A novel model for staff scheduling problem under COVID-۱۹ pandemic considering social distancing constraints: a case study

On March ۱۱, ۲۰۲۰, the WHO declared COVID-۱۹ a pandemic. Countries implemented workplace measures, emphasizing social distancing. This paper addresses staff scheduling in a governmental organization during the pandemic to optimize staffing, service quality, and minimize infection risk. It uses a linear program to model requirements, considering three health statuses: healthy, female staff with young children, and vulnerable staff. The model includes a maximum acceptable COVID-۱۹ risk parameter due to varying workspace conditions. A case study of an Iranian university shows the model ensures staff health, workplace safety, and task coverage. Computational studies offer managerial insights.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Staff scheduling problem , Social distancing , Linear programming , Scheduling , Optimization