Misericordia Home uses ShiftWizard as a catalyst for change
Misericordia Home, a long-term care community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has been a beacon of care and support for over 650 residents on its campus and in community‑integrated living arrangements (CILAs). With a growing population and over 1,500 employees, the organization faced a critical challenge: transitioning from a manual scheduling system to a more efficient, scalable solution.
The Challenge: A growing organization with complex needs
Madelyne Trejo, Vice President of Clinical Services at Misericordia Home, described how the organization has invested in significant increases in both residents and staff over the last five years, resulting in a large, multifaceted campus. This growth generated a need to streamline employee scheduling and eliminate obstacles. With the previous manual system, supervisors were required to text or call employees individually to fill shifts, a step that proved unsustainable as the organization continued to grow.
“We were spending hours trying to manage schedules manually,” Madelyne explained. “It was clear we needed a system that could optimize our workforce and save time.”
The search for a solution
Madelyne, along with Misericordia’s IT leadership, spearheaded the search for a scheduling platform. Drawing on her experience with ShiftWizard™ at a previous organization, she advocated for its implementation. After evaluating four different vendors, the team chose ShiftWizard for its robust capabilities and ease of use.
“ShiftWizard stood out because it allowed us to leverage our workforce more effectively,” Madelyne said. “The ability to send mass messages and let employees pick up shifts directly from their phones was a game‑changer.”
Implementation: A staged approach
The implementation process began with building the system’s infrastructure. They launched the first group of schedules in August, focusing initially on resident care areas. From there, they expanded to other departments, including housekeeping and community day services.
To ensure a smooth rollout, Misericordia adopted a staged approach. Employees were introduced to the system first, followed by training for supervisors and directors. This strategy allowed the organization to gradually adapt from a manual process to the new technology while addressing challenges such as varying levels of technical proficiency among staff.
Overcoming change
As with any major change, the transition to ShiftWizard required adjustment. “We’ve been doing things manually,” Madelyne noted. “Change is hard, but it’s necessary.”
To ensure buy‑in for the new system and address challenges, Misericordia emphasized the benefits, including improved employee satisfaction and more efficient scheduling. Leadership support was also critical. “Having our executive team fully behind this initiative made a huge difference,” Madelyne said.
The Results: A more efficient workforce
While the transition is still ongoing, the impact of ShiftWizard is already evident. Employees can now view and manage their schedules from their phones, pick up shifts across different areas, and receive mass communications from supervisors. This has not only saved time but also improved workforce optimization.
“ShiftWizard has allowed us to align shifts and better manage our resources,” Madelyne shared. “It’s a catalyst for change, helping us streamline processes and move into the future.”
By leveraging ShiftWizard, the team gained a powerful tool to proactively manage staffing and make informed decisions. ShiftWizard, in partnership with successful recruiting efforts by HR, has already contributed to reductions in overtime while providing the critical visibility needed to optimize scheduling and continue to minimize overtime usage. This combination of better staffing and strategic scheduling has created a more efficient and balanced workforce. While savings in time and money have already been realized, Madelyne noted, “We expect even more improvements ahead.”
Advice for others
For organizations considering a similar transition, Madelyne offered this advice: “Prioritize what’s important to you and approach your search with those needs in mind. Be prepared for some resistance, but stay committed. Change takes time, but the results are worth it.”
Looking ahead
As Misericordia Home continues to grow, the organization remains focused on building the infrastructure needed to support its mission. Madelyne affirmed that ShiftWizard is “100%” the right solution for their growing system, adding, “It’s just a matter of time and continued effort to fully realize its potential.” With ShiftWizard as a key tool, they are well positioned to meet the needs of their residents and employees for years to come.