If there is one thing that surprises people the most about Shiftboard it is probably this:  real people pick up the phones to answer your very real questions. We also make sure we respond to every single feedback question/idea/problem that you throw at us on an individual basis, no automated customer service bots, no “please state your problem…I’m sorry, I don’t understand” recordings (of course you don’t understand me, you aren’t real).

The beauty of the ingenious little system we have going here is that it’s truly a win-win situation. The customer gets the answers to their specific problems when they need it, and we get to hear the many different ways that very different organizations use Shiftboard to schedule a wide variety of needs. From film festivals to political campaigns to vet offices and everything in between, Shiftboard’s meeting people’s needs (and then some) now more than ever.

Knowing that our customer base is as diverse as it is, we’ve come up with customized pricing options for a few of our specialized packages. Looking to schedule volunteers at a church? We know that you need a solution without breaking the bank, and Shiftboard’s faith group pricing gives you the ability to do just that. How about those of you who need to recruit and staff an annual event or festival? You will have very different needs than those at the corner bakery, which is why we’ve created a very different pricing structure for you as well.

For more information feel free to give us a call at 1-800-746-7531.

Wouldn’t it be nice if once a schedule was made, cosmic forces would conveniently align and you wouldn’t have to change it, for whatever reason? Dream on schedulers, dream on. If you’re scheduling college students, your schedule is beholden to the professor, who on a whim, decides to throw in an extra essay. If you’re working outdoor events, crowds can be dampened by inclement weather — or buoyed by the summer rays.  Being able to communicate quickly to specific groups is paramount to making sure the correct workers show up, and that they show up prepared for the task.

Updates to our SMS/TXT feature make it easier than ever to communicate schedule changes to your workers.  Until recently workers had to add their SMS/TXT email address to Shiftboard.  This caused quite a bit of confusion, as most users don’t know they have an SMS/TXT email address, let alone what theirs actually is.  We did our research and now track each provider and their SMS/TXT email address.  Users (or their managers) simply select the correct service provider (Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) and enter the cell number.

The number of text messages being sent through Shiftboard has exploded thanks to this recent update. Thousands of workers are staying connected 24/7 via text messaging.  Users always control which messages they wish to receive and can make updates to their preferences at anytime.  Text messaging is just one additional way Shiftboard makes online scheduling and communication an excellent match for many different types of organizations. To find an organization similar to yours, check out our Case Studies.

- Alison

The rule “no texting at work” doesn’t apply to Shiftboard users.  Managers can easily message their employees via text through Shiftboard’s system.

Imagine you are an event management scheduler and just had to reschedule the start time of 15 shifts from 5:00 pm to 4:30 pm.  The text feature allows you to instantly reach and message all affected workers.  Most people don’t have continuous access to the Internet, but most everybody does keep their cell phone with them 24/7.

Texts are received quicker and are much more likely to be read then emails.  A nurse-scheduling manager can text all qualified RN’s who aren’t currently working to try and fill a last minute shift.  After a manager posts a new schedule they can text their employees to let them know it is ready.

Your employees will love you for letting them have immediate access to their schedules and you will feel confident knowing your workers can be messaged in a method that is rapidly becoming the most preferred method of communication.

One Minute Animation Explaining: What Is Shiftboard?

Distilling an idea into words is sometimes easy. Using images, audio, or video is often better.

We felt that one of the best ways would be one mixed with fun and enthusiasm: Animation.

You can go direct to our “Online Scheduling” channel at YouTube. (it is the same video):

Online Scheduling by Shiftboard on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/onlinescheduling

In case you don’t prefer YouTube, we also have the Online Scheduling video hosted at Vimeo.

http://www.vimeo.com/onlinescheduling

Kudos to Lilipip Studios for bringing it all together and making it shine.