How TPM helped a 24-hour dairy processing plant redesign its shift structure to boost retention from under 50% to 85%—in less than a month.
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Case Study
The facility operated around the clock with a two-shift, 12-hour model. Workers were burning out, calling off, and leaving within weeks. Retention sat below 50%, and the constant churn created safety risks, training bottlenecks, and production slowdowns. Management had tried wage bumps and hiring surges, but neither addressed the root cause: shift fatigue.
Approach
Working from our Peoria office, TPM analyzed the root cause of turnover and recommended a structural change to how shifts were organized.
TPM reviewed attendance data, exit feedback, and shift patterns. The 12-hour model was identified as the primary driver of burnout—not pay, not management, not the work itself.
TPM proposed transitioning to three 8-hour shifts. This reduced physical fatigue, gave workers more predictable schedules, and opened new hiring windows for candidates who couldn't commit to 12-hour blocks.
Instead of onboarding large groups at once, TPM introduced staggered start dates. This gave supervisors time to train each cohort properly and reduced first-week overwhelm—a key dropout trigger.
TPM tracked attendance, retention rates, and supervisor feedback weekly to confirm the new model was holding and make adjustments as needed.
Outcomes
The shift redesign produced measurable improvement at this Arizona facility within weeks—not months.
Takeaways
Long shifts don't always mean more output. In physically demanding environments, shorter shifts reduce fatigue and keep people showing up.
Flooding the floor with new hires creates chaos. Staggered onboarding gives supervisors capacity to train properly and reduces early dropout.
More hiring doesn't fix a structural problem. Identifying the root cause of turnover first saves time, money, and frustration.
Employer Feedback
"Total Presence Management was instrumental in coordinating interviews, managing the offer process, and supporting our ongoing hiring needs. Their communication, responsiveness, and ability to deliver qualified candidates made the process efficient and seamless."
"Total Presence Management was flexible, responsive, and understanding of our evolving needs. Their willingness to move quickly and provide support made them a trusted partner we would confidently work with again."
"The candidate placed by Total Presence Management has been performing exceptionally well and quickly integrated into our team. We have been very pleased with the quality of the placement and the results so far."
The approach used in this case study draws from several TPM service areas. Explore the ones most relevant to your operation.
Screening, onboarding, and retention-focused placement for skilled roles.
Explore StaffingOperational guidance for shift design, retention strategy, and workforce planning.
Explore HR ConsultingSee how TPM has helped other Arizona employers solve workforce challenges.
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