Publishing open shifts and notifying your team

When a team member is off sick or on leave, open shifts let you quickly find cover without ringing around. RotaCloud sends automatic notifications to available staff via the employee app.

Creating an open shift

1. Open the relevant rota and click the shift slot that needs cover.
2. Select Convert to Open Shift.
3. Choose which staff groups or roles should be notified (e.g. all domiciliary carers).
4. Click Publish Open Shift.

How staff respond

Eligible staff receive a push notification on the RotaCloud employee app. They can tap to view shift details and claim the shift directly — first come, first served, or manager approval depending on your settings.

Troubleshooting missed notifications

• Confirm staff have push notifications enabled: App Settings → Notifications → Open Shifts.
• Check the staff member is marked available for the shift role and location.
• Ask staff to force-close and reopen the app if they haven't received alerts recently.

The open shift feature is a lifesaver for filling gaps — but staff must have the app installed and notifications enabled.