You can easily check the shift rotas and meeting schedules for multiple branches even while outside the office!

We had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Suzuki, who is a manager of a hair salon. He uses TimeTree to organize the shift rotas of multiple branches.

Convenience is the key. By taking only a 10-minute-long training course I was ready to use the app.

Can you please tell us about your job?

I work as a hairstylist in Gifu Prefecture. I work for a company that operates 2 branches. I work as the manager for one of them.

Can you tell us the reasons for deciding to use TimeTree?

The company operates 2 branches, and we frequently dispatch members of staff from one salon to the other in order to help each other when stylists are on leave. However, each branch has different closure dates and it was difficult to manage the shifts effectively - we even had occasions where one branch had too many members of staff working there. In the midst of this, I discovered TimeTree and decided to give it a try.

Before adopting TimeTree, how did you manage and make available the shift rotas?

The rota for each stylist was prepared and printed on A4 paper. Employees saved it on their phones by photographing it and sharing it with each other via LINE. As shifts can change it was difficult to know if the photographed rotas were up-to-date, which was problematic. There was a LINE group made up of stylists at my branch and this method sufficed for the dissemination of fixed information. However, it was a headache when it came to the shift rotas, which are ever-changing.

Were there any determining factors that led you to try using TimeTree?

First and foremost it was a matter of "ease". Amongst the stylists, there were those who were familiar with the use of smartphones and those who were not. Compared with other apps, TimeTree is simple and I felt that even those who do not use apps on a regular basis would not have any trouble becoming acquainted with it. We held a 10-minute lecture prior to adopting TimeTree, but in actuality, all our stylists were able to use it without a problem.

Color code the different duties and register employees' days off. Figure out the day's shift at a single glance.

Can you tell us specifically the method with which you use the app?

We create a calendar for each of the 2 branches. Then we input information concerning employees' days off and any scheduled training courses or meetings.

That does sound like an easy approach. Do you have any other rules in using the app?

If there is a day when many of our stylists have asked for a day off and I would like for some to come in for work, I color in red the appropriate dates and make the changes to the rota. Also, I have employees color dates in purple for days they strongly wish to take leave - for example, in order to attend a friend's wedding.

This is very interesting. You are using a color-coding system to convey the importance of certain information or their status.

Because I can check and make corrections to the rota away from the office or while on holiday, many of my previous troubles have been resolved.

Since adopting the app, what merits have you experienced?

First and foremost, managing the shirt rota has become easy. It is very convenient that I can check, manage, and configure the rota while away from the office or on holiday. The number of problems revolving around the rota has also decreased.

Is there anything else?

Also, among the employees, there are some who use TimeTree with their family members or in a private capacity. They say that making their schedules has become easier. They can plan their days of work while being aware of their family obligations, such as duties revolving around their children's school life, which they have marked down on their own TimeTree calendar well in advance.

This interview was fascinating! Thank you!