3. Scheduling and Communication - Getting Started for Managers

To optimize your daily operations, here are key features you'll want to begin mastering to start using 7shifts.

In this article, you'll learn about the basics for the Locations and Departments assigned to you. This includes schedules, managing shift changes, and communication tools to keep your team up-to-date and engaged.

1. Create and Publish a Schedule

   Learn how to make a schedule using the web and mobile app. Or, check out this express tutorial about navigating the Schedule page.
   
   

2. Time Off

   Understand the process for handling time off requests.
   
   
   

3. Availability

   Manage your team's availability and let your team communicate their preferred schedule.
   
   

4. Shift Pool

   The Shift Pool allows employees to request, swap, and pick up open shifts. It provides a centralized place for Managers and Employees to ensure shifts are covered, and reduce scheduling conflicts.
   
   

5. Communicate with Employees

   Messaging and Announcements keep your team informed and engaged.
   

   
   Pro tip! You can go to Announcements to send an email and/or SMS text message to all of your employees.  Announcements act as a bulletin board, sending a one-way form of communication to your employees. Here's an example template that you could send to your employees for the first time: 

   Hey everyone! 👋 Welcome to 7shifts — our new team management app.  This is how we will be sending out the schedule, so please ensure you download the free mobile app to get your shifts (https://7shifts.com/get-app/7shifts).
   
   

6. The Labor Budget Tool

   
   The Labor Budget Tool allows you to set your projected sales and labor targets so you can efficiently schedule your staff.