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Retention at a historical high, with weekends off for everyone
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Nonprofit
Record
retention: the department's historical high
50%+
had no weekends off before
24/7
canine care covered
The problem
Canine technicians and nurses provide 24/7 care on fixed days off, so more than 50% of the workforce never had a regularly scheduled weekend off. New hires expected weekends and left. Payroll showed weekends were overstaffed to cover high absenteeism, and quick-turn reverse rotations caused fatigue.
What we did
- Analyzed payroll data to expose weekend overstaffing driven by absenteeism
- Recommended rotating days off so every employee gets some weekends off
- Presented 8 and 10-hour models to employees for longer breaks
- Ran an Employee Assessment on how schedules affect lifestyle
- Supported department-level solutions at both campuses
The results
- Historical high retention rate in the department
- Some weekends off for all employees
- Well rested employees with predictable time off and less commute time
Since the implementation of our new schedule, the retention rate of this department is at a historical high. Our employees are well rested, have predictable time off, less commute time, increased happiness, and in turn can provide top-notch care to our wonderful canines.
Kristin Lucas, Canine and Community Operations Officer, Guide Dogs for the Blind
Can't keep people who never get a weekend? Get a 30-minute workforce diagnostic.
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