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How to Create a Shift

Complete guide on creating employee shifts in the schedule management system.

Backoffice avatar
Written by Backoffice
Updated over a week ago

How to Create a Shift

Creating shifts is a core function of schedule management. This guide describes all available shift creation methods and options.

How to Open Shift Creation Dialog

  1. Go to Schedule (Rota) section

  2. Select the desired month

  3. Click any calendar cell in an employee's row

The shift creation dialog will open.


Employee Selection

In the first dialog section, select an employee:

  • Search field - enter employee's name, surname, or role

  • Employee avatar and role are displayed

  • You can only change the employee when creating a new shift


Shift Type

Choose the shift type based on the employee's work nature:

Shift

Regular work shift. Most common choice.

Sick Leave

Mark sick leave period. Automatically:

  • Sets 8-hour duration

  • Disables breaks

Paid Vacation

Employee's paid vacation. Automatically:

  • Sets 8-hour duration

  • Disables breaks

Unpaid Vacation

Unpaid leave. Automatically:

  • Sets 8-hour duration

  • Disables breaks

Training

Mark training sessions.


Work Zone

Select the work zone where the employee will work:

  • Zones are displayed with color indicators

  • Examples: Kitchen, Dining Area, Bar, Checkout

  • If the employee has a default zone, it will be selected automatically


Date and Time

Start Date

Select the start date:

  • Can select dates up to 1 year in advance

  • Format: YYYY-MM-DD

Time

Set the shift time:

Start Time - when the shift begins (e.g., 09:00)

End Time - when the shift ends (e.g., 17:00)

Duration - displayed automatically (e.g., 8h 0m)

Overnight Shifts: If end time is earlier than start time, the system automatically sets the next day.


Templates

Templates allow you to quickly create shifts with preset times and breaks.

How to Use a Template

  1. Select a template from the list

  2. The system will automatically fill in:

- Start time

- End time

- Paid break

- Unpaid break

Create a New Template

If you see "Create Template" suggestion:

  1. Click the button

  2. Enter template name

  3. Select locations where the template should be used

  4. The system will save the current configuration


Location

If the organization has multiple locations:

  • Select a location from the list

  • If the employee has a default location, it will be selected automatically


Breaks

Set breaks during the shift:

Unpaid Break

  • Break that is not paid to the employee

  • Examples: lunch break

  • Enter duration in hours (e.g., 0.5 = 30 minutes)

  • Work Hours Calculation: Total shift - Unpaid break

Paid Break

  • Break that is paid to the employee

  • Examples: coffee break

  • Enter duration in hours (e.g., 0.25 = 15 minutes)

  • Work Hours Calculation: Included in work time

Note: Breaks are not available for leave-type shifts.


Recurring Shifts

Create multiple shifts at once using the recurring feature.

How to Enable

Check the "Recurring Shift" checkbox.

Recurrence Frequency

Daily - shift repeats every day

Weekly - select days of the week:

  • Check desired days (M, T, W, T, F, S, S)

  • Example: Check M, W, F for work days

Monthly - shift repeats on the same day of the month

  • Example: 15th day of each month

End Date

Select until when to repeat shifts:

  • Default: end of the month

  • Can select any date up to 1 year

Preview

The system will show how many shifts will be created:

  • Example: "Will create 12 shifts"


Notes

Add additional information about the shift:

  • Optional field

  • Examples: "Training day", "Extra help needed"


Saving the Shift

Single Shift

Click the "Create" button:

  • Shift will be created with "DRAFT" status

  • You'll see the shift in the calendar

Recurring Shifts

Click the "Create" button:

  • System will create all shifts according to the specified pattern

  • One API request creates all shifts

  • You'll see all shifts in the calendar


Shift Statuses

DRAFT

Newly created shift. Employee cannot see it yet.

PUBLISHED

Published shift. Employee can see it and clock in/out.

Note: To publish shifts, use the "Publish" button at the top of the schedule.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a shift for a future month?

Yes. You can select dates up to 1 year in advance.

What happens if the end time is earlier than the start time?

The system automatically sets the end date to the next day (overnight shift).

Can I edit a shift later?

Yes. Click on the shift in the calendar and edit all fields.

How many recurring shifts can I create at once?

Practically unlimited, but recommended up to 1 month.

Are templates available to all employees?

Templates are assigned to specific locations. Each location can have different templates.

How do I delete a template?

  1. Open templates dialog

  2. Select the template

  3. Click the "Delete" button

Can I change breaks when using a template?

Yes. After selecting a template, you can manually change any field, including breaks.

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