3. Dynamic Scheduling: Labor that Flows with Demand

Using scheduling tools (and even AI platforms) to align team rosters with real-time guest traffic helps parks stay lean without compromising service. These tools, already standard in the hotel industry, let parks avoid overstaffing during lulls and ensure coverage when crowds swell unexpectedly.

Pro Tip: Look outside your four walls for inspiration. Hotel brands like Marriott and Hilton use occupancy-based tools to flexibly schedule front desk, housekeeping, and concierge roles. Airlines use dynamic pricing and automated bag-check to maintain guest service with minimal staff. Retailers like Target employ AI-based traffic counters to trigger staff shifts only during peak times. Parks can apply the same logic to queue monitoring, attraction throughput forecasting, and staff scheduling.

4. Operational Audits: Find the Hidden Inefficiencies

Lean times are ideal for stepping back and asking: What’s truly essential? By reviewing everything from SOPs to zone staffing models, parks can eliminate outdated or redundant practices and reallocate labor to the most guest-critical areas.

Pro Tip: Bringing in an outside team to conduct regular operational audits adds tremendous value. A fresh perspective can spot inefficiencies or gaps that internal teams may overlook, especially in routines that have become “the way things are done.” These outside audits are a smart way to ensure standards stay sharp, even when budgets are tight.

Even with smaller teams, there are big wins to be found. With the right approach, parks can streamline operations, elevate the guest experience, and do more with less…….all without burning out staff or compromising on quality or safety.

How ITPS Can Help

For over 42 years, we have helped clients around the globe navigate complex operational challenges. In today’s labor-tight market, ITPS offers expert insight and recommendations to support smarter staffing and more efficient operations.

Our services include:

Workforce Reviews – Identify staffing gaps, overlaps, and areas for streamlined staffing modifications.

Operational Efficiency Assessments – Evaluating procedures, guest flow, and staffing models to find cost-effective improvements.

Cross-Training Strategies – Helping develop customized plans for multi-role training and lean operations.

Technology Readiness Guidance – Advising on how automation and self-service tools can fit into your operation without sacrificing the guest experience.

Let ITPS help your team work smarter, not harder……..because doing more with less does not mean doing it alone.

Want to unlock greater efficiency with the team you have? Reach out to ITPS today for a personalized operational review.