Once you’ve shared the template via email or Google Docs, make sure to set a deadline for your team to submit their availability. You can also send regular reminders through internal communication channels or upload the template to Google Docs for real-time updates.

Yes, the template is flexible and can be customised for multiple locations or teams. You can create separate tabs for different locations or teams and track availability in one central document, simplifying management.

Absolutely! The template can accommodate full-time, part-time, and casual staff. You can easily adapt the scheduled timeframe (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) to suit the needs of each employee type.

To make a free staff schedule:

1. Download a template: Use a free staff availability template from RosterElf or similar platforms.
2. Add staff details: Include employee names, roles, and availability.
3. Assign shifts: Match shifts to staff availability and business needs.
4. Share the schedule: Distribute it via email or Google Drive.

Yes, here are free apps for scheduling employees:

• RosterElf: Includes a free trial for shift scheduling, availability updates, and payroll integration.
• Sling: Offers free scheduling with team communication features.
• Findmyshift: Provides basic free scheduling for small teams.

Google doesn’t offer a dedicated scheduling tool, but you can use:

• Google Sheets: Create a custom staff schedule with templates.
• Google Calendar: Assign shifts as events and share calendars with your team.

To use Excel for staff scheduling:

1. Download a free template: Get an Excel schedule template online.
2. Customise columns and rows: Include dates, shifts, and employee names.
3. Add formulas: Automate calculations for hours or wages.
4. Save and share: Export as a PDF or upload to Google Drive for team access.

Yes, Excel has built-in schedule templates.

• Open Excel and go to File > New.
• Search for “schedule” in the template search bar.
• Choose a template (e.g., weekly work schedule) and customise it.

Yes, Excel is a versatile scheduling tool for:

• Creating basic schedules: Input employee names, shifts, and dates.
• Customisation: Use formatting, formulas, and colour coding.
• Calculations: Automate hours worked and wages.

The Free Staff Availability Template is a great starting point, but our full rostering software takes things further by automating availability tracking, rostering, and payroll integration, all in one platform.

Absolutely! RosterElf’s software is built to handle multi-location and multi-time zone businesses, ensuring staff availability and rosters are managed efficiently regardless of your team is location.

Yes, RosterElf’s software is designed with security in mind, ensuring that all staff availability and rostering data are stored securely and accessible only to authorised users.

RosterElf offers support through our website and email. You can contact our support team if you need assistance with downloading, customising, or sharing the template.

If employees are having trouble accessing the template via email or Google Docs, ensure that they have the correct permissions. You can also print the template or upload it to Dropbox for easier access.

Yes, if you’re interested in upgrading, you can book a demo or start a free trial through our website. Our support team is also available to answer any questions and help you transition.

While the free template offers a simple, manual solution to track availability, the cloud-based tool automates the entire process, providing real-time updates, mobile access, and payroll integration, saving business owners even more time.

Yes, the template can be easily customised to include additional fields, like preferred shift times or specific days off, allowing you to gather all necessary information in one place.

Yes, RosterElf’s cloud-based rostering tool eliminates the need for Excel by allowing staff to update their availability directly through the platform, offering real-time visibility and simplifying the scheduling process.