Transforming Shift Management into Talent Management: Lessons from Jexer Fitness & Spa Akabane

Transforming Shift Management into Talent Management

In the changing landscape of the fitness industry, Jexer Fitness & Spa Akabane is leading the way in shifting how shift management is perceived. With their innovative approach, they are transitioning from basic shift management to a more holistic talent management strategy. This evolution is empowered by the cloud-based shift management system, R-Shift, developed by OM Network Co. Ltd, based in Niigata, Japan, which supports complex shift operations across various industries, particularly in retail services.

Interview Insights

On April 30, 2026, we had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Koizumi, the Chief at Jexer Fitness & Spa Akabane, who has been with the company since April 2016. With a wealth of experience across multiple facilities as a fitness staff member, he has transitioned into a leadership role, overseeing the management of approximately 90 staff members across various sections like the pool, studio, gym, and front desk. His insights provide a clearer understanding of how effective shift management goes beyond mere staff scheduling.

The Complexity of Shift Management in Fitness

Shift management in fitness facilities entails more than just arranging staff. Each section—pool, studio, gym, and front desk—requires different skill sets and staffing levels. The pool supervision role, for instance, is crucial for safety and cannot be filled by just anyone. Assigning the right staff to swimming lessons or studio classes demands careful consideration regarding their qualifications and the specific needs of each class.

For example, in organizing swimming classes, simply assigning someone to ‘conduct classes at this time’ doesn't suffice. Class structures must be organized by age and skill level, determining precisely who is responsible for each group. Furthermore, management must also consider the physical workload of each staff member, balancing those who wish to take on many lessons with the need to avoid overburdening them. This intricate balancing act exemplifies the need for a sophisticated scheduling system.

Streamlined Operations through R-Shift

Before implementing R-Shift, the Akabane location managed shifts using separate schedules for each section, leading to cumbersome management of multiple sheets, along with a handwritten process for staff scheduling requests. This method posed extensive risks for errors such as misplacing requests or transferring mistakes. However, with R-Shift, all staff schedules are consolidated into one view, greatly simplifying the management landscape. Staff can now conveniently check their schedules and submit requests through their smartphones, reducing the administrative burden significantly.

The transition from numerous paper schedules to a unified digital format means that management can efficiently oversee available resources and staff needs in real-time. It has become a game-changer for the facility, allowing quick updates and changes to be communicated effectively, which enhances operational responsiveness.

Upholding Service Quality through Efficient Scheduling

Ensuring effective shift creation has a direct impact on the quality and safety of services offered in the facility. By utilizing R-Shift, the Akabane team has significantly reduced instances of scheduling mistakes, allowing for prompt identification of understaffed areas. The platform provides a clear overview that assists staff in prioritizing essential duties without compromising service quality, fostering security and reliability within the facility's offerings.

Advanced Lesson Management with R-Shift

R-Shift also boasts a feature tailored for managing lesson programs, crucial for the fitness sector where schedules need to account for age and skill-specific requirements. Jexer has leveraged this functional capability to oversee lesson assignments meticulously. The automatic tracking of lesson assignments not only simplifies scheduling by allowing for easy copying of previous month schedules, preventing errors like assigning the wrong instructor to classes, but it also streamlines the process for future schedules.