Employee shift planning is the process of organizing and scheduling work hours for employees to ensure that a business operates efficiently. This involves determining when each employee will work, taking into account factors like availability, workload, and labor laws. Effective shift planning helps maintain productivity and employee satisfaction. A well-structured shift plan can reduce staffing shortages and prevent overstaffing, which can lead to unnecessary costs. Tools such as scheduling software can assist managers in creating and adjusting schedules easily, allowing for better communication and flexibility among team members.