Anyone who has done a “shift job” knows how hard it can be at times to adjust to the ever-changing work schedule. Unpredictable schedules, back to back shifts, last-minute shift changes can take a toll on employees and the shift manager.

Microsoft Teams works as a unified communication and collaboration platform, which includes a shift management tool that can improve the work-life balance of shift workers. Here’s a look at five different ways in which shift workers can benefit from Microsoft Team Services.

1. Manage Leave and Time-off Requests

Microsoft Teams allows shift workers to make time-off requests easily. They can log into their Shifts account and request time-off to the manager. Here are the steps to make time-off requests.

• In Shift, choose Requests from the menu
• Choose New request, and then choose Time off.
• Complete the Time off request and click Send request

The manager gets the time off requests almost instantly, and they have the option to approve or disapprove requests. Whatever the manager’s decisions, the employee receives the notification in Shifts.

2. Self-Service Shift Changes

Many times some urgent work or emergency event requires the shift worker to change shifts on short notice. Earlier it was almost impossible for shift managers to accept last minute requests as it would hurt productivity. Microsoft Team Services gives the shift workers the ability to offer a shift or swap a shift from the app. Here are the steps to provide a shift or request a shift swap.

• In Shifts, choose Add Request
• In the new page, select the Swap tab
• Fill out the Swap shift form and send the request to the manager

Your Shift Manager will receive the notification and your requests. Similarly, you can also offer Shift to other workers who might be looking for a swap. Microsoft Shifts gives some power to manage the shifts in the employee’s hands that could prove convenient in dire times of need.

3. Receive Important Notes

Microsoft Teams provides an activity feed to every team member. The activity feed contains activity and messaging items like unread messages, mentions, replies, likes, missed calls, and voicemail. The Shift app allows the user to send messages to the individual co-workers or the group they belong to.

In most cases, the manager (admin) uses the communication feature (messages) to share work-related information with the group. Managers and shift workers can also add daily notes like incoming shipments, head of the office visiting, or daily goals with their co-workers or groups.

4. Mobile Convenience

Not all shift workers work behind the desktop. However, Microsoft Teams Services are accessible through desktop and also on the mobile through App. This allows shift workers to view the shift schedule, make requests, and view messages related to the workplace on his/her mobile. The mobile convenience eliminates the need to use the desktop to get updates about the work schedule.

5. Improve Collaboration

Collaboration between shift workers can play an essential role in enhancing productivity. Microsoft Teams allows shift workers to see the entire schedule and chat and communicate with co-workers. Also, Microsoft Teams supports email communication, which enables shift workers to connect with the whole organization effortlessly.

The Microsoft Teams Services is a significant shift management tool powered by AI that makes shift management more transparent for the shift worker.