effectively and efficiently manage the needs of a grocery labor force. Luckily, IGA Red Oval Partner TimeForge offers a comprehensive labor management solution tailored to meet the unique needs of grocery retailers and their employees.

Streamlined Employee Scheduling

TimeForge's scheduling tool enables grocers to create efficient work schedules swiftly. By analyzing sales data and labor needs, the system suggests optimal staffing levels, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours and reducing labor costs during slower periods. Managers can monitor shift swaps and time-off requests seamlessly, maintaining operational continuity.

Accurate Timekeeping and Attendance

Accurate timekeeping is essential for payroll accuracy and labor cost management. TimeForge provides an intuitive time clock system that allows employees to clock in and out effortlessly. The platform offers online timecards, empowering staff to manage their hours and ensuring they are compensated correctly. This transparency fosters trust and satisfaction among employees.

TimeForge's schedule enforcement features can further ensure accurate timekeeping and reduce unauthorized overtime. In a case study with Pyramid Foods, an independent grocery chain headquartered in southwest Missouri operating dozens of stores under multiple banners, TimeForge helped the group reduce unauthorized overtime by 72% for an estimated savings of nearly $96,000 over the course of a year.

"Before implementing TimeForge, our company averaged 114 hours per week of unauthorized overtime and is now averaging 32 unauthorized hours of overtime per week,” said Pyramid Foods COO Rob Marsh. “That is a great return on investment, but combining that with a mobile app where our team can access schedules, availability requests, and hours worked is substantial. To see these differences in a snapshot has been a game changer for our team.”

Proactive Labor Law Compliance

Navigating labor laws can be challenging for independent grocers. TimeForge assists in maintaining compliance by preventing non-compliant situations before they arise. The system alerts managers to potential issues, such as approaching overtime limits or missed breaks, allowing for timely interventions and reducing the risk of labor disputes.

Efficient Hiring and Onboarding

Attracting and retaining talent is vital in the competitive grocery industry. TimeForge's hiring and onboarding tools streamline the recruitment process, enabling grocers to bring new employees on board swiftly. The platform's hyper-local recruiting features help grocers connect with local talent, reducing commute times and enhancing job satisfaction.

Enhanced Team Communication

Effective communication is key to a harmonious workplace. TimeForge facilitates seamless interaction between managers and staff through its communication tools. Managers can easily share updates, assign tasks, and receive feedback, ensuring everyone is aligned with the store's objectives. This fosters a collaborative environment and boosts overall productivity.

Comprehensive Labor Analytics and Reporting

Understanding labor metrics is essential for informed decision-making. TimeForge offers robust analytics and reporting features, providing grocers with insights into labor costs, sales performance, and employee productivity. These data-driven insights enable managers to make strategic adjustments, optimizing operations and enhancing profitability.

Ready to learn more about TimeForge? Visit their website and try it free!