AI-Powered Workforce Management: How a National Convenience Store Chain Transformed Operations and Engagement

August 14, 2024

by Malysa O’Connor

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In the rapidly evolving world of retail, staying ahead of the competition requires innovation in products and business operations. A leading national petro-convenience store chain recognized this need and took a significant step forward by embracing an AI-powered workforce management (WFM) solution. Faced with an outdated and cumbersome legacy system, the company needed a modern solution to manage its 700+ locations and 11,000 employees efficiently. The result? A transformation that streamlined operations and boosted employee engagement to new heights.

The Challenge: Outdated Systems and High Turnover

The convenience store chain needed help with an aging workforce management system that was difficult for employees and required extensive training. Managers and employees found the system clunky and time-consuming, leading to inefficiencies. A 100% annual turnover rate compounded the issue, making it crucial for the company to find a solution that was effective, easy to implement, and use.

The Solution: AI-Powered Legion WFM

When the company’s leadership team began searching for a new solution, they initially considered the best of the existing legacy systems. However, a recommendation to explore Legion Workforce Management (WFM), an AI-powered platform, led to a game-changing decision. Legion’s intuitive user interface, mobile app, and modern features were unlike anything the team had seen before. The decision was clear: rather than settling for the best of the old, they would embrace a cutting-edge solution designed for the future.

The Results: Efficiency, Engagement, and Flexibility

The implementation of Legion’s WFM Platform led to remarkable outcomes for the convenience store chain:

  • 92% Weekly Active Users: The user-friendly mobile app became a hit among employees, with over 92% using it weekly to manage their schedules, request time off, and more. This level of engagement provided a competitive advantage in hiring and retaining hourly workers.
  • 66% Reduction in Scheduling Time: Thanks to automated schedule creation and delivery, managers saw their scheduling time cut by two-thirds, from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes. Built-in compliance management ensured that the company stayed within its operational guidelines, reducing the risk of errors.
  • Dramatic Savings on Training: The intuitive design of the Legion WFM Platform meant that employees needed minimal training to get started. Unlike the old system, which required extensive instruction, managers could simply tell new employees to download the app and start using it. This streamlined onboarding process led to significant cost savings.
  • Critical Staffing Needs Supported: The AI-driven platform enabled the company to meet staffing needs across retail stores, distribution centers, and support centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing workers across locations was vital in keeping stores open and operating smoothly.
  • Fast Rollout Across 700+ Locations: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company successfully rolled out the new WFM platform to all its locations in just 6.5 months—a testament to its ease of deployment.

Beyond Operations: Enhancing Employee Experience

One of the most significant benefits of the Legion WFM Platform was its improved communication and empowerment of employees. Previously, workers had to rely on managers to access their schedules, leading to frustration and inefficiencies. With Legion, employees could view and manage their schedules directly through the app, leading to a more streamlined and satisfying work experience.

Legion WFM also allowed for instant communication with employees, which was crucial during emergencies like severe weather events. This capability ensured that employees were always informed and could plan accordingly, enhancing their work experience.

A Competitive Edge in the Labor Market

In a competitive job market, offering employees tools that simplify their work and improve their experience is a significant advantage. The Legion WFM Platform made life easier for current employees and became a powerful recruitment tool. The flexibility and control offered by the platform attracted potential hires, giving them the ability to work across multiple locations and pick up additional shifts.

Looking Ahead: Continued Innovation and Partnership

The successful implementation of Legion’s WFM Platform began a new era for the convenience store chain. The high acceptance rate among managers and the positive feedback from employees demonstrated the value of investing in modern, AI-powered solutions. The company’s leadership is excited about the ongoing partnership with Legion and the potential for even greater innovation in the future.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, this national convenience store chain is well-positioned to adapt and thrive, thanks to its forward-thinking approach to workforce management. The Legion WFM Platform has transformed operations and empowered employees, setting a new standard for the industry. To learn more, schedule a demo today.