If you’ve ever googled “how to fill last-minute shifts”, you’re not alone, and there is a smarter way.
Last-minute shift gaps are more than just an inconvenience; they’re a daily operational headache. Someone calls in sick. A team member overcommits. A sudden surge in footfall throws your schedule off balance. You scramble to find cover, chase group chats, juggle whiteboards, and hope someone replies in time. Meanwhile, your team feels the pressure, service quality drops, and morale takes a hit.
The real cost of unfilled shifts
Not being able to fill last-minute shifts doesn’t just leave you short-staffed. This situation:
• Impacts team morale and increase burnout
• Leads to lower service quality or customer complaints
• Wastes management time on manual coordination
• Increases no-shows due to confusion or unclear handovers
At the same time, many employees want flexibility, whether that means picking up extra shifts or offering a shift they can’t work.
The problem? Traditional scheduling tools make this hard to manage in real time.
Two simple tools to fix last-minute scheduling problems
If you’re managing a shift-based team, you need systems that can adapt fast and keep everyone informed.
That’s why two features inside Bizimply work hand-in-hand to help you stay in control:
1. Open Shifts: Proactively fill scheduling gaps
Open Shifts lets managers add unassigned shifts directly to the rota. These appear to eligible employees, who can claim them instantly, giving you fast, fair coverage when and where you need it most. Whether you’re planning ahead or reacting to the day’s challenges, Open Shifts helps you:
• Fill rota gaps quickly
• Offer extra hours to staff who want them
• Reduce the time spent chasing people manually
• Keep control with manager approvals for all claims.
2. Shift Offers: Handle last-minute changes with less stress
When a team member can’t work their assigned shift, Shift Offers gives them a way to offer it to their teammates — right from the app. Instead of messaging a manager or risking a no-show, they simply tap “Offer Shift”, and the shift becomes visible to others as an Open Shift. Managers review and approve any claims, so you stay in control of handovers.
This means:
• No more missed handovers or confused cover
• Employees can manage changes without direct manager involvement
• You reduce rota stress and improve shift ownership
• Everything is tracked and visible in one place.
Why this approach works for busy teams
Managers need flexibility without losing control. Employees want visibility and fairness. Operations need coverage — not chaos.
Combining Open Shifts and Shift Offers helps you fill last-minute shifts by:
• Keeping your rota full and adaptable
• Minimising last-minute fire drills
• Empowering your team with self-service tools
• Cutting down on manual coordination and miscommunication.
Common use cases
Situation #1: Someone calls in sick last-minute.
What to use: Shift Offers to offer the shift.
Situation #2: You’re short-staffed on a busy day.
What to use: Open Shifts to quickly post available shifts.
Situation #3: A part-time worker wants more hours.
What to use: They can claim Open Shifts visible to them.
Situation #4: An employee has a personal emergency.
What to use: They offer their shift through the app — no stress!
How it works in Bizimply
1. Managers add unassigned shifts or approve offers.
2. Employees claim available shifts, or offer their own if they can’t work.
3. Managers approve all shift claims.
4. Schedules update automatically, keeping everyone in sync.
Everything works on web and mobile, no more scribbled notes or frantic messages to fill last-minute shifts.
Take control of last-minute scheduling
If you’re constantly firefighting rota gaps, chasing cover, or unsure of how to fill last-minute shifts, it’s time to work smarter.
Open Shifts and Shift Offers are built to help busy teams like yours fill last-minute shifts faster, reduce rota stress, and run smoother every day.
Want to see how it works? Book a demo or get in touch.
