February 19, 2025

HR software

Efficiently managing employee schedules is crucial for any organization’s success. A well-structured monthly work schedule ensures optimal productivity, minimizes scheduling conflicts, and promotes a positive work environment. This template provides a framework for creating clear, concise, and legally compliant work schedules, addressing common challenges and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

This guide explores the creation and implementation of a robust employee monthly work schedule template. We’ll cover essential elements, design considerations, legal compliance, and best practices for various employment types and industries, ultimately empowering you to create a system that benefits both employees and employers.

Understanding Employee Work Schedules

A well-structured monthly work schedule is crucial for efficient workplace operations and employee satisfaction. It provides clarity, minimizes scheduling conflicts, and contributes to a more productive and harmonious work environment. A clearly defined schedule ensures employees know their responsibilities and when they are expected to work, leading to improved time management and reduced stress.Effective scheduling benefits both the employer and the employee.

For employers, it optimizes resource allocation, ensuring adequate staffing levels during peak periods and minimizing labor costs. For employees, it provides a sense of predictability and control over their work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout.

Types of Employee Work Schedules

Different work arrangements cater to various needs and preferences. Understanding these variations is key to creating effective schedules.

  • Full-time Employment: Typically involves a consistent work week of 35-40 hours, often spread across five days.
  • Part-time Employment: Involves fewer hours per week than full-time, offering flexibility for employees who may have other commitments.
  • Shift Work: Involves working different shifts throughout the day or night, often rotating to ensure coverage across all operating hours. This is common in industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
  • Compressed Workweeks: Involves working the same number of hours as a standard workweek, but condensed into fewer days (e.g., four 10-hour days).
  • Flextime: Allows employees to choose their start and end times within a specified range, providing flexibility while maintaining core working hours.

Common Scheduling Challenges and Template Solutions

Several common issues arise in scheduling, but using templates can significantly mitigate these problems.

  • Overlapping Shifts/Understaffing: Templates help visualize staffing levels across different shifts, preventing overlaps or gaps in coverage.
  • Fairness and Equity: Templates facilitate fair distribution of shifts and workloads, preventing favoritism or burnout among employees.
  • Last-Minute Changes: While not entirely preventable, templates make it easier to track and manage changes, minimizing disruption.
  • Communication Breakdown: A centralized schedule accessible to all employees improves communication and reduces confusion.
  • Compliance Issues: Templates can help ensure compliance with labor laws regarding working hours and breaks.

Sample Monthly Work Schedule Template

The following table provides a basic framework for a monthly employee work schedule. Remember to adapt it to your specific needs and requirements.

Employee Name Date Shift Notes
John Doe 2024-10-28 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Meeting with clients
Jane Smith 2024-10-28 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Training session
Peter Jones 2024-10-29 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sarah Williams 2024-10-29 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Off-site visit

Creating and Implementing the Template

Creating a functional and adaptable employee monthly work schedule template involves several key steps. This process ensures efficient scheduling, accurate time tracking, and streamlined communication within your team. A well-designed template will save time and reduce potential scheduling conflicts.

The initial step is to choose a suitable platform. Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets are commonly used due to their accessibility and features. Alternatively, dedicated scheduling software or project management tools could be employed, depending on the complexity of your scheduling needs and budget.

Custom Template Design

Designing the template begins with defining essential information. This includes columns for employee names, dates, days of the week, shift times (start and end), total hours worked, and potentially notes or comments. Consider including columns for breaks, lunch periods, and any specific job roles or tasks. The layout should be clear, concise, and easy to navigate. For example, using distinct colors for different shift types or highlighting weekends can enhance readability.

Adapting the Template for Diverse Teams

The template’s flexibility is crucial for accommodating various team structures and work patterns. To manage different team sizes, simply add or remove rows as needed. For varied work patterns (e.g., part-time, shift work, rotating schedules), you can incorporate conditional formatting or utilize dropdown menus to select shift types. For instance, you might use color-coded cells to distinguish between day, evening, and night shifts.

This allows for quick visual identification of different work patterns within the schedule. You could also create separate sheets within the spreadsheet for different teams or departments.

Inputting Employee Data

Entering employee data is straightforward. Begin by listing employee names in the designated column. Then, populate the schedule with each employee’s assigned shifts, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Use the defined format for time entries (e.g., 24-hour clock) for clarity. Employ data validation features, if available in your chosen software, to prevent errors, such as incorrect time formats or invalid data entries.

Regularly review the data for accuracy to prevent any inconsistencies or errors that might affect payroll or other HR processes.

Distribution and Management

Effective distribution is key to a smooth workflow. Consider using cloud-based storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) for easy access and collaboration. This enables multiple users to view and update the schedule simultaneously, provided access controls are properly implemented. Regularly update the schedule, ideally before the start of each month, and communicate any changes promptly to employees. Clearly define the process for requesting time off or shift swaps to avoid confusion.

Tracking Attendance and Hours

The template can be used to track employee attendance and hours by noting each employee’s presence and shift duration. Use the schedule to calculate total hours worked per employee per week or month. You can then use this data for payroll processing or performance analysis. For tracking attendance, consider adding a column for each day to indicate “Present,” “Absent,” or “Late,” and then calculate totals at the end of the month.

Automated features, if your software allows, can simplify these calculations. This tracked data is also invaluable for accurate payroll calculations and helps identify trends in attendance or potential scheduling issues.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Creating and implementing employee work schedules requires careful consideration of relevant labor laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues. Failure to do so can lead to significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and decreased employee morale. This section Artikels key legal considerations to integrate into your scheduling process.

Overtime Pay Requirements

Federal and state laws mandate overtime pay for employees who work beyond a specified number of hours in a workweek. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States, for example, generally requires overtime pay at a rate of one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Specific regulations vary by state and may include different thresholds or exemptions for certain employee classifications (e.g., executive, administrative, professional).

Accurate tracking of employee hours is crucial to ensure correct overtime calculation and payment. Incorrect calculation can lead to wage and hour lawsuits. For instance, misclassifying an employee as exempt from overtime when they are not can result in significant back pay obligations for the employer.

Rest Break and Meal Period Regulations

Many jurisdictions have laws requiring employers to provide employees with scheduled rest breaks and meal periods, particularly for those working extended shifts. These regulations often specify minimum break durations and the frequency with which they must be provided. For example, California law mandates paid rest breaks for non-exempt employees. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties and legal action.

The specifics of rest break and meal period requirements are highly dependent on the state and local laws. It’s essential to consult the relevant regulations in your area.

Working Hour Restrictions

Some jurisdictions place limits on the maximum number of hours an employee can work in a given day or week, particularly for certain age groups or in specific industries. These restrictions are designed to protect employee health and safety. For example, regulations may limit the number of consecutive hours an employee can work without a break or restrict the total number of hours worked per week.

Non-compliance can lead to significant fines and legal challenges. The specific restrictions will depend on applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Legal Compliance Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for legal compliance in work schedule implementation should include:

  • Review of all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws.
  • Accurate classification of employees (exempt vs. non-exempt).
  • Implementation of a system for tracking employee hours worked accurately.
  • Ensuring compliance with overtime pay requirements.
  • Providing legally mandated rest breaks and meal periods.
  • Adherence to working hour restrictions.
  • Regular review and updates to the schedule to reflect changes in legislation.
  • Documentation of all scheduling practices and decisions.

Examples of Legal Issues from Poor Scheduling Practices

Poorly designed or implemented work schedules can lead to several legal issues. These include:

  • Wage and hour violations: Failure to pay proper overtime, misclassifying employees, or failing to compensate for time worked.
  • Rest break violations: Denying employees legally mandated rest breaks or failing to provide adequate breaks.
  • Discrimination claims: Scheduling practices that disproportionately affect certain protected groups (e.g., gender, race, religion).
  • Workplace safety issues: Schedules that lead to excessive fatigue or unsafe working conditions.
  • Employee retaliation claims: Disciplining or retaliating against employees for raising concerns about scheduling practices.

Employment Jobs and Scheduling

Effective scheduling is crucial for a successful business, impacting both productivity and employee morale. Understanding the diverse scheduling needs of different employment types is key to optimizing workforce management and fostering a positive work environment. This section will explore the various employment job types, their associated scheduling requirements, and the relationship between scheduling practices and employee satisfaction across various sectors.

Types of Employment Jobs and Their Scheduling Needs

Different employment types demand different scheduling approaches. Full-time employees typically require consistent, predictable schedules, often aligned with standard business hours. Part-time employees, conversely, often have more flexible schedules, working fewer hours per week and potentially with variable shifts. Contract employees typically work on a project basis, with their schedules determined by the project timeline and deliverables. These differences necessitate tailored scheduling strategies to maximize efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Scheduling Variations Across Industries

Scheduling practices vary significantly across industries, reflecting the unique demands of each sector. Healthcare, for instance, often requires 24/7 coverage, leading to shift work and rotating schedules. Retail businesses frequently employ flexible scheduling to accommodate peak hours and customer demand, often utilizing part-time and on-call employees. Manufacturing, in contrast, might operate with fixed shift patterns to maintain consistent production output.

These varying operational needs dictate the nature and complexity of scheduling requirements.

Effective Scheduling and Employee Satisfaction

Effective scheduling is strongly correlated with employee satisfaction across all sectors. Fair and predictable schedules reduce stress and improve work-life balance, leading to increased morale and reduced turnover. In contrast, inconsistent or inflexible schedules can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and dissatisfaction. For example, in the hospitality industry, unpredictable schedules can negatively impact employees’ ability to plan personal appointments or family time.

In contrast, offering flexible scheduling options can significantly boost employee satisfaction and retention rates.

Scheduling Practices for Full-Time, Part-Time, and Contract Employees

  • Full-Time Employees: Typically receive consistent, predictable schedules, often 40 hours per week, with regular working days and hours. This predictability contributes to a sense of stability and allows for better work-life balance planning.
  • Part-Time Employees: Often work fewer hours per week, with schedules that can be more flexible and variable. This flexibility can be beneficial for employees with other commitments, but requires careful scheduling to ensure adequate coverage.
  • Contract Employees: Their schedules are typically project-based, determined by deadlines and project requirements. This can involve highly variable work hours and potentially intense periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity.

Comparison of Scheduling Needs Across Employment Types

Feature Full-Time Part-Time Contract
Hours per week Typically 40 Varies, usually less than 40 Varies greatly depending on project
Schedule consistency High Moderate Low
Flexibility Low High High
Predictability High Moderate Low
Benefits Typically full benefits package May receive limited benefits Usually no benefits

Conclusion

Implementing a well-designed employee monthly work schedule template offers significant advantages. From improved productivity and reduced scheduling conflicts to enhanced employee satisfaction and legal compliance, the benefits are far-reaching. By following the guidelines and best practices Artikeld in this guide, organizations can create a streamlined and effective scheduling system that fosters a positive and productive work environment.

FAQ Explained

What software can I use with this template?

This template is designed to be adaptable. You can use spreadsheet software like Excel or Google Sheets, or integrate it into various HR or scheduling platforms.

How do I handle employee requests for time off?

Incorporate a process for employees to submit requests, allowing you to review and approve or deny them before finalizing the schedule. Consider using a dedicated time-off request system.

What about unexpected absences?

Establish a clear protocol for reporting absences and finding coverage. This could involve contacting backup staff or adjusting the schedule as needed.

How often should I update the template?

Ideally, update the template monthly to reflect changes in staffing, projects, or other factors. Regular updates ensure accuracy and prevent scheduling conflicts.

Imagine a world where managing vacation time is effortless, team schedules are transparent, and everyone enjoys a healthy work-life balance. This is the promise of a vacation tracker, a powerful tool that streamlines leave management for individuals and organizations alike. From simple manual trackers to sophisticated digital systems integrated with HR platforms, vacation trackers offer a range of solutions to meet diverse needs.

This comprehensive guide delves into the world of vacation trackers, exploring their features, benefits, and implementation strategies. We’ll examine the key considerations for choosing the right tracker, ensuring it aligns with your organization’s size, budget, and specific requirements. Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of vacation trackers in enhancing employee satisfaction, fostering collaboration, and streamlining administrative processes.

What is a Vacation Tracker?

A vacation tracker is a tool that helps individuals and organizations manage and track vacation time. It provides a centralized system for recording, scheduling, and monitoring leave requests, ensuring efficient and transparent vacation management.

Types of Vacation Trackers

Vacation trackers come in various forms, each catering to different needs and preferences.

  • Manual Vacation Trackers: These are traditional methods, often involving physical calendars, spreadsheets, or handwritten logs. They can be simple to implement but prone to errors and lack real-time updates.
  • Digital Vacation Trackers: These are software-based solutions, offering features like online calendars, automated reminders, and data visualization. They are more efficient, accurate, and accessible, allowing for remote access and collaboration.
  • Integrated Vacation Trackers: These are incorporated into Human Resources (HR) systems, offering seamless integration with other HR functionalities like payroll, attendance, and employee information. They streamline processes and provide comprehensive employee data.

Benefits of Vacation Trackers

Vacation trackers offer significant advantages for both individuals and organizations.

  • For Individuals:
    • Organized Vacation Planning: Track vacation days, avoid conflicts, and plan ahead effectively.
    • Easy Access to Vacation Records: Quickly view past and future vacation dates, ensuring accurate records.
    • Automated Reminders: Receive timely notifications for upcoming vacation requests and deadlines.
  • For Organizations:
    • Improved Efficiency: Streamline vacation request processes, reducing manual work and administrative burden.
    • Enhanced Transparency: Provide clear visibility of employee vacation schedules, preventing scheduling conflicts.
    • Accurate Leave Management: Ensure compliance with company policies and track vacation days accurately.
    • Reduced Absenteeism: Monitor employee attendance and identify potential issues or trends.
    • Improved Productivity: Encourage employees to take vacations, fostering well-being and reducing burnout.

Key Features of a Vacation Tracker

A vacation tracker is a tool designed to help businesses and individuals manage their time off efficiently. It encompasses a range of features that streamline the process of requesting, approving, and tracking vacation days, sick leave, and other types of time off.

Essential Features

A robust vacation tracker should include essential features that facilitate accurate tracking and management of time off.

  • Vacation Day Tracking: The primary function of a vacation tracker is to accurately track the number of vacation days accrued and used by each employee. This ensures that employees are aware of their remaining vacation time and prevents any discrepancies or disputes.
  • Sick Leave Tracking: Similar to vacation days, a vacation tracker should also track sick leave taken by employees. This allows for efficient management of employee absences due to illness or other medical reasons.
  • Other Time Off Tracking: Beyond vacation and sick leave, a comprehensive vacation tracker should also track other types of time off, such as personal days, bereavement leave, or jury duty. This ensures that all types of employee absences are accounted for and managed effectively.

User Experience Enhancements

Beyond basic tracking, a vacation tracker can enhance user experience through various features.

  • Calendar Integration: Integrating the vacation tracker with a calendar allows employees to easily visualize their upcoming time off and schedule their work accordingly. This integration ensures that everyone is aware of their colleagues’ absences and can plan their work accordingly.
  • Notifications: Automated notifications can be set up to remind employees about upcoming vacation days, pending approvals, or deadlines for requesting time off. This ensures that employees are informed and can plan their time off effectively.
  • Approval Workflows: A vacation tracker can implement approval workflows, allowing managers to review and approve vacation requests. This ensures that all time off requests are properly reviewed and authorized, preventing any unauthorized absences.

Data Security and Privacy

Data security and privacy are crucial considerations for any vacation tracker.

  • Secure Storage: The vacation tracker should store employee data securely, using encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. This is essential to maintain employee trust and comply with data privacy regulations.
  • Access Control: The system should implement access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to employee data. This can be achieved through user roles and permissions, limiting access to specific information based on job responsibilities.
  • Data Backup and Recovery: A robust vacation tracker should include data backup and recovery procedures to protect against data loss due to technical issues or security breaches. This ensures that employee data is always available and protected against unforeseen events.

Benefits of Using a Vacation Tracker

A vacation tracker can bring numerous advantages to both employees and employers, fostering a more positive and productive work environment. By simplifying leave management and promoting a healthy work-life balance, vacation trackers contribute to a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

Improved Employee Satisfaction and Reduced Stress

Vacation trackers play a crucial role in promoting work-life balance, which is essential for employee well-being and job satisfaction. By providing a clear and organized system for tracking vacation time, employees can effectively plan their time off, ensuring they have adequate opportunities to recharge and avoid burnout.

  • Reduced Stress: A well-managed vacation tracker helps employees plan and schedule their time off in advance, reducing the stress associated with last-minute requests or conflicts with colleagues’ schedules.
  • Increased Job Satisfaction: Knowing that they have ample time for personal commitments and relaxation, employees feel more satisfied with their work and are less likely to experience burnout or job dissatisfaction.

Enhanced Team Collaboration and Communication

A vacation tracker acts as a central hub for team members’ availability, facilitating smoother collaboration and communication. With clear visibility into colleagues’ schedules, team members can plan projects and tasks more effectively, minimizing disruptions and ensuring seamless workflow.

  • Improved Project Planning: By knowing when team members are unavailable, project managers can plan deadlines and allocate tasks more efficiently, reducing the risk of delays or missed deadlines.
  • Enhanced Communication: A vacation tracker serves as a communication tool, enabling team members to stay informed about colleagues’ availability and plan their work accordingly.

Benefits for HR Departments

Vacation trackers streamline leave management processes for HR departments, reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency. They provide a centralized platform for tracking and managing employee leave, simplifying the process for both HR and employees.

  • Streamlined Leave Management: Vacation trackers automate the process of requesting, approving, and tracking leave, reducing manual paperwork and administrative tasks for HR.
  • Reduced Administrative Burdens: By automating leave management, HR departments can free up valuable time and resources to focus on other critical tasks.
  • Improved Compliance: Vacation trackers ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements regarding leave management.

Choosing the Right Vacation Tracker

Selecting the right vacation tracker is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and accurate record-keeping. A well-chosen vacation tracker will streamline the process of managing time off requests, approving leave, and tracking employee absences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vacation Tracker

The decision to choose a vacation tracker depends on several factors. Here are some key considerations:

  • Organization Size: For smaller organizations, a simple spreadsheet or calendar-based system might suffice. Larger organizations with complex leave policies and a large workforce will need a more robust solution with features like automated approvals, integration with HR systems, and reporting capabilities.
  • Budget: Vacation trackers come in various price ranges, from free and open-source options to paid solutions with advanced features. Consider your budget and the features you require when making your selection.
  • Specific Requirements: Determine the specific features you need, such as leave types (vacation, sick leave, unpaid leave), approval workflows, reporting options, integration with other systems, and mobile accessibility. Some vacation trackers offer customizable features to cater to specific industry needs.
  • Ease of Use: The chosen vacation tracker should be user-friendly for both employees and managers. Consider the learning curve and the overall intuitiveness of the interface.
  • Security and Data Privacy: Ensure the vacation tracker you choose meets your organization’s security and data privacy standards. Look for features like data encryption, access control, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Comparison of Vacation Tracker Options

Here’s a comparison of different vacation tracker options based on features, pricing, and user reviews:

Vacation Tracker Features Pricing User Reviews
Google Calendar Simple calendar-based tracking, shared calendars, integration with other Google services Free Good for small teams, basic tracking
TimeTrex Time and attendance tracking, leave management, reporting, payroll integration Starts at $4.99 per user per month Comprehensive features, user-friendly interface
BambooHR HR management system with vacation tracking, onboarding, performance management, and more Starts at $42 per user per month Robust features, comprehensive HR solution
Zoho People HR software with leave management, time tracking, performance management, and recruitment features Starts at $1 per user per month Comprehensive features, good value for money

Recommendations for Choosing a Vacation Tracker

  • For small organizations with basic needs: Google Calendar or a simple spreadsheet can be effective.
  • For organizations with moderate needs and a limited budget: TimeTrex or a similar cloud-based solution with leave management features is a good option.
  • For organizations with complex requirements and a larger budget: BambooHR, Zoho People, or other comprehensive HR software solutions offer a wide range of features.

Implementing and Managing a Vacation Tracker

Successfully implementing and managing a vacation tracker requires a strategic approach that involves careful planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance. This process goes beyond simply choosing a software solution; it encompasses training employees, setting clear policies, and integrating the system with existing HR workflows.

Steps Involved in Implementing a Vacation Tracker

Implementing a vacation tracker involves a series of steps to ensure a smooth transition and maximize its effectiveness.

  • Choose a Platform: Selecting the right vacation tracker platform is crucial. Consider factors like user-friendliness, features, integration capabilities, and cost. Research different options, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and choose a platform that aligns with your organization’s needs and budget.
  • Develop Clear Policies: Establishing clear vacation policies is essential for a successful implementation. Define vacation accrual rates, blackout periods, request procedures, and approval processes. Communicate these policies to employees clearly and ensure they are accessible and understood.
  • Train Employees: Providing comprehensive training on the new vacation tracker is vital. Conduct interactive sessions that cover navigating the platform, submitting requests, approving requests, and accessing vacation balances. Ensure employees understand the new system and are comfortable using it.
  • Integrate with Existing HR Systems: To streamline processes and avoid data duplication, consider integrating the vacation tracker with your existing HR systems, such as payroll or time and attendance systems. This integration ensures seamless data flow and minimizes manual data entry.
  • Pilot Testing: Before a full rollout, conduct a pilot test with a small group of employees to identify any potential issues or areas for improvement. This allows for adjustments and ensures a smoother transition when implementing the system across the organization.

Travel and Vacation

Vacation trackers are more than just tools for managing time off; they can be powerful allies in your travel planning endeavors. By integrating your travel plans with your vacation tracker, you can streamline your vacation process, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

Integrating Travel Plans with Vacation Trackers

Vacation trackers can be valuable tools for planning and tracking your travel itineraries. Here’s how:

  • Centralized Information: Vacation trackers provide a central hub for all your travel details, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, car rentals, and activity schedules. This eliminates the need to search through multiple emails or documents, making it easy to access and manage your itinerary.
  • Time Off Management: Vacation trackers allow you to input your planned travel dates, ensuring that your time off is accurately reflected in your schedule. This helps avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures you have the necessary time for your trip.
  • Budget Tracking: Many vacation trackers offer features for tracking your travel expenses. This helps you stay within your budget and provides a clear picture of how much you’ve spent on each aspect of your trip.
  • Itinerary Management: Vacation trackers allow you to create and organize your travel itinerary, including daily schedules, activity bookings, and transportation details. This ensures you don’t miss out on any important stops or events.
  • Notifications and Reminders: Vacation trackers can send you timely reminders for upcoming travel dates, flight check-in times, and other important events. This helps prevent you from missing flights or important appointments.

In conclusion, vacation trackers are invaluable assets for individuals and organizations seeking to optimize time off management. By providing a centralized platform for tracking leave, automating approval workflows, and enhancing communication, these tools empower employees to enjoy a healthy work-life balance while enabling organizations to streamline operations and foster a positive work environment. As technology continues to evolve, vacation trackers will undoubtedly become even more sophisticated, offering a wide range of innovative features to meet the ever-changing needs of the modern workforce.

General Inquiries

What are the different types of vacation trackers?

Vacation trackers come in various forms, including manual spreadsheets, online calendars, dedicated software applications, and integrations with HR systems. The best type depends on your organization’s size, budget, and specific needs.

How can I integrate a vacation tracker with my existing HR system?

Many vacation tracker solutions offer seamless integrations with popular HR systems like BambooHR, ADP, and Workday. This integration allows for automatic data synchronization, streamlining leave management processes and eliminating manual data entry.

Is a vacation tracker essential for small businesses?

Even small businesses can benefit from a vacation tracker. It helps maintain accurate records, promotes transparency, and ensures fair leave allocation. Simple online solutions or spreadsheets can be effective for smaller teams.