Holiday Scheduling Made Easy: How to Keep Teams Covered and Calm

The holidays are a busy, unpredictable time for most workplaces. Between vacations, last-minute call-ins, and seasonal demand, even the best managers can feel stretched thin. But with the right approach, you can keep your team covered, and your stress levels low all season long.

Plan ahead and communicate early

The earlier your team knows the schedule, the better. Announce holiday availability deadlines well in advance, and make sure everyone understands how requests will be handled. Clear, early communication prevents last-minute surprises and builds trust.

Create fair and flexible scheduling policies

Holidays often bring tough decisions about who works when. Rotate high-demand days fairly, and consider offering incentives or swaps for less popular shifts. A transparent, flexible approach keeps morale high and resentment low.

Build a reliable backup plan

Even the best schedule can fall apart without coverage options. Keep a list of employees open to picking up shifts, and rotate offers evenly. With a backup plan in place, call-ins become a quick adjustment, not a crisis.

Use scheduling tools to reduce stress

Manual spreadsheets don’t cut it during the holidays. A smart scheduling system helps you manage availability, send updates instantly, and fill shifts fast. Automating those headaches means you can focus on leading, not chasing messages.

Lead by example: stay calm and supportive

The holidays test everyone’s patience. When leaders stay composed and fair, teams follow their lead. A calm tone from the top turns even the busiest season into a manageable one.

Managing holiday schedules doesn’t have to feel like a juggling act.

See how Shiftn helps teams stay covered and calm all year long.