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Post-Shift Assignment Rules

This setting determines which shifts can or cannot be assigned to staff on the day after a shift ends. Its purpose is to protect rest periods between shifts and prevent unwanted consecutive assignments.

Written by Oplist
Updated over a month ago

These rules are defined at the Global Shifts level and apply to all departments where the shift is used.

How to Access the Setting

To define a rule that applies after a shift ends:

  1. Go to the Organization section from the left menu.

  2. Open the Global Shifts tab.

  3. Click the edit (pencil) icon next to the shift you want to modify.

  4. Navigate to the Rules tab.

  5. In the field labeled “Select a rule to apply after this shift ends”, choose the relevant rule.

  6. Save the changes.


Available Rules

No Restrictions for the Following Days

When this option is selected, no additional restriction is applied after the shift ends.

If eligible, staff can be assigned to any shift on the following days.

Restrict Specific Shifts on the Following Day

With this option, you define which shifts cannot be assigned on the day following the selected shift.

For example:

  • After an evening shift, assignment to a morning shift can be prevented.

  • After an evening shift, assignment to another evening shift can also be restricted.

  • Multiple shifts can be selected; selected shifts will not be included in scheduling for the following day.

This ensures more balanced and controlled transitions between shifts.

Staff Is Unavailable the Next Day

When this option is selected, staff who complete the shift are considered unavailable for scheduling on the next day.

No shift can be assigned to the staff member on the next day.

This rule is typically used to protect rest needs after long or demanding shifts.

Note: Whether the following day is counted as a “Real Off” day depends on the Real Off setting defined for the shift.


About the Real Off Setting

Some shifts may extend into the next day due to their working hours, which can affect whether the following day is considered a Real Off day.

The “Real Off Usage” setting determines whether or not the day following the shift is treated as a Real Off day.

The usage logic and scheduling impact of this setting are explained in detail in the Real Off Setting article.


Impact on Scheduling

When these rules are active, the algorithm:

  • Automatically evaluates the day following a completed shift.

  • Prevents assignments that violate the defined restrictions.

  • Generates schedules in accordance with these rules.

As a result, healthier shift transitions and more balanced planning are ensured for staff.

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