Controlling Overtime: What Strategies Have Worked for You?

Controlling Overtime: Seeking Suggestions

Does anyone have insight on the subject of how to control overtime? What actions should we take to control it? Please share your suggestions on this.

Regards,
Awdhesh Kumar

You could have given a little more information like the nature of your industry, your designation, etc. Have you conducted a study on overtime? What is the percentage of overtime against total compensation?

The Problem of Overtime Arises When:

(a) Manpower planning based on measures of performance is not done.
(b) Manpower attrition.
(c) Manpower is adequate but under-skilled.
(d) Top bosses have a propensity to work longer without reason.
(e) Time wastage because of improper systems and processes.
(f) Lack of decentralization, i.e., the top boss holds all the authority, and so on.

Call me on my mobile, and we will discuss it further. All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh Divekar

Mr. Dinesh Divekar has succinctly put his queries as a, b, c, d, e, and f. Once you get an answer to these queries, you may figure out a solution yourself. When you say control, is it control with respect to a target value? How much is it off target? In the first place, how was the target fixed? I am sure it has been done with the consent of management.

Regards,
V. Raghunathan

Control over Overtime, or "No Overtime," is a strategic decision expected to be made by top management. HR's role is to provide inputs and suggestions for the implementation of this decision. In cases of manpower shortages, offering alternatives like flexible staffing can be considered.