What Does a Shift Supervisor Do?
Although the exact duties of a shift supervisor vary with each job, there are many tasks that are often the same. Maintaining work standards, leading other shift employees and reporting any customer complaints to the store manager are common supervisory shift duties. Shift supervisors are front line workers who lead a small team while doing the same work as the other employees. A shift supervisor is only in charge during his or her shifts and must provide leadership by example.
Shift supervisors are usually chosen to lead other team members because they understand the expectations of higher management and how to meet or exceed these goals. They're not only responsible for getting the most from the other employees by inspiring and motivating them, but they must also maintain the smooth running of the store or business during their shifts. A shift supervisor also must work directly alongside employees to accomplish tasks.
Shift supervisors are expected to work well with the employees they supervise. They should be able to function well without a lot of supervision, yet also report important events or problems to the manager they work under. In many companies, shift supervisors write notes about the important events of each shift in a log book to later be reviewed by the store manager or several assistant managers.
Shift supervisors must maintain service and security standards during their shifts. Opening and closing the store may be the responsibility of shift supervisors. A shift supervisor must oversee his or her team to make sure company policy is being met. If team members have questions about how to do something, it's up to the shift supervisor to offer information and coaching. Shift supervisors must always be promoting the actions and attitudes expected by company management by demonstrating their own appropriate behavior on the job.
Maintaining good working relationships with the other team members is something all shift supervisors need to do. This may be challenging if some of the employees feel jealous or resentful that they weren't chosen to be the shift supervisor. It can also be difficult when a new shift supervisor from outside the store is brought in since it may take some time for a work team to mesh well together. The best shift supervisors can empathize with the other workers while also inspiring them to perform well on the job. The next promotion for a successful shift supervisor may be assistant manager.
Written by Sheri Cyprus
