Understanding the Dashboard
Learn how to navigate and use the Shifts dashboard effectively to manage your schedule, track time, view important notifications, and access key features based on your role.
Overview
The Shifts dashboard is your central command center for managing work schedules, viewing important information, and accessing the tools you need. The dashboard is personalized based on your role in the organization, providing you with relevant information and actions. This article explains the key components of the dashboard and how to use them effectively.
Accessing Your Dashboard
Your dashboard is the first screen you see after logging in to the Shifts platform:
- Web Access: Log in at your organization’s Shifts URL to view your dashboard
- Mobile Access: Open the Shifts mobile app and log in to access your mobile dashboard
- Return to Dashboard: Click the Shifts logo or “Dashboard” in the main navigation from anywhere in the application
Dashboard Types Based on Your Role
The Shifts platform offers different dashboard views based on your role:
Employee Dashboard
If you’re a regular staff member, your dashboard focuses on your personal schedule and tasks:
- Next Shift Alert: Shows your upcoming shift with quick check-in option
- Today’s Schedule: Details of your shifts for the current day
- Upcoming Shifts: Calendar of your future scheduled shifts
- Available Shifts: Shifts available for you to claim based on your qualifications
- Time Off Requests: Status of your pending leave requests
- Skills & Certifications: Your current skills with proficiency levels and expiration dates
Manager Dashboard
If you’re a manager, you’ll see team management features:
- Team Statistics: Number of managed shifts, coverage needs, and staff count
- Pending Approvals: Leave requests and schedule changes requiring your attention
- Shift Coverage: Visual indicators for staffing levels at your locations
- Today’s Team Schedule: Current day’s shifts with staffing status
- Attendance Issues: Recent lateness, absences, and early departures
- Role Distribution: Breakdown of shifts by staff role
Administrator Dashboard
If you’re a business administrator, your dashboard provides business-wide insights:
- Business Overview: Total users, locations, and active locations
- Shift Statistics: Total shifts, upcoming shifts, and current shifts
- Coverage Alerts: Shifts needing coverage with staffing alerts
- Financial Analytics: Monthly shifts and total hours this month
- Compliance Monitoring: Expiring certifications and staffing compliance issues
- Today’s Business Schedule: All shifts with staffing status and validation
Common Dashboard Components
Regardless of your role, all dashboards include these standard elements:
Navigation Menu
The main navigation menu provides access to all sections of the platform:
- Dashboard: Return to your dashboard view
- Schedule: Access detailed schedule views and management
- Time Off: Request and manage leave
- Shifts: Browse and manage shifts
- Profile: Access your personal settings
- Help: Support resources and documentation
Notification Center
Stay informed with the notification center:
- Alert Bell: Icon in the top right corner showing unread notification count
- Notification Panel: Click the bell to view recent notifications
- Notification Types: Schedule changes, approvals, reminders, and system alerts
Quick Action Buttons
Perform common tasks directly from your dashboard:
- Check In/Out: Start or end your current shift
- Request Time Off: Initiate a leave request
- Update Availability: Modify your availability settings
- Claim Shift: View and claim available shifts
Using Dashboard Widgets
Each dashboard widget provides specific functionality:
Schedule Widgets
- Click on any shift: View complete shift details
- Color coding: Understand shift status at a glance
- Blue: Upcoming
- Green: Currently active
- Gray: Completed
- Yellow: Needs attention
- Filter options: Narrow the view by date range, location, or shift type
Statistics Cards
- Hover for details: See additional information about each metric
- Click through: Access detailed reports related to the statistic
- Time period toggles: Switch between daily, weekly, and monthly views
Approval Widgets
- Swipe actions: Approve or reject requests with a swipe (mobile)
- Batch actions: Select multiple items for bulk approval or rejection
- Priority indicators: Identify time-sensitive requests
Mobile Dashboard Features
The mobile dashboard is optimized for on-the-go access:
- Streamlined view: Prioritized information for mobile screens
- Swipe navigation: Access additional features with left/right swipes
- Large action buttons: Easy tap targets for common actions
- Offline capabilities: View your schedule even without connectivity
- Push notifications: Receive alerts for important updates
Customizing Your Experience
Personalize your dashboard experience:
- Profile settings: Update your profile information and preferences
- Notification preferences: Choose which alerts you receive and how
- Display options: Toggle between light and dark mode (where available)
- Default views: Set your preferred calendar and list views
Best Practices
For optimal results when using your dashboard:
- Check regularly: Make it a habit to review your dashboard daily
- Act on notifications: Respond promptly to alerts and requests
- Use quick actions: Take advantage of dashboard shortcuts
- Keep your profile updated: Ensure your skills and availability are current
- Learn the color codes: Understand status indicators for efficient scanning
Related Resources
- Basic Navigation
- Setting Up Your Profile
- Account Creation and Login
- Calendar Views and Customization
- Mobile Features
This article should be updated when:
- New dashboard widgets are added
- Dashboard layout and organization changes
- Navigation structure is modified
- Role-specific dashboard features are added
- Mobile dashboard capabilities change
- New quick actions are added to the dashboard