Staff scheduling by SMS: what works and what does not

For staff without a fixed workplace, SMS is often the only channel that works. But it is not a scheduling system.

What it works for

Short-notice changes, a call-out for an open shift, and a reminder to whoever starts early tomorrow.

What it does not work for

The rota itself. A schedule by SMS means nobody has an overview and everybody calls you to ask what it said again.

The open shift

This is the strongest use: one message to those eligible, first to reply gets it. Faster than phoning and fairer than always asking the same person.

Mind the work-life boundary

Messages outside working hours are not always appreciated. Agree the hours within which you send, and stick to them.

Combine

The rota in your scheduling system, the changes by SMS. That way there stays one source of truth.