Improve operational efficiency with Cross-Location Open Shifts

We’re excited to introduce cross-region shift functionality to the Microsoft Shifts app, designed to improve flexibility and efficiency for both frontline managers and employees. This feature, now in public preview, allows businesses to better manage staffing across multiple locations while giving employees more control over their schedules.

For frontline managers

Cross-location shifts allow managers to balance staffing needs, fill last-minute gaps, and improve customer satisfaction by offering open shifts across different teams and locations. By turning on the cross-location feature in Shift Settings, managers can post public shifts that employees in other locations can request, ensuring the store or site is always fully staffed.

Managers will receive notifications when employees in other locations request shifts and can easily approve or deny the requests. Once approved, employees from other locations will appear on your calendar as external employees, allowing you to seamlessly track employees from multiple locations.

For frontline workers

Cross-location capabilities give employees more flexibility, allowing them to choose work hours from a variety of locations that fit their schedules. Workers can view open shifts at other sites and submit shift pickup requests. Once approved by your location’s manager, your work hours will appear on your schedule.

Getting started

For IT administrators: To enable cross-location open work in your organization, follow the steps outlined here. Shifts for frontline workers – Set up open shifts across multiple locations in Microsoft 365 for frontline workers.

For managers and workers: Learn more about using this feature here. Use open shifts across multiple locations in shift work – Microsoft Support

Next steps:

1. The employee’s manager may choose to grant approval to work at a location other than that of the target store manager.
2. An employee’s manager can see the location name in their team calendar when they work from a different location.

This powerful new feature helps companies optimize staffing, improve employee flexibility, and improve overall operational efficiency. Stay tuned as we improve this feature in public preview. Please share your feedback!

Please take a moment to complete this brief survey (https://aka.ms/CrossLocationShifts) If you have any further questions, please include your email. We are eager to connect with you!