Overstaffing in Schools: How Can Management Fairly Assign Work and Consider Alternatives?

In a school that operates under a Trust, there is overstaffing in both Teaching and Non-Teaching roles due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The School is facing challenges in assigning work to all staff members. Therefore, the School Management is eager to resolve this issue amicably, including the possibility of restructuring work assignments.

Options for Handling Overstaffing

Please advise on the following:

1) What options are available for handling the situation with employees who are not currently assigned work?

Retrenchment or Furlough Considerations

2) Should the overstaffing result in retrenchment or furlough?

Alternate-Day Work Scheduling

3) Can the Management schedule work on an alternate-day basis to compensate employees based on the days they actually work?

Notice Period Clause in Mass Separation

4) Is it permissible for the Management to implement a Notice Period clause in the event of a mass separation involving approximately 15 to 20 employees? If an employee rejects this, how should the management proceed?

We kindly request expert advice. Thank you.

Handling Overstaffing in a Private School - Practical Solutions

1) Options for Unassigned Employees:
- Offer training or upskilling opportunities.
- Implement job rotation to utilize skills across different roles.
- Consider temporary assignments or projects.
- Provide support for personal development or self-paced learning.
- Encourage volunteering or community engagement activities.

2) Retrenchment or Furlough:
- Explore furlough as a temporary measure to retain employees.
- Consult labor laws and company policies regarding retrenchment.
- Prioritize open communication and transparency with affected employees.
- Offer support services like counseling or career guidance.

3) Alternate-Day Work Schedule:
- Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
- Establish clear guidelines on scheduling and compensation.
- Communicate effectively to manage expectations.
- Monitor workload distribution to avoid burnout.

4) Notice Period and Mass Separation:
- Refer to relevant labor laws in India for mass separation guidelines.
- Provide written notice as per legal requirements.
- Offer severance packages or benefits where applicable.
- Facilitate exit interviews for feedback and closure.

In all actions, prioritize fairness, empathy, and compliance with legal obligations to ensure a smooth transition for both the school and the affected employees.