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Shift assignment automation

Feature
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Shift assignment automation

Automatically match the right workers to the right shifts, using live availability, eligibility, and preferences - without endless calls or spreadsheets.

Used by agencies across the UK to automate timesheet collection and reduce manual record-keeping.

The challenge

  • Planners juggle multiple systems and group chats to find someone available and qualified in time.

  • The same small pool of “reliable” workers gets over‑used, while others are under‑utilised.

  • Double‑bookings, late cancellations, and manual checks create risk for facilities and damage trust.

How ShiftNest helps

  • Intelligent matching surfaces only workers who are available, eligible for that facility, and aligned with the role and rate

  • Automated offers go out to the best‑fit workers first, with a “first acceptance wins” flow to confirm cover in seconds.

  • Built‑in conflict checks stop double‑booking and flag issues before a shift is assigned.

Everything you need for automated assignment

Notify workers who can safely take the shift.

Smart eligibility rules

Limit offers to workers who match the required role, clearances, and facility links, so every offer is genuinely workable. This reduces last‑minute rejections, cuts manual checking, and keeps facilities confident that confirmed cover meets their standards

Put your best options at the front of the queue.

Filtered worker lists

Automatically rank filter workers by distance, preferences, or your own rules, so the right people get opportunities first. This helps you fill urgent shifts faster while still respecting worker preferences and existing commitments.

Stop double‑booking before it happens.

Conflict prevention

The system checks for overlapping shifts, unsafe gaps, and travel constraints before confirming any assignment. Planners see conflicts flagged early, so they can adjust offers without creating scheduling problems for workers or facilities.

How it works

Simple 4-step automated process from shift posting to confirmation

1

Post shift

Facility or Agency creates a shift with role, time, and rate in under two minutes.

2

Agency offers

Agencies automatically send offers to their available workers, ensuring only qualified, reliable staff are notified.

3

First acceptance wins

Worker acceptance instantly assigns the shift and notifies all parties.

4

Track & confirm

Facility sees real-time updates and confirms shift completion with digital timesheets.

Admin time saved

60hrs5hrs

Shift fill time

7hrs1hr

Missed shift rate

5%0.5%

Simple, transparent pricing

Fixed percentage of approved shift value

£0 if cancelled before worker confirmation

No monthly minimums or seat fees

View pricing details

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this feature.

Ready to save time with Shift assignment automation?

Join agencies already using ShiftNest to cut admin and fill shifts faster.