#Japan #Osaka #fitness clubs #R-Shift #COSPA Wellness

Transforming Shift Management at COSPA Wellness

In an era where the demand for fitness services continues to grow, COSPA Wellness has stepped up its game in shift management by adopting innovative solutions to streamline operations across its branches. With approximately 1,700 staff members spread over 60 fitness clubs primarily located in the Kansai region, the challenge of efficiently managing shifts has become increasingly complex.

The Challenge: Overcoming Shift Management Complications

The workforce strategy employed by COSPA Wellness revolves around the concept of part-time staff working across multiple locations, often referred to as '兼任スタッフ' (part-time cross-posted staff). Although this model was present in their operations historically, it has been gaining traction due to the need for flexibility in services provided, especially when launching new business segments. The existing employee base was often insufficient to cope with the added workload, necessitating an increase in part-time cross-posted staff. However, this approach was not without its challenges.

Previously employed strategies like 'support shifts' didn’t adequately address the demands of managing shifts in non-primary locations. Staff and management alike often found it difficult to keep track of whether individuals were booked or to confirm working arrangements in a timely manner. Excessive reliance on phone calls and emails for coordinating shift details compounded the burden on both managers and staff. As COSPA Wellness expanded, the pressing need for a revamp of the shift management system became evident.

A Strategic Overhaul: Introducing R-Shift

Recognizing these challenges, COSPA Wellness transitioned to the R-Shift system and specifically utilized its 'Cross-Store Option'. This innovative system allows for centralized management and sharing of employee schedules across different locations, ensuring that everyone, whether in management or staff, can see an immediate overview of who is scheduled to work where.

The main benefit of R-Shift is its ability to clearly indicate whether staff are on a break or working at a different location, thereby dramatically reducing the need for constant inquiries between stores. To implement this smoothly, the company developed operational rules that establish how staff transitions between different locations are handled efficiently. This includes registering new dual-role employees in R-Shift ahead of time, further simplifying the management process.

Through this system, both primary and secondary store managers can now accurately monitor their staff’s working hours, improving communication and drastically reducing the time spent confirming shifts. Initial support from the head office has ensured a successful transition, and as of now, most locations are using R-Shift as part of their daily operations.

Measurable Improvements: The Impact on Staff and Operations

Feedback from staff post-implementation has been overwhelmingly positive, as the ability to view the status of cross-post staff during the shift creation phase has simplified processes significantly. Shift coordinators no longer face the tedious task of confirming schedules via multiple phone calls or emails. Instead, the necessary adjustments can be made swiftly, resulting in diminished stress levels and a lighter workload for both the shift managers and staff members.

Eliminating the previously burdensome system of shift management has led to increased operational efficiency, enabling the business to focus on improving customer service without the distraction of labor-intensive schedule checks.

Looking Ahead: Embracing a Diverse Workforce

As COSPA Wellness continues to evolve, the company recognizes the importance of appealing to a broader workforce spectrum. The successful adoption of R-Shift's advanced shift management capabilities positions them well for the future, allowing staff to work in a manner that suits their individual needs while ensuring the stability of operations at both existing and new branches. Furthermore, COSPA is actively pursuing the launch of new services, and accommodating diverse working styles will be crucial in meeting the demands of their evolving market.

In summary, COSPA Wellness stands as a testament to how strategic improvements in operational processes can not only alleviate existing burdens but also create a more dynamic and responsive workplace in the competitive fitness industry.