Creating the perfect schedule in December: 6 practical tips for stress-free planning

The holiday season is approaching—a festive yet busy time when creating a schedule can be quite a challenge. Team members often request time off, and customer demand fluctuates, making workforce planning more complex. How can you ensure everything runs smoothly, you have enough staff, and everyone is satisfied? We’re sharing six practical tips to help you create the perfect schedule for the holidays!

1. Start early

This might seem obvious, but don’t wait until the last minute! Start planning your schedule early. This gives you the time to map everything out carefully, reduces stress, and helps you make well-informed decisions.

2. Ask about availability and preferences

Reach out to your team and inquire about their availability. Who is willing to work, and who has other plans? By taking these preferences into account, you create a positive atmosphere and boost employee engagement.

Consider using a staff scheduling app, such as L1NDA, to simplify the process of collecting availability and setting rules for unavailable periods.

3. Analyze last year’s schedule

Take a look at last year’s schedule. Which roles were essential, and how many staff members did you need? These insights can help you create a well-informed plan for the busy days ahead.

Don’t forget to check who worked last year to ensure the same employees aren’t always scheduled during the holiday season.

4. Keep an eye on labor costs and revenue

It’s crucial to monitor your labor costs and projected revenue closely. Analyze your data to identify the busiest days. This helps you schedule staff efficiently and avoid unexpected financial surprises.

5. Leverage flexible staff

Maintain a list of flexible employees who can step in during unexpected absences. This ensures you can quickly adapt and always have enough staff to handle the holiday rush.

Don’t have flexible staff available? No problem! With L1NDA, you can easily hire freelancers, even at the last minute. Simply click on an open shift in your schedule and post it to platforms like Temper or YoungOnes.

👉 Learn more about L1NDA’s freelance integrations

“It’s challenging for us to find new staff, just like for many businesses. With L1NDA’s freelancer integration, we quickly find temporary workers for open shifts. It’s incredibly convenient and fast, all in one platform. This saves me so much time!” — Maaike, Manager at Skyview

6. Holiday premiums

Don’t forget to configure the irregularity (ORT) and holiday premiums correctly. This will prevent unpleasant surprises for your employees and ensure everyone is fairly compensated for their efforts.

👉 Check here how to set up holiday premiums correctly in L1NDA