Employee scheduling and schedule modification method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for establishing, maintaining, distributing, and modifying an employee schedule. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a scheduling system programmed in software and configured to run on a scheduling computer. One or more remotely located overhead displays and one or more remotely located employee interfaces or kiosks communicate with the scheduling computer to disseminate schedule data to employees. The kiosks are additionally configured to provide an interactive interface for employees to utilize system features. One exemplary system feature comprises computerized posting of sheets requesting worker sign-up for additional or reduced work hours based on projected workload. Another exemplary system feature comprises a shift pool wherein employees may post one or more of their work shifts to an employee accessible pool. Other employees may then accept the posted shift via an employee interface thereby facilitating automated work shift changes. Another exemplary system feature comprises an automated attendance module. The automated attendance module compares employee schedule data to data regarding which employees are actually at work or actually working. In this manner, attendance of employees is taken.