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Employee Scheduling System - User Guide

Employee Scheduling User Guide

Audience: Property team members and managers (United States)
Product: SpendWell PMS — Employee Scheduling

This guide walks you through day-to-day scheduling work: setting when you can work, reading your week, picking up open shifts, trading shifts, requesting time off, and—for managers—building and releasing the team schedule.

About screenshots in this guide
Wherever you see Add screenshot here, insert a clear screen capture from your live system. Crop to the relevant panel, use English UI text, and prefer daytime sample data (no real guest or payroll-sensitive details). Suggested file names are included so your BookStack media library stays organized.

About process diagrams
BookStack often does not render Mermaid charts. This guide uses plain text process flows that always display. You can also replace any process flow with a flowchart image if you prefer a graphic version.


Index

Click a topic below to open that section on this page.

BookStack tip: Paste this guide in Markdown mode (not only WYSIWYG). After save, click an Index link to confirm it jumps. If a link does not move, edit that link in BookStack, type # in the URL field, and pick the matching heading from the list BookStack shows.

  • 2. My Availability (employees)
  • 3. Team Availability (managers)
  • 4. Weekly Shifts — My Schedule, Open Shifts, Team Schedule
  • 5. Claim an open shift
  • 6. Trade a shift
  • 7. Request time off (Apply Leave)
  • 8. Employee Schedule — scheduling board (managers)
  • 9. Publish, approve, and unpublish
  • 10. Shift master (standard shift times)
  • 11. Status reference and notifications
  • 12. Frequently asked questions
  • 13. Getting help
  • 14. Screenshot checklist (for your BookStack page)

  • ## 1. Getting started

    ### 1.1 What Employee Scheduling is for

    Employee Scheduling helps your property:

    • Plan who works which days and times
    • Respect team availability and approved time off
    • Give employees a clear view of confirmed shifts
    • Fill gaps with open shifts and shift trades
    • Track planned hours and estimated labor cost before the week is locked

    ### 1.2 Sign in and open Scheduling

    1. Sign in with your company username and password.
    2. From the main menu, open Scheduling (wording may vary slightly by property).
    3. Choose the screen for your task (see the quick map below).

    Add screenshot here: Main menu with Scheduling highlighted.
    Suggested file name: 01-main-menu-scheduling.png

    ### 1.3 Quick map — where do I go?

    I want to… Go to
    Tell my manager when I prefer to work / cannot work My Availability
    See my confirmed shifts for the week Weekly ShiftsMy Schedule
    Pick up an unassigned shift Weekly ShiftsOpen Shifts
    See who else is working on my days Weekly ShiftsTeam Schedule
    Swap a shift or drop a shift so someone else can take it Trade Shift
    Request paid, sick, or unpaid time off Apply Leave
    Build or edit the team week Employee Schedule
    Approve or reject availability requests Team Availability
    Set standard shift names and times (admin/manager) Shift

    If a menu item from this list is missing, your role does not include that right. Ask your manager or administrator.

    ### 1.4 How a typical week works (process flow)

    Employee sets availability
            |
            v
    Manager reviews Team Availability
            |
            v
    Manager builds week on Employee Schedule (Draft)
            |
            v
    Manager Publishes  --->  Manager Approves
            |
            v
    Employees see shifts on Weekly Shifts → My Schedule
            |
            +---> Claim Open Shifts (needs manager approval)
            +---> Trade Shift (peer + manager, when required)
            +---> Apply Leave for specific dates
    

    Add screenshot here (optional flowchart graphic): Same flow as a simple left-to-right diagram if you want a visual for leadership training.
    Suggested file name: 01-week-overview-flowchart.png

    ### 1.5 Roles at a glance

    Team members (employees) usually can:

    • Maintain My Availability
    • View Weekly Shifts (My Schedule, Open Shifts, Team Schedule)
    • Request Trade Shift
    • Apply for leave / time off
    • Receive email and in-app alerts for schedule changes

    Managers can do the above, plus:

    • Review Team Availability
    • Build the schedule on the Employee Schedule board
    • Publish and approve (and unpublish when needed)
    • Approve open-shift claims and trade requests
    • Review hour and wage forecasts
    • Approve or reject leave that affects coverage

    Administrators typically configure Shift templates/master records, scheduling settings (blackout dates, leave limits, labor-related settings), employee groups (including how many trades are allowed), and broader access across teams or properties.

    Managers usually only see people they are allowed to schedule (user roles with Can Schedule).


    ## 2. My Availability (employees)

    ### 2.1 Why availability matters

    My Availability tells managers when you prefer to work and when you are unavailable.

    Once Approved, unavailable windows are used when the system checks shift assignment, open-shift claims, and trade suggestions. Submit availability before your manager builds the week—late updates are harder to honor.

    Availability is a standing preference (for example, “I prefer not to work Sunday evenings”).
    For a specific day off that uses leave balance, use Apply Leave instead.

    ### 2.2 Status meanings

    Status What it means for you
    Draft Saved on your side only. Manager has not been asked to review.
    Pending Submitted. Waiting for manager approval.
    Approved Accepted. Scheduling rules can use these times.
    Rejected Declined. Update the times and submit again after you talk with your manager.

    Approved entries are often shown in green; rejected in red; pending in yellow/amber (exact colors depend on your property theme).

    ### 2.3 Preferred vs Unavailable

    Type Choose this when… Example
    Preferred You want to work these times Monday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Unavailable You cannot work these times Wednesday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (class / appointment)

    You can also mark a whole day as preferred or unavailable when your property supports that option.

    ### 2.4 Step-by-step: set availability

    1. Open My Availability.
    2. Select the weekday (Monday through Sunday). You can set different windows per day.
    3. Choose Preferred or Unavailable.
    4. Enter Start time and End time, or select whole-day preferred / whole-day unavailable.
    5. Add a short note if your property uses notes (for example, “school pickup”).
    6. Click Save. The record stays in Draft so you can edit freely.
    7. When the week looks correct, click Submit / Notify Manager so the status becomes Pending.

    Add screenshot here: My Availability screen with one weekday filled in (Preferred or Unavailable) before submit.
    Suggested file name: 02-my-availability-edit.png

    Add screenshot here: Same screen after Save, showing Draft status.
    Suggested file name: 02-my-availability-draft.png

    Add screenshot here: After Notify Manager / Submit, showing Pending.
    Suggested file name: 02-my-availability-pending.png

    ### 2.5 Process flow — availability approval

    Set times  -->  Save as Draft  -->  Submit to manager
                                            |
                                            v
                                  Manager reviews request
                                   /                    \
                             Approve                    Reject
                                |                          |
                                v                          v
                       Used for scheduling          You are notified
                       You are notified             Update and resubmit
    

    Add screenshot here (optional): Simple flowchart image of the flow above.
    Suggested file name: 02-availability-process.png

    ### 2.6 After you submit

    • Your manager receives a notification (email and/or in-app).
    • You receive a notification when the request is approved or rejected.
    • If you edit after submitting, the entry usually returns to Draft. Submit again when ready.
    • Do not assume Draft preferences will be followed—only Approved availability is reliable for scheduling rules.

    ### 2.7 Tips for U.S. property teams

    • Submit availability at least several days before the schedule is built.
    • Be specific. “Unavailable all week” is hard to approve without a conversation.
    • Keep school, second-job, and recurring appointment windows accurate.
    • If rejected, ask what hours the property needs, then resubmit a realistic window.

    ## 3. Team Availability (managers)

    ### 3.1 Purpose

    Team Availability is the manager view of the same availability data employees enter in My Availability. Use it to approve or reject requests before you build the week.

    ### 3.2 Step-by-step: review a request

    1. Open Team Availability.
    2. Find requests in Pending status (filter if available).
    3. Open an employee’s request.
    4. Review preferred windows and unavailable windows for each day.
    5. Decide:
      • Approve — accept the preferences for scheduling
      • Reject — decline; add a short note explaining what to change
    6. Confirm. The employee is notified either way.

    Add screenshot here: Team Availability list with Pending requests.
    Suggested file name: 03-team-availability-list.png

    Add screenshot here: Detail view with Approve / Reject actions.
    Suggested file name: 03-team-availability-decision.png

    ### 3.3 Manager best practices

    • Clear pending requests before you start building the board for that week.
    • Approve realistic preferences quickly so staff trust the process.
    • When rejecting, say what would work (for example, “Sunday AM is fine; we need Sunday PM covered”).
    • Prefer a quick conversation for recurring conflicts instead of repeated rejections.
    • Managers may also enter availability for an employee when needed; those entries are typically created as Pending for review.

    ## 4. Weekly Shifts — My Schedule, Open Shifts, Team Schedule

    Weekly Shifts is the employee-facing week view. It is usually organized into three areas.

    Add screenshot here: Weekly Shifts landing view with My Schedule / Open Shifts / Team Schedule tabs or sections visible.
    Suggested file name: 04-weekly-shifts-overview.png

    ### 4.1 My Schedule

    My Schedule shows your confirmed (approved) shifts.

    What each shift usually shows

    • Date and day of week
    • Start time and end time (for example, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
    • Shift name (Morning, Evening, Night, or your property’s labels)
    • Role / position for that shift
    • Status (you should mainly see approved / confirmed shifts here)

    Where enabled, the view also shows:

    • Total hours for the selected week or range
    • Forecasted wages based on your hourly rate (estimate only—final pay follows payroll rules)

    Steps

    1. Open Weekly Shifts.
    2. Select My Schedule.
    3. Choose the week (or date range) if a picker is shown.
    4. Review each shift and your hour / wage totals if displayed.

    Add screenshot here: My Schedule week view with at least two shifts and totals visible.
    Suggested file name: 04-my-schedule-week.png

    Important

    • Draft work on the manager board is not shown here.
    • If your manager said the schedule is “out” but you see nothing, ask whether it was Published and Approved, then refresh.
    • Treat approved shifts as your work commitment unless a trade or manager change is completed in the system.

    ### 4.2 Team Schedule

    Team Schedule shows teammates scheduled on days you also work. Use it for handovers, coverage awareness, and finding someone for a trade conversation.

    Add screenshot here: Team Schedule for a day you are working, showing other names/roles.
    Suggested file name: 04-team-schedule.png

    ### 4.3 When your schedule changes

    You may receive email and/or in-app alerts when:

    • The schedule is published or approved
    • A shift assigned to you changes
    • An open-shift claim is decided
    • A trade request updates

    Keep notifications enabled so you do not miss coverage changes.


    ## 5. Claim an open shift

    ### 5.1 What an open shift is

    An open shift is a published shift that is not assigned to a named person yet. It appears under Open Shifts so eligible team members can claim it. A manager must approve the claim before it becomes your shift.

    ### 5.2 Before you claim — checklist

    Confirm all of the following:

    • Date and time fit your personal plans
    • Role matches work you are trained to do
    • No overlap with a shift you already have
    • You are not marked Unavailable for that window
    • You can actually work the shift (do not claim “just in case”)

    ### 5.3 Step-by-step: claim

    1. Open Weekly ShiftsOpen Shifts.
    2. Browse available open shifts.
    3. Open one shift and read the details (date, time, role, length, notes).
    4. Submit Claim (or Claim This Shift).
    5. Wait for manager approval.
    6. After approval, confirm the shift appears on My Schedule.

    Add screenshot here: Open Shifts list.
    Suggested file name: 05-open-shifts-list.png

    Add screenshot here: Open shift detail with Claim action.
    Suggested file name: 05-open-shift-claim.png

    ### 5.4 Process flow — open shift claim

    Browse Open Shifts
            |
            v
       Conflict check (overlap / unavailable)
            |
       +----+----+
       |         |
     Fail       Pass
       |         |
       v         v
    Cannot     Submit claim
    claim           |
                    v
             Manager notified
                    |
             +------+------+
             |             |
          Approve       Reject
             |             |
             v             v
      Assigned to you   Remains open
      Shows on My       for others
      Schedule
    

    Add screenshot here (optional flowchart image): 05-open-shift-process.png

    ### 5.5 Common problems

    What you see Likely cause What to do
    Claim fails or is blocked Overlap or approved unavailability Pick another shift or update availability with your manager
    Claim stays Pending Manager has not reviewed Follow up with your manager
    Shift never appears on My Schedule Rejected, or still pending Check notifications; refresh My Schedule

    ## 6. Trade a shift

    ### 6.1 When to use Trade Shift

    Use Trade Shift when you cannot work an assigned shift and need coverage handled in the system (not only by text message).

    Your employee group may limit how many trades you can complete in a week or period (Trade Shift Count). If you hit the limit, you will see a message that the weekly shift trade limit was reached.

    ### 6.2 Trade types

    Type What happens
    Swap You exchange your shift with another employee’s approved shift
    Drop to Open You release your shift; the system creates an open-shift path for someone else after manager approval

    ### 6.3 Swap — step by step

    1. Open the approved shift you need to trade (from My Schedule / Weekly Shifts).
    2. Start Trade Shift and choose Swap.
    3. Review suggestions. The system lists eligible coworkers/shifts and excludes leave conflicts, unavailability, and overlaps.
    4. Select the swap partner/shift and submit the request.
    5. Wait for the other employee to accept.
    6. Wait for the manager to approve.
    7. Confirm both My Schedule views updated after approval.

    Until both the peer and the manager approve, treat the original shift as your responsibility unless your manager tells you otherwise in writing/policy.

    Add screenshot here: Trade Shift — Swap selection / suggestions list.
    Suggested file name: 06-trade-swap-suggestions.png

    Add screenshot here: Pending trade status visible to the requester.
    Suggested file name: 06-trade-swap-pending.png

    ### 6.4 Process flow — swap

    Request swap
          |
          v
    Peer accepts? ----No----> Trade ends
          |
         Yes
          |
          v
    Manager approves? ----No----> Trade cleared
          |
         Yes
          |
          v
    Employees are swapped on the shifts
    Both parties notified
    

    Add screenshot here (optional flowchart image): 06-trade-swap-process.png

    ### 6.5 Drop to Open — step by step

    1. Open the shift you need to release.
    2. Start Trade Shift and choose Drop to Open.
    3. Submit the request.
    4. Wait for manager approval.
    5. If approved, coverage continues through the open-shift process; if rejected, the trade is cleared and any open draft created for the trade is removed.

    Add screenshot here: Drop to Open confirmation screen.
    Suggested file name: 06-trade-drop-to-open.png

    ### 6.6 Trade statuses

    Status Meaning
    Pending peer approval Waiting on the other employee
    Accepted by employee Peer accepted; waiting on manager
    Rejected by employee Peer declined; trade closed
    Approved by manager Trade completed
    Rejected by manager Manager declined; trade flags cleared

    You should receive a Trade Shift Update notification when the status changes.

    ### 6.7 U.S. workplace tip

    Shift trades are a courtesy tool, not a guarantee. Departments with tight coverage (front desk, night audit, housekeeping peaks, banquet events) may reject trades that leave the floor short. Always notify your manager early for call-outs; do not wait until shift start.


    ## 7. Request time off (Apply Leave)

    ### 7.1 Leave vs availability

    Use this When
    My Availability → Unavailable Standing preference (recurring)
    Apply Leave Specific date(s) of time off, using leave balance

    Leave types at your property may include paid time off, sick leave, unpaid leave, or other types configured by HR.

    ### 7.2 Before you apply — checklist

    • Check remaining balance for the leave type
    • Confirm you do not already have an assigned shift on those dates (or resolve the shift with your manager first)
    • Check whether the dates are blackout days (busy periods when time off may be blocked)
    • Confirm the request does not break daily leave limits (too many people already off)

    ### 7.3 Step-by-step: apply

    1. Open Apply Leave.
    2. Start a New Leave Request.
    3. Select leave type.
    4. Select date(s) on the calendar.
    5. Enter a brief reason.
    6. Review remaining balance.
    7. Submit.

    Add screenshot here: Apply Leave form with type, dates, and balance visible.
    Suggested file name: 07-apply-leave-form.png

    Add screenshot here: Leave list showing Pending / Approved / Rejected.
    Suggested file name: 07-leave-status-list.png

    ### 7.4 What the system checks

    • Leave balance
    • Existing shifts on selected dates
    • Blackout days from Scheduling Setting
    • Max concurrent leave count for the day

    ### 7.5 Process flow — leave

    Select type + dates
            |
            v
    System checks (balance / shift conflict / blackout / daily limit)
            |
       +----+----+
       |         |
     Fail       Pass
       |         |
       v         v
    Fix issue   Submit to manager
                |
                v
         Approve or Reject
                |
         +------+------+
         |             |
     Approved       Rejected
         |             |
         v             v
     Blocks new     Closed; talk
     shift assign   with manager
     on those dates
    

    Add screenshot here (optional flowchart image): 07-leave-process.png

    ### 7.6 After approval

    Approved leave should prevent new conflicting shift assignments. If you still see a shift on an approved leave day, contact your manager immediately—do not assume the conflict will resolve itself.


    ## 8. Employee Schedule — scheduling board (managers)

    ### 8.1 What the board is for

    Employee Schedule is the manager scheduling board. Use it to:

    • Create and assign shifts
    • Create Open shifts for later claiming
    • See availability and leave overlays while planning
    • Catch conflicts early
    • Review hour and wage forecasts
    • Copy a prior week as a starting point
    • Publish and approve the week

    Add screenshot here: Employee Schedule board for a full week (draft shifts visible).
    Suggested file name: 08-scheduling-board-week.png

    ### 8.2 Views

    Depending on your property setup, you may switch between views such as:

    • Weekly — best for overall coverage
    • Hourly — best for spotting understaffed hours in the day
    • Other board layouts your property enables

    Add screenshot here: Same week in hourly (or alternate) view if you use it for labor planning.
    Suggested file name: 08-scheduling-board-hourly.png

    ### 8.3 Create and assign a shift

    1. Open Employee Schedule.
    2. Select the week or date range.
    3. Add a shift (button or click on the day/time).
    4. Complete the fields:
      • Employee — choose a person, or choose Open for an open shift
      • Date
      • Start time / End time (or pick from Shift master)
      • Role
      • Notes (special instructions, event coverage, etc.)
    5. Review warnings.
    6. Save. New or edited planning work is typically stored as Draft.

    Add screenshot here: Add/Edit Shift form filled with sample data.
    Suggested file name: 08-add-shift-form.png

    ### 8.4 Conflict checks

    Check Typical result
    Overlapping shifts for the same person Blocked
    Pending or approved leave on that day Blocked
    Approved unavailability Warning or block
    Past dates Blocked

    Force add

    Where enabled, force add lets you assign despite some conflicts (for example, unavailability). Use it only when coverage truly requires it, tell the employee, and document why. Overuse damages trust and increases call-outs.

    Add screenshot here: Conflict warning dialog (and force-add option if shown).
    Suggested file name: 08-conflict-warning.png

    ### 8.5 Create an open shift

    1. Create a shift as usual.
    2. Set the employee to Open (Open Shift role).
    3. Save, then Publish when ready so employees can see it under Open Shifts.
    4. Approve claims as they arrive.

    Add screenshot here: Shift form with employee set to Open.
    Suggested file name: 08-create-open-shift.png

    ### 8.6 Copy from a past week

    1. On the board, choose Copy / Copy From Past Week.
    2. Select the source week and target week.
    3. Review every copied shift for leave, unavailability, and overlap issues.
    4. Fix problems, then publish and approve.

    Copying saves time but never skip the conflict review—last week’s people may be on leave this week.

    Add screenshot here: Copy week dialog.
    Suggested file name: 08-copy-week.png

    ### 8.7 Forecasts (hours, wages, staffing)

    Use forecast panels to review:

    • Total scheduled hours
    • Estimated wage cost
    • Number of people scheduled
    • Daily or hourly coverage gaps

    Use this before you approve the week so you are not surprised by overtime risk or thin coverage during peak hours (check-in rushes, breakfast, banquet turns, weekend occupancy).

    Add screenshot here: Forecast summary for a week.
    Suggested file name: 08-forecast-summary.png

    ### 8.8 Suggested manager workflow for building a week

    1. Clear Team Availability pending requests.
    2. Review approved leave and blackout dates.
    3. Place must-cover shifts first (nights, desk peaks, housekeeping floors).
    4. Fill remaining coverage using preferred availability where possible.
    5. Post Open shifts for flexible gaps.
    6. Check forecasts.
    7. Publish.
    8. Final review, then Approve.
    9. Monitor claims and trades during the week.

    ## 9. Publish, approve, and unpublish

    ### 9.1 Status meanings

    Status Can employees see it? Manager intent
    Draft No Still planning
    Published Yes (per your process) Released; still adjustable
    Approved Yes — confirmed on My Schedule Final for the period
    Unpublished No Returned to planning after unpublish

    ### 9.2 Process flow — release cycle

    Draft  -->  Publish  -->  Published  -->  Approve  -->  Approved
                                                             |
                                                             v
                                                  Unpublish (if needed)
                                                             |
                                                             v
                                                           Draft
    

    Add screenshot here (optional flowchart image): 09-publish-approve-process.png

    ### 9.3 Publish

    1. On Employee Schedule, filter or review Draft shifts for the date range.
    2. Fix conflicts and thin coverage.
    3. Select the range and choose Publish.
    4. Confirm.

    Employees and/or managers may receive notifications depending on your property setup.

    Add screenshot here: Publish action / confirmation.
    Suggested file name: 09-publish.png

    ### 9.4 Approve

    1. Review Published shifts one more time.
    2. Select the range and choose Approve.
    3. Confirm.

    Approved shifts are what employees rely on for childcare, second jobs, and commute planning. Change them only when necessary, and communicate early.

    Add screenshot here: Approve action / confirmation.
    Suggested file name: 09-approve.png

    ### 9.5 Unpublish

    Use Unpublish when the approved week needs major changes:

    1. Select the approved range.
    2. Choose Unpublish.
    3. Edit as Draft.
    4. Publish and Approve again.
    5. Tell the team the schedule was revised.

    Add screenshot here: Unpublish confirmation.
    Suggested file name: 09-unpublish.png

    ### 9.6 Publish vs Approve (plain language)

    Action Plain meaning
    Publish “The plan is released / visible for the next step.”
    Approve “This is the confirmed schedule.”

    Editing after release often returns shifts toward Draft. After edits, publish and approve again so My Schedule stays accurate.


    ## 10. Shift master (standard shift times)

    Managers/administrators can define reusable shift definitions (name + standard start/end), for example:

    • Morning Shift — 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    • Evening Shift — 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Night Audit — 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

    When you create shifts on the board, selecting a Shift master entry prefills times. You can still adjust for a specific day.

    Add screenshot here: Shift master list or add form.
    Suggested file name: 10-shift-master.png


    ## 11. Status reference and notifications

    ### 11.1 Shift statuses

    Status For employees For managers
    Draft Hidden Editable planning
    Published May be visible Still editable
    Approved Confirmed Finalized
    Unpublished Hidden again Back to planning

    ### 11.2 Availability statuses

    Status Meaning
    Draft Not submitted
    Pending Waiting on manager
    Approved Active for scheduling rules
    Rejected Not accepted

    ### 11.3 Trade statuses

    Status Meaning
    Pending peer approval Waiting on coworker
    Accepted by employee Waiting on manager
    Rejected by employee Closed by coworker
    Approved by manager Completed
    Rejected by manager Closed by manager

    ### 11.4 Leave statuses

    Status Meaning
    Pending Waiting on manager
    Approved Time off confirmed
    Rejected Declined

    ### 11.5 Common notifications

    Event Usually sent to
    Availability submitted Manager
    Availability approved / rejected Employee
    Schedule published / approved Employees and/or managers
    Open shift claim submitted Manager
    Open shift claim approved Employee
    Trade shift update Employees involved and manager

    Exact delivery (email, in-app, SMS if enabled) depends on account and property settings.

    Add screenshot here: In-app notification example for a schedule or claim update.
    Suggested file name: 11-notification-example.png


    ## 12. Frequently asked questions

    ### General

    How far in advance will I see my schedule?
    When your manager publishes and approves it. Many U.S. properties aim for about 1–2 weeks ahead, but practices vary by department and occupancy.

    What if I cannot work a scheduled shift?
    Contact your manager as soon as you know. Use Trade Shift and/or leave processes according to property policy. Do not no-call / no-show.

    Why don’t I see a menu item from this guide?
    Your role rights do not include it. Ask your manager or administrator.

    ### Employees

    Why can’t I apply for leave on a date?
    Common reasons: you already have a shift that day, it is a blackout date, your balance is too low, or too many people are already approved off.

    My availability was rejected. What now?
    Ask what hours the property needs, update My Availability, and submit again.

    Can I claim more than one open shift?
    Yes, if they do not overlap and pass availability checks.

    How do I know a claim or trade was approved?
    You receive a notification, and the resulting shift appears on My Schedule.

    What is the difference between unavailable and leave?
    Unavailable = standing preference. Leave = dated time off with balance and approval.

    Can I see estimated pay for the week?
    Where enabled, My Schedule / forecasts show hours and estimated wages from your rate. Final pay still follows payroll.

    ### Managers

    What is the difference between publish and approve?
    Publish releases the plan. Approve confirms it for staff.

    Can I assign someone who already has approved leave?
    Normally no. The system blocks that conflict.

    An employee is missing from my board.
    They may be in another property/branch, outside your hierarchy, inactive, or missing a schedulable role (Can Schedule).

    How do I create an open shift?
    Create a shift, assign Open, publish, then approve claims.

    A trade failed with a weekly limit message.
    The employee’s group trade limit for the period is used up.

    Should I unpublish often?
    No. Unpublish only for material changes, and tell the team when you do.

    ### Leave / settings

    What is a blackout day?
    A date when time-off requests are restricted because of business need (holiday rush, city-wide events, peak occupancy).

    What is max leave count?
    A limit on how many people can be off on the same day.


    ## 13. Getting help

    Need help with… Contact
    Coverage, trades, schedule conflicts Your manager
    Leave policy or balances HR or your manager
    Login or technical errors IT support

    When reporting a problem, include:

    1. Screen name (My Availability, Employee Schedule, Weekly Shifts, Trade Shift, etc.)
    2. Date and time
    3. What you tried to do
    4. Screenshot of the error or unexpected result
    5. Employee name / shift date (if relevant)

    ## 14. Screenshot checklist (for your BookStack page)

    Use this list while you attach images. Check each item off as you upload.

    # Suggested file name What to capture
    1 01-main-menu-scheduling.png Main menu → Scheduling
    2 01-week-overview-flowchart.png Optional overview flowchart graphic
    3 02-my-availability-edit.png My Availability edit
    4 02-my-availability-draft.png Draft status
    5 02-my-availability-pending.png Pending after submit
    6 02-availability-process.png Optional availability flowchart
    7 03-team-availability-list.png Manager pending list
    8 03-team-availability-decision.png Approve/Reject detail
    9 04-weekly-shifts-overview.png Weekly Shifts tabs
    10 04-my-schedule-week.png My Schedule with shifts
    11 04-team-schedule.png Team Schedule
    12 05-open-shifts-list.png Open Shifts list
    13 05-open-shift-claim.png Claim action
    14 05-open-shift-process.png Optional claim flowchart
    15 06-trade-swap-suggestions.png Swap suggestions
    16 06-trade-swap-pending.png Pending trade
    17 06-trade-swap-process.png Optional swap flowchart
    18 06-trade-drop-to-open.png Drop to Open
    19 07-apply-leave-form.png Leave request form
    20 07-leave-status-list.png Leave statuses
    21 07-leave-process.png Optional leave flowchart
    22 08-scheduling-board-week.png Manager board week
    23 08-scheduling-board-hourly.png Hourly/forecast view
    24 08-add-shift-form.png Add shift form
    25 08-conflict-warning.png Conflict / force add
    26 08-create-open-shift.png Open employee selected
    27 08-copy-week.png Copy week
    28 08-forecast-summary.png Forecast panel
    29 09-publish.png Publish
    30 09-approve.png Approve
    31 09-unpublish.png Unpublish
    32 09-publish-approve-process.png Optional status flowchart
    33 10-shift-master.png Shift master
    34 11-notification-example.png Sample notification

    How to place a screenshot in BookStack: upload the image in the editor where the Add screenshot here note appears, then delete the placeholder note.