Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “sit in calls with store managers and head office”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

180 min
typically, once a week
35%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Process fixBest fix

Replace the status meeting with a written update

Everyone posts three lines in a shared thread before a set time; you only meet when something is blocked.

Typically saves about 60% of the time15 min to set up
  1. 1Agree a format: done, next, blocked.
  2. 2Create a channel or a thread that repeats every week.
  3. 3Ask everyone to post by a set time; the lead reads them and replies to the blockers.
  4. 4Keep a shorter meeting only for the blockers, or cancel it outright.

Tools: Slack, Teams or email

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Run checklists, the manager's log and head-office tasks in one app

Task apps put opening, closing and safety checklists on a phone or tablet with photo proof, keep the manager's log, and let head office send tasks without emails and calls.

Typically saves about 40% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Check whether your company has a task app: Crunchtime Zenput, Jolt, YOOBIC, SafetyCulture or Connecteam.
  2. 2Move your opening, closing and cleaning checklists into it.
  3. 3Use the logbook for shift handover notes.
  4. 4Ask head office to send campaigns and resets as tasks with photo proof instead of emails.

Tools: Crunchtime Zenput, Jolt, YOOBIC, SafetyCulture or Connecteam

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Are your opening, closing and safety checklists on a phone or tablet?
Task apps put checklists on a phone with photo proof. Managers and head office can see what is done without calling the store.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for District / area managers