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How do I use Open Shifts?

How to add shifts that are open for staff members to claim

Sophie Wilson avatar
Written by Sophie Wilson
Updated over 3 months ago

Open Shifts are shifts that are not assigned to anyone. When you add these and share them with staff, they are able to claim them meaning they automatically assign to that user.

Adding an Open Shift on desktop

Open Shifts can be added on the Rotas tab. Navigate there and, in the Open Shifts row at the top of the page, click on the cell you'd like to add the shift to.

You can then fill in the details of the shift such as shift times, break, Role etc. and choose to publish it if you like. When you've entered all the details you like, click 'Add'. Once published, all staff who can work that Role at that Location will be notified of the shift* and able to log in to claim it.

Adding an Open Shift on the app

You can add an Open Shift on any page of the app, to do this, tap the blue plus icon in the bottom right and select 'Add shift'.

You will then see a shift card which will default to an Open Shift and can add in the Role (optional), Location, date, start and end time, and, if you like, a break and note. You can also choose to publish the shift which will send a notification to all employees who can work that Role and at that Location* and will allow them to see it when they log in. When you've entered the details you need, tap 'Add shift'.

Who can claim an Open Shift

Once you publish an Open Shift, staff who are able to work that Role and work at that Location will be notified*. They can then log in and claim the shift. If they cannot work the Role, cannot work at the Location, or they already have a shift assigned that would clash, they won't be able to claim the shift.

Getting notified about claimed shifts

When an employee has claimed an Open Shift, you will be notified of this via email, app push, desktop and, if you have SMS enabled on. your account, text message*. The shift will also automatically be assigned to that employee.

Open Shift settings

If you are an Admin user, you can click the cog icon to access account settings and can change if staff can claim Open Shifts. If you don't tick to allow staff to claim Open Shifts, you will still see the Open Shifts row at the top of your Rotas page and can add shifts there, but staff will not be able to view of claim them.

You can also control your personal notifications regarding Open Shifts using the Notifications section on the left of your Settings page.

*Each user has their own notifications settings section and will need to have these enabled in order to receive Open Shift notifications. For more information about notifications, click here.

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