Free manager template

A shift callout policy your managers can act on quickly.

A useful callout policy should explain what employees do when they cannot work, what managers do next, and how replacement coverage is confirmed.

Best for: Restaurants, retail stores, coffee shops, day care teams, and other hourly workplaces.

Supported in AppyShift

  • Employees can submit a call-out from an assigned upcoming shift and include an optional note.
  • AppyShift records the affected shift, notice minutes, and whether the call-out was on time, late notice, or after the shift start.
  • Managers are notified of submitted call-outs when notification delivery is configured.
  • When enabled, called-out shifts can automatically reopen for qualified teammate pickup, with configurable pickup approval and notification rules.

1. Define the reporting method

Decide whether employees use the AppyShift call-out action for assigned shifts, also contact a manager directly, or follow an additional emergency procedure. In AppyShift, the employee can add a note when submitting the call-out.

2. Set the notice expectation

Choose the minimum notice window managers expect. AppyShift compares each submitted call-out to that configured window and records late-notice or after-start submissions as unexcused by default.

3. Choose how coverage reopens

Decide whether called-out shifts should stay with manager follow-up or automatically reopen for qualified teammates. AppyShift can auto-post the affected shift when that setting is enabled.

4. Define pickup approval

Choose whether qualified pickup requests always require manager approval, can auto-approve when projected weekly hours remain at or below 40, or can auto-approve for all qualified pickups.

Manager checklist

  • Enable employee self-service call-outs in Attendance settings.
  • Set the minimum notice window for late or unexcused handling.
  • Choose whether called-out shifts automatically reopen for coverage.
  • Set shift board pickup approval and qualification guardrails.
  • Decide whether eligible teammates should receive open-shift notifications.

Try this workflow in AppyShift

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