Busy seasons are a challenge for any organisation. When demand spikes, so does the pressure on staffing and scheduling. Managers must juggle leave requests, absences, and shifting workloads — all while keeping operations running smoothly. To stay ahead, the key is planning early, being fair, and using the right tools.

Start by analysing past data to find your busiest days and times. That helps predict where additional cover will be needed. Then build rotas in advance, setting deadlines for when leave requests need submission so last-minute gaps can be avoided. Be transparent and fair: rotate prime shifts, respect past commitments (e.g. someone working Christmas one year might be given preferential days off the next), and make sure your policy is clear so staff know how scheduling decisions are made.

Cross-training staff is also invaluable. By ensuring team members can step into different roles, you reduce bottlenecks when someone is absent or overloaded. Flexibility helps too — where possible, allow shift swaps, staggered hours, or split shifts to align workforce capacity with demand surges.

Of course, without a tech backbone this becomes complex to manage. That’s where LeavePlanner shines. With its scheduling features, you can visualise availability, spot overlap or gaps, trigger alerts when leave thresholds are hit, and distribute rotas easily. Combined with leave tracking and absence analytics, it helps managers make data-driven decisions under pressure.

When busy periods come around, organisations using LeavePlanner are better equipped: they can forecast demands, quickly adapt, maintain fairness, and support staff through transparent scheduling practices.

Want to see it in action? Call Steve on 01252 636 070 or email support@leaveplanner.com to find out how LeavePlanner can help your business stay on top of peak scheduling.