Schedule shifts like a pro with SMS.
Got a lot of staff? Make the task of managing shifts easy-as-pie with SMS.
FAQs.
What is SMS rostering or shift bidding?
SMS for rostering or shift bidding is a system that uses SMS to enable employees to request, bid, or receive notifications about available shifts using their mobile phones.
If a shift becomes available, you can send an SMS to all employees, who can then respond if they want to bid for the shift. Shift assignments or bidding results can then be communicated back to employees via SMS.
Employees can easily send an SMS indicating their shift preferences, availability, or bidding preferences, too.
What are the benefits of using SMS for rostering or shift bidding?
SMS is a convenient and instant communication channel for everyone involved in the shift scheduling process, including both employees and HR. It also helps to:
- Increase transparency when allocating shifts
- Improve employee engagement and flexibility
- Reduce scheduling conflicts
- Streamline the overall rostering process
Can we use our own phone number for shift scheduling?
You sure can, but just note that it comes with some limitations (for example, two-way messaging may not be possible). Instead, we recommend choosing a new dedicated number — this way, you can easily send and receive texts, all within our messaging Hub.
Learn more about dedicated numbers.
Are there any compliance considerations when using SMS for rostering or shift bidding?
Yes, particularly regarding data protection, privacy, and obtaining consent from employees to receive SMS communications. It’s important to follow the relevant laws and regulations.
To avoid sending spam, you must:
- Have consent from the person receiving your messages.
- Identify yourself as the sender by accurately identifying your name or business name.
- Make it easy to unsubscribe – every commercial message must contain an unsubscribe option.
How do you get around the concerns of fraudulent SMS?
Personalisation is key. Make it clear who the message is coming from (so, include your business or team name) and also include employee details if appropriate. Remember, SMS isn’t the time or place to ask for sensitive information, either.
How do you manage data security?
To ensure the privacy and security of our customers and their information, Sinch MessageMedia utilise a layered approach to protection through multi-factor authentication, encryption at rest and in transit, in addition to need-to-know and granular access controls. This ensures that customer data is protected and only accessible to those with a requirement to do so in delivery of their services.