What is Shift Bidding?
Shift bidding allows you to express interest in picking up additional shifts that are currently unassigned. When you submit a bid, your manager will review your request along with other interested staff members and make assignment decisions.
Prerequisites
You must be logged into the DS system
You need access to view the roster.
The shifts must be unassigned (open) to bid on.
How to Submit a Bid
Method 1: From the Roster View
Navigate to the Roster page
Look for open shifts - these appear without any staff member assigned.
Click on the open shift you’re interested in.
Express your interest by clicking the interest/bid button.
Confirmation - The system will confirm your bid has been submitted.
Method 2: From Shift Details
Find the specific shift you want to bid on.
Open the shift details page.
Click the “Express Interest” or “Bid” button.
Your bid is now submitted for manager review.
What Happens When You Bid
Immediate Actions
Your bid is recorded with a timestamp
The system checks for scheduling conflicts with your existing shifts.
Your current workload and overtime implications are calculated.
Managers are notified of your interest.
Bid Status
Active: Your bid is under consideration.
Pending: Waiting for manager review.
Approved: Congratulations! The shift has been assigned to you.
Denied: Your bid was not accepted (shift remains available for others).
Managing Your Bids
Withdrawing Interest
If you change your mind about a shift:
Return to the same shift where you expressed interest.
Click to toggle off your interest.
Your bid will be removed from consideration.
Tracking Your Bids
You can see shifts you’ve bid on by:
Checking the roster for shifts you’ve expressed interest in.
Looking for visual indicators showing your active bids.
Reviewing any email notifications about bid status.
Understanding the Selection Process
What Managers Consider
When reviewing your bid, managers typically look at:
Your availability - Are you free during the shift time?
Scheduling conflicts - Do you have other shifts at the same time?
Current workload - How many hours are you already working?
Overtime implications - Will accepting this shift create overtime?
Fairness - Distributing extra shifts equitably among staff
Qualifications - Do you meet the requirements for this shift type?
Automatic Conflict Detection
The system automatically identifies potential issues:
Double bookings - If you’re already scheduled during that time.
Overtime thresholds - If the shift would push you into overtime.
Public holiday rates - Special pay considerations.
Break requirements - Ensuring adequate rest between shifts.
Getting Notifications
Email Alerts
You’ll receive email notifications when:
Your bid is approved and the shift is assigned to you.
Your bid is denied (with the shift remaining open).
There are important updates about shifts you’ve bid on.
System Updates
Bid status changes appear immediately in the system.
Your roster will automatically update when shifts are approved.
Real-time notifications may appear in the application.
Best Practices for Successful Bidding
Timing
Submit bids promptly - Earlier bids may be given preference.
Check regularly for new open shifts.
Be responsive to manager communications about your bids.
Realistic Bidding
Check your schedule carefully before bidding.
Consider your energy levels and existing commitments.
Don’t overcommit - bid only on shifts you can realistically work.
Be mindful of overtime and how it affects your pay and work-life balance.
Professional Approach
Be reliable - only bid on shifts you’re genuinely available for.
Accept decisions gracefully - not every bid will be accepted.
Communicate any changes in availability promptly.
Follow up if you have questions about bid outcomes.
Common Scenarios
Multiple Staff Bidding
Competition is normal - multiple people may want the same shift.
Managers balance fairness with operational needs.
Your bid timing and qualifications influence selection.
Don’t take rejections personally - it’s about operational fit.
Last-Minute Shifts
Urgent shifts may be filled quickly.
Check notifications regularly for time-sensitive opportunities.
Be prepared to respond quickly to urgent shift offers.
Recurring Opportunities
Some shifts become available regularly (e.g., due to leave patterns).
Express consistent interest in ongoing opportunities.
Build a reputation for reliability to improve your chances.
Troubleshooting
Bid Not Showing Up
Check:
Is the shift still unassigned?
Are you looking at the correct date/time?
Do you have the necessary permissions?
Has the shift already been filled?
Cannot Submit Bid
Possible reasons:
You’re already scheduled during that time.
The shift requires qualifications you don’t have.
System permissions may need updating.
The shift may have just been assigned.
Not Receiving Notifications
Solutions:
Verify your email address in your profile.
Check spam/junk folders.
Confirm notification preferences are enabled.
Contact IT support if emails aren’t coming through.
Understanding Your Schedule Impact
Overtime Considerations
The system calculates potential overtime automatically.
Public holidays have different pay rates and rules.
Award rates may apply based on shift timing and your employment type.
Budget implications may affect shift approval decisions.
Work-Life Balance
Consider your personal schedule before bidding.
Factor in travel time between different shift locations.
Think about rest periods between shifts.
Balance income goals with personal wellbeing.
Getting Help
If you need assistance with shift bidding:
Contact your direct supervisor for questions about specific shifts.
Reach out to HR for policy questions about bidding.
Contact IT support for technical issues with the system.
Review your employment agreement for overtime and shift policies.
Remember: Shift bidding is designed to give you flexibility in picking up additional work while helping managers fill shifts efficiently. The more reliable and professional you are with your bids, the more likely you’ll be considered for future opportunities!