What are open shifts?

Open shifts refer to work shifts within an organization that have not been assigned to a specific worker. These shifts are typically unfilled and require staff allocation.

Why are open shifts used in scheduling?

Open shifts are used to align an organization's labour needs with fluctuating demand. They provide flexibility for both employers and employees, allowing workers to choose shifts that fit their schedules while ensuring adequate staffing levels.

What are the benefits of open-shift scheduling?

Benefits of open-shift scheduling include increased flexibility for employees, reduced understaffing incidents, and improved alignment of staffing with demand. It allows employees to choose shifts that suit them while helping organizations maintain optimal workforce levels.

Are there challenges associated with open-shift scheduling?

Yes, open-shift scheduling can be more time-consuming and introduce uncertainty, especially if there are many open shifts to fill. The risk of not having the right number of staff to serve customers is higher with open shifts.

How can organizations fill open shifts?

Organizations can fill open shifts in various ways:

• Using staff agencies to provide temporary workers.
• Notifying full-time and part-time qualified staff about open shifts and allowing them to accept the shifts.
• Creating a surplus of shifts beyond what is required, ensuring staff availability for fluctuating demand.