How to Reduce Unfilled Shifts Using Skills Filters and Approval Workflows
Unfilled shifts can be caused by a lack of staff, but that is not the only reason why healthcare organizations are struggling to fill vacant slots.
More often, they’re caused by inefficient workflows, unclear eligibility, or delays in approvals. Modern scheduling systems reduce unfilled shifts by combining skills filters with smart approval workflows.
Why Shifts Go Unfilled
Common causes include:
- Too many unqualified recipients
- Manual approval bottlenecks
- Poor visibility of requirements
- Staff uncertainty around eligibility
Skills Filters
By attaching skills during shift creation:
- Only qualified staff see the shift
- Responses are relevant
- Managers don’t waste time reviewing unsuitable requests
This significantly improves response quality.
Approval Workflows
Approval workflows allow:
- Staff to respond quickly
- Managers to retain oversight
- Faster decisions without rework
Approvals prevent errors without slowing down coverage.
Open vs Targeted Shifts + Approval
You can:
- Use Open shifts to widen reach
- Add approval for safety
- Switch to Targeted shifts when precision is needed
This flexibility keeps shifts moving.
Real impact of reducing unfilled shifts
Healthcare teams using skills + approval workflows typically see:
- Faster fill times
- Fewer cancellations
- Less admin time
- More confident managers
Trusted by
