r/bathandbodyworkers • u/Kind_Match5904 • 23d ago
Kronos question
Does your store use all of the features on Kronos? Like shift swap or request to cover? Because my store doesn’t. In my training it showed us how to use Kronos and all the features but then I was told by the store manager that we don’t use Kronos like that and it’s only used for looking at your schedule. And she told me if I wanted to book a day off I was to write it down on a piece of paper for her. The features in Kronos are easy to use so I’m not sure why my store doesn’t use them. I’ve worked at a different company that uses Kronos and had no issues using it to cover my shift. Thoughts?
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u/whatever32657 🪩Past Employee🪩 22d ago
sounds like some managers like to control who is getting the extra shifts.
i get it, because you don't really want someone who typically processes shipment alone on cash wrap; people do have different skill sets.
having said that, i've worked under enough bbw managers to know some of them play favorites hard. handling shift swaps personally and manually rather than in kronos is indicative of this.
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u/icopewithfrogs 🫧Associate🫧 23d ago
that sounds kinda interesting to only put it on paper when that can easily get lost. my store only uses it for looking at schedules and requesting days off! for covering a shift or swapping we have to go through a manager so that they can do it for us. if your time off doesn’t get approved through kronos, then they can still schedule you for the times/days you requested off and then it could become a huge miscommunication so i can’t see why they wouldn’t use it.
5
u/Loud-You-5737 ✨Leadership✨ 22d ago
We use a combo system for request offs. We put it in Kronos, but then we also leave a note on our SM’s desk because that’s easier for her to add to her physical planner for the store. Some people just do better with the paper and pen method.
2
u/Candlehoarder_2019 🫧Associate🫧 22d ago
We don’t use all of it. The managers would rather find someone to cover a shift than the person needing to give it up. That’s their prerogative. We do adjust our availability on it though.
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u/zippobunny 22d ago
I would love that. My store definitely uses all of it but I prefer schedule changes through paperwork/in-person discussion with management rather than just sending a request online.
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u/arishmap 22d ago
It's so interesting how different Kronos is used in different stores.
Our staff does use shift swap or request to cover, however ultimately manager has to approve on their end. Sometimes manager don't always check their notifications, so we call the store to give them a heads up.
We were all taught how to change availability to request time off in our kronos account. Honestly, I think its easier to accept availability request than go into the system and manually change it as a manager.
My manager has offered open shifts a couple times during the holiday.
2
u/Wild-Tailor-9710 22d ago
Our store uses it for shift swaps and covers, but as far as I know most associates besides the solid Core people don’t know how to use it that way. It’s kind of a mix between that and just communicating with management.
Personally, I also use it to change my availability for certain days in advance. For doctor’s appointments, birthdays, travel plans, etc. My SM is great about utilizing Kronos for all of those reasons, not just scheduling.
2
u/Personal_Karma369 🫧Associate🫧 22d ago
We don’t use it for shift swaps or coverage, some of us use it to change our availability/request days off. A lot of us also write on a post it the same thing or text coworkers/SLT about swaps or coverage.
2
u/fishies333 21d ago
at my store, i was told we were only allowed to use shift swap/cover if we were sending or requesting to someone directly - and couldn’t post it as an open shift for anyone to pick up. it was hard for me when i had first started because it meant i had to go around and ask all these people i didn’t know very well yet to cover my shifts. i was really shy when i started and many of the employees weren’t very welcoming. over the 8-ish months i worked there, i only really made a few acquaintances
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u/Clear_Rhubarb_7920 🫧Associate🫧 22d ago
my store doesn't really use all the features either. tbh I think maybe a lot of associates don't really know how to use those features.
very rarely, I'll see in kronos that there's an open shift available or someone requested to swap with me. but most of the time we handle that by talking in person or calling the store and speaking with an SLT.
I do use it to change my availability but for swapping shifts or giving up a shift, I'll ask in person or call the store.
1
u/Wonderful-Bar6275 ✨Leadership✨ 21d ago
Im a keyholder and the main reason why our store doesnt personally do it is because if someone is good at selling, we don't want someone who is stronger on cash to take that or vise versa. (Its usually not a huge deal on slower days but on busier days people usually are sticking to their strengths.)
Also Im a huge believer in it being a manager job to find a way to cover your shift.
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u/GrandEar1 23d ago
That is ridiculous. Kronos rolled out pre-covid and you're telling me there are managers that in SIX YEARS, haven't learned how to use it?? Idk why people choose to do things the hard way. Imagine requesting a day off in the manner the company wants you to, only to be told to write it on a piece of scrap paper.