How Camelo helps Masfjordnes Hotel manage staff scheduling more effectively

Masfjordnes Hotel began as a small family business with just four cabins and has grown to include nearly 40 cabins and several hotel rooms. This growth came with the challenge of managing a team that now includes 30 employees.

For Jesper—owner of Masfjordnes Hotel—the old scheduling system simply couldn't keep up with the demands of a larger, more dynamic team. That all changed when they discovered Camelo.

From humble beginnings to a growing business

The dream of starting something of their own led Jesper and his family to participate in the hospitality industry. "We owned a cabin ourselves that was idyllically located, and as more cabins in the area became available, we decided to start," Jesper recalled.

What began as a modest hotel has developed into a full-service accommodation business serving both leisure and business travelers.

“Our target group is mostly individuals, families, and friends who want to travel and experience together. Recently, we have also worked a lot with business travelers, and have organized several conferences and events for them.“

Beautiful view from Masfjordnes Hotel

Operation problem: when the simple system no longer works

As Masfjordnes Hotel expanded in both size and staff, their scheduling needs became more complex. "As we have grown in both the number of rooms and employees, planning work hours and tasks has become a little more important to us," said Jesper. "A clear plan for who is going to do what and when has become crucial for us to function as a company," he added.

Their previous method of displaying the work schedule on a common screen was becoming increasingly inefficient. Staff members were spending time walking back and forth just to check their schedules.

“Previously, we had the work schedule on a common screen, so everyone spent a lot of time going to this to see what they were supposed to do.“

This method became irritating, which urged them to find a better way to handle scheduling.

Finding the right fit in scheduling software

Initially, Masfjordnes Hotel tried using Google Sheets to manage their scheduling. They also tested several other scheduling apps but found them too complicated and expensive for their requirements.

After searching online, Jesper discovered Camelo and found it to be the perfect balance of functionality and simplicity that they were looking for. "When we started using the Camelo app, we had tested out some alternative apps, but these were too advanced and expensive for us," he shared.

“Camelo was a good choice for us as it suited us both in terms of the features available in the app, how it was structured, and the price was also attractive.“

How Camelo changed daily operations

One of the most significant improvements has been the ability to easily post available shifts—a feature particularly valuable for a hotel where staffing needs can change according to occupancy rates.

”The Camelo app has made it easy for us to post available shifts as we often need more employees at work as more guests come to us.”

The team at Masfjordnes Hotel primarily uses four key features in Camelo: scheduling tool, timesheets, open shifts, and time-off management. The scheduling tool, with its color codes and comment function, has made their shift plans much clearer.

”Shift planning is the feature we use most in Camelo. The color codes and comment function make the shift plan very clear, while we can also enter tasks for each shift and follow up on what has been completed and what has not been completed.”

Create open shifts with color codes, add comments and task lists to shifts on Camelo

They also appreciate the responsive customer support they receive. "We also get quick responses from support, which makes Camelo a good choice for us. We find that Camelo listens to our questions and gives us good answers to what we are wondering about," Jesper said.

Beyond efficiency: creating a better workplace culture

The impact of Camelo has extended far beyond just making scheduling more efficient. By easing the burden of these administrative tasks, Masfjordnes Hotel has experienced an unexpected benefit—an improved workplace culture.

”Camelo has made everything from shift scheduling to payroll more efficient for us, and this means that managers have more time to help around the various departments.”

"This has created a better environment between employees and managers, and we experience a better culture in the workplace as managers spend less time in the office and are more involved in daily tasks," Jesper said. With managers freed from excessive paperwork and administrative duties, they can be more present to work alongside their team members, which strengthens relationships and builds a more cohesive work environment.

A strongly suggested tool for businesses

Jesper doesn't hesitate to recommend Camelo to others in the hospitality industry or any business that needs simple but effective scheduling solutions.

”We would recommend Camelo to anyone looking for a simple system for shift scheduling, communication, and absence management.”

"Camelo has everything in one place. It is easy for managers to follow up on both working hours and absence, and communicate with employees. Employees can also report absence & vacation requests, and enter their availability in the app, which makes planning easy for the manager," he excitedly shared.

For Masfjordnes Hotel, Camelo has been an essential tool in their growth journey. As they continue to welcome more guests to their hotel, they now have the scheduling base that allows them to focus on creating wonderful experiences for their visitors while maintaining a positive work environment for their team.

Discover how to create automatic scheduling for hotels and resorts like Masfjordnes Hotel here!