7 benefits of being a control freak

Being a ‘control freak’ often gets you a bad rep, especially at work. You think of micromanaging or being over-critical and strict. Us? Well, we couldn’t disagree more.

Control freaks want efficiency and know the systems that work. Businesses run smoother when someone’s got everything under control. So, we‘re stripping back the negative connotations and looking at the positives - at what a good control freak does.

What are the benefits of being a control freak?

1. Your organisation is *chef’s kiss*

No cluttered desk, admin, stockroom, or mind. You have a system - and it works. 

You create rotas far in advance and share them within a reasonable time to accommodate any changes. You have a system for any requests (whether it’s availability, annual leave, or shift swaps) and people stick to it. Maybe you once juggled verbal conversations, written notes, and message requests, but that’s why you know it doesn’t work. But your new way? That does.

2. There’s visibility - for everyone

You and the staff know where they are meant to be. Everyone is on the same page.

You know what everyone on your team is doing and that they’re doing it efficiently and effectively (without micromanaging). Regardless of the location, department, or individual service user, you, as a manager, know that you have the correct and safe level of staff for each and all the associated costs.

Employees know how many holidays they have to take. They know what to expect on payday and know it’ll be right (that itself goes a long way!). Rotas are easily accessible, and any shift changes are made and communicated within plenty of time. No more missing shifts or showing up when they’re not needed. There is no stress or frustration for anyone!

You’re confident in your team - and they’re confident in you.

3. It’s not just you who’s always on time

You’ve got such a pristine Time & Attendance tracking system that continuous lateness has been nipped in the bud. Sure, the odd lateness pops up, but it’s immediately flagged and often valid (we’re only human, after all!).

Your clocking-in and -out process is straightforward and faultless, meaning staff can confidently know they’ll be paid fairly for the hours they work.

4. Smooth operation, smoother service

You’re the guy/gal in the chair. You’re the conductor. You’re manning a well-oiled machine - and you know exactly what it needs and where it needs to be to keep it running.

Without a tidy and efficient behind-the-scenes, you know the front-of-house and service will struggle. Not enough staff, poorly distributed shifts and breaks, and little to no communication within the team - it all reflects in the service. 

The system you have in place keeps everyone on the same page, reducing stress and increasing staff morale. Even in unpredictable situations, you and your team still feel prepared. You have a fine-tuned machine that other managers and business owners can only envy. A service with the elegance and slickness of an orchestra.

5. Full-time motivator

When people have visibility and even a say in when they’re working, are given enough notice for shifts, and are confident in the smooth service (and generally aren’t kept in the dark!), they’re going to be motivated to - and, dare we say, even enjoy - work.

By having your set processes, staff know what to expect. They can plan their lives and not be stressed by last-minute shift changes, rotas being published a week at most in advance, and expecting a holiday request to be forgotten. These can affect mental well-being more than you’d think and making staff feel more in control of their lives (both work and personal) truly improves it - and improves employee motivation and retention as a result!

6. Overspending isn’t a problem (because you don’t do it)

Some call you psychic. Others say you’re a witch. Whether you want to confirm or deny it is up to you, but what’s important is knowing your costs, when they come out, and where they’re going. 

You know if you’ll be over budget before it happens and react within enough time to amend it. You know if an employee is under or over their contracted hours before payroll comes around. You know where to fill gaps to avoid costly agency staff. 

(So, yeah. Psychic.)

7. Reports for EVERYTHING

Reports are your best friends. There isn’t a report you DON’T have. Attendance, costs, annual leave, the whole works. You’re on top of everything and anything that needs to be tracked. Employee requirements, requests, and contracted hours - you’re on the ball with it all. It’s all logged. You immediately know if something isn’t right and know where the problem lies.

You’re also in sync with any new or updated law or legislation and ensure the company is compliant - with a clear audit trail to prove it.

Wrap-up

Being a control freak doesn’t mean ruling your team and operations with an iron fist or micromanaging everything they do. You offer staff transparency and clear processes to make work as smooth and efficient as possible.

So, if someone calls you a ‘control freak’, thank them. Take pride. No one can manage a team like a control freak - and the world needs more of them.