Enhancing Workforce Management: Microsoft Shifts Introduces Cross-Location Staffing Flexibility

1. Microsoft has unveiled a new cross-location shifts feature in its Shifts app, currently in public preview. This enhancement allows frontline managers to manage staffing across multiple locations, filling gaps and improving efficiency. Employees gain flexibility by picking up shifts at different sites, optimizing workforce management.2.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency with Cross-Location Open Shifts

Microsoft has recently unveiled a game-changing feature in the Shifts app, aimed at boosting operational efficiency. This new cross-location shifts feature is currently in public preview and promises to enhance flexibility for both frontline managers and workers.

What’s New?

The cross-location shifts feature allows managers to post open shifts across multiple teams and locations. This capability enables businesses to efficiently manage staffing needs and fill last-minute gaps. As a result, customer satisfaction can significantly improve.

“This powerful new feature helps businesses optimize staffing, enhance worker flexibility, and improve overall operational efficiency.”

Major Updates for Frontline Managers

For frontline managers, the new feature is a game changer. They can now offer shifts to employees from different locations, ensuring that their teams remain fully staffed. Managers receive notifications when employees request shifts, allowing for quick approvals or declines.

Once a shift is approved, the requesting worker appears in the schedule as an external employee. This seamless integration makes it easier to track staff across various locations.

Benefits for Frontline Workers

Frontline workers also stand to gain from this new feature. They can view open shifts at different locations and request to pick them up based on their availability. Once approved, the shift automatically appears in their schedule, providing more control over their work-life balance.

“Workers can view open shifts at other sites and submit a request to pick up the shift.”

Getting Started

For IT admins eager to enable this feature, Microsoft provides a straightforward setup guide. Managers and workers can also find resources to help them make the most of cross-location shifts.

What’s Coming Next?

Future updates will allow managers to opt in for approvals when working at different locations. Additionally, managers will be able to view location names in team schedules, further enhancing operational transparency.

As Microsoft refines this feature during its public preview phase, user feedback will be invaluable. Interested users can share their thoughts through a brief survey provided by Microsoft.

In conclusion, the cross-location shifts feature is set to revolutionize how businesses manage staffing. It enhances flexibility for both managers and workers, ultimately leading to improved operational efficiency.

Cross-location shifts are designed to enhance flexibility for both managers and employees.

Managers can post open shifts that employees from various locations can request.

Employees can view and request shifts at different locations that fit their schedules.

The feature aims to improve customer satisfaction by ensuring adequate staffing.

Feedback is encouraged during the public preview phase to refine the feature.

From the Microsoft Teams Blog