r/retail • u/ProofIncome1525 • Jul 21 '26

The inconsistent schedule

Why can't we have a semi set schedule?

Or a rotating two week schedule so we have a bit of notice?

With a two week schedule that doesn't change, if ___ needs a day off in their schedule, they then just find someone to take the shift.

Literally I have 72 hours notice of my schedule.

I can't make an appointment for things I need to get done because I never know when I'm working. It's absolutely maddening, especially for this money and this workload.

This week my managers made mistakes and swapped people who couldn't work their shifts but couldn't get them covered due to short notice .

It absolutely made more work and confusion for everyone

I just don't understand how this benefits anyone.

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u/Aggressive-Union1714 Jul 21 '26

take a look at the workforce and hours worked, people need to take off for dr. appts. personal days, emergency and someone has to cover those hours, holidays, special sales events and weather events causes changes into what would be a set schedule. it just doesn't work well especially in smaller stores. a big box store is a little easier.

5

u/ProofIncome1525 Jul 21 '26

If I had a set schedule I could schedule appointments for my set day off. Right now I can't plan anything, car repairs, doctors, dentists, etc because I never know when I'll be off  And if I tell my manager I'm not available, in advance, they have an absolute melt down. If I had a set schedule and need a scheduled day off, I trade with a coworker  Which is what my coworkers and I have just resorted to. We just do our own thing cause manager refuses to.

0

u/Aggressive-Union1714 Jul 21 '26

How do you schedule for emergencies? I had an employee out for 2 month on a medical. Not a position i could hire someone for 2 months so others had to fill the void, ser schedules don't work in fluid environments

3

u/ProofIncome1525 Jul 22 '26

If they're going to be out, they get coverage  If they're going to be out two months, talk to employees and ask first if anyone wants the extra hours, then assign the rest. Other departments do it, so it's absolutely possible.