Streamlining the Museum: How Shift Areas Transformed Staff Scheduling at Otago Museum

Complex Scheduling

At Otago Museum, managing staff schedules across multiple dynamic areas is no small feat. Previously, the team relied on spreadsheets to craft detailed rotas—an approach that was both labour-intensive and paper-based. With staff assignments scattered across various sections of the museum, keeping everyone on the same page was a constant challenge.

This was something we could sympathise with; we’ve all been there when we’ve printed off a nice shiny new rota only to be told by a staff member that they now can’t work Tuesday… sigh. Shiftie allows the museum team to make real-time amendments and changes to the schedule whilst keeping staff notified at each published change, eliminating the need for constant follow-ups.

The Shift Areas Solution

Crafted specifically for dynamic environments such as museums, theme parks, and attractions, Shift Areas revolutionises scheduling by moving past static rosters. This innovative module enables managers to allocate staff to various areas throughout the day, a setup that’s perfectly suited to Otago’s diverse settings - from multiple galleries and tropical forests, to guided tours. The result is a flexible, meticulously planned staffing system that adapts to the museum's shifting needs.

Here’s how Shift Areas makes the difference:

• Effortless Automation: The team can create shift templates that include specific areas like rides, catering outlets, rooms, and more, allowing managers to plan ahead and adapt quickly to fluctuating demands.
• Real-Time Communication: Instant updates mean that when a change occurs, staff are notified immediately - no more delays or miscommunications.
• Flexibility at its Best: Shift Areas supports dynamic rotations, ensuring that each part of the site has the right staffing levels at all times.

The Impact: Efficiency, Agility, and a Better Visitor Experience

By transitioning to Shift Areas, Otago Museum has unlocked a new level of operational efficiency. Staff scheduling is no longer a cumbersome task; instead, it’s a streamlined process that enhances communication and boosts responsiveness. Managers can now focus on what matters most—creating an outstanding visitor experience - while knowing that their staffing is always up to date and perfectly aligned with real-time needs.

"Shift Areas has completely transformed our scheduling process. Moving to a system that provides real-time updates has not only saved us countless hours but has also significantly improved our operational agility. Our team is always in the right place at the right time."

Hannah Treadwell, Head of Visitor Experience, Otago Museum

Looking Ahead

At Shiftie, we’re all about empowering businesses with innovative tools that simplify the complexities of dynamic staffing. The success at Otago Museum is a testament to what’s possible when you replace outdated systems with technology designed for today’s fast-paced environment. Our aim is to help our clients work smarter, not harder, and to deliver a seamless experience for both staff and visitors.

Discover how Shift Areas can transform your staffing operations - contact us today for a personalised demo and experience the future of workforce management.