Cut Labor Costs Without Losing Your Workforce
Cutting costs has become a top priority for business leaders these days. With the economy feeling shaky and demand fluctuating, many companies are seeking ways to manage their expenses without losing the valuable employees who keep everything running smoothly.
That’s where ShiftSwap™ steps in. One of the features our customers rave about is the ability to offer Voluntary Time Off (VTO) right through the platform. VTO provides businesses with a clever way to manage labor costs while ensuring employees stay engaged and happy.
What Is Voluntary Time Off (VTO)?
Voluntary time off is exactly what it sounds like: employees choose to take time off without pay when shifts aren’t needed. Instead of laying off workers or overspending on idle labor, employers can post VTO slots in ShiftSwap™.
This helps create a balance between labor supply and demand on a daily basis. If tomorrow’s forecast indicates lower production needs, managers can post available VTO slots. Employees looking to take a day off can claim those shifts immediately. The outcome? Fewer wasted labor hours and a workforce that feels empowered to make their own scheduling decisions.
Why Employees Love VTO
One of the surprising truths about VTO is how much employees appreciate it. Many associates appreciate the flexibility of taking a day off when it works best for them.
Imagine waking up on a Monday morning and seeing 20 open VTO slots. For some employees, that means a chance to rest, spend time with family, or run personal errands without worrying about losing their job. Instead of being forced to work an unneeded shift or risk job insecurity, employees feel they have a say in their schedules.
This kind of flexibility builds trust, morale, and loyalty. Workers don’t just feel like a number; they feel like valued members of the team who can make choices about their own time.
Why Employers Benefit from VTO
From the employer’s viewpoint, Voluntary Time Off (VTO) is a vital tool for reducing costs. Traditional layoffs can be disruptive, costly, and significantly harm team morale. However, paying employees for hours that aren’t needed isn’t a sustainable solution either.
With ShiftSwap™, VTO allows managers to:
- Reduce labor costs by aligning staffing with real demand.
- Retain workers instead of laying off employees during slow periods.
- Improve morale by giving employees flexibility and choice.
- Maintain operational stability without the churn of hiring and training new staff.
It’s the definition of a win-win. Operations are leaner and more cost-effective, while employees enjoy greater work-life balance.
Adapting to the Economy
With economic uncertainty and shifting workforce dynamics, business leaders need new strategies to remain competitive. Voluntary time off through ShiftSwap™ offers a modern solution that helps businesses stay agile while supporting employees.
Instead of viewing cost-cutting as a negative, VTO turns it into a positive, giving employees freedom and employers financial control. Whether you’re managing a warehouse, a healthcare facility, or a retail operation, having the ability to adjust labor supply to meet demand is essential.
See VTO in Action
At ShiftSwap™, we’re firm believers that managing costs shouldn’t come at the expense of your people. By implementing voluntary time off, you can adjust your workforce on a daily basis while keeping your employees satisfied and engaged.
Check out our labor cost case studies to learn how companies are leveraging voluntary time off and why it’s one of the most highly valued features among our customers.
Book a Demo today to find out how ShiftSwap™ can assist your organization in cutting costs without sacrificing jobs.