What is an open shift?
You can create an open shift the same way you'd create a regular shift, just without assigning it to a specific employee. Instead when you publish an open shift, Atlas Scheduling notifies all available employees matching its position. They can apply for it if interested.
By default, a manager must assign an open shift to a volunteer, but it's possible to remove the need to approve and assign open shifts first come, first served.
Who can volunteer?
To be eligible to volunteer, employees must meet the following criteria:
Have the same location as the open shift;
Have the same position as the open shift;
Not have approved time off; and
Not have a conflicting shift on the schedule.
Note: You can authorize employees to apply for an open shift that is in conflict with their schedule by activating this setting (see above).
Creating an open shift from the schedule
Important: Make sure that the Hide open shift option is unchecked in the filters on the left of the screen.
The schedule has a row for Open shifts at the top of the calendar. Hover over the desired day, then click New open shift.
Alternatively, you can also create an open shift from the Create button in the top-left corner of the planner.
Creating an open shift is the same process as creating a regular shift; however, you also must specify the number of employees required in the Quantity field so that you can assign this shift to more than one volunteer if necessary.
Once created, Publish the open shift so employees receive a notification.
Assigning an open shift with the scheduler
Unless the organization settings are set to first come, first served as mentioned above, you must assign the open shift among volunteers.
You'll be notified each time an employee applies to an open shift.
You'll see volunteers directly on the open shift
To assign using the website, click here. If you're on the mobile app, read this article instead.
Open shifts with a conflict
If this option has been activated by an administrator, employees who are already scheduled can volunteer for a shift that conflicts with their existing schedule.
When assigning a shift, you'll see the words Conflicts. You can manage the conflict directly by clicking on Manage conflict icon, which will allow you to delete the conflicting shift or transfer it.
You can also assign the shift, leaving the conflict to be dealt with later.
Use filters to improve decision-making
Click in the lists to change the order in which volunteers are presented (see orange boxes). You can order volunteers by:
First or last name.
Seniority.
Employee number.
