🧭 How to create a shift rota step by step in haddock HR

In haddock HR, shift planning is organized into three key steps:

1. Create the work shifts → 2. Create a shift rota → 3. Assign it to employees.

Once that is done, you can check that everything is properly planned and ready to go. Below we explain each step in detail:

1. Create the work shifts

Before you can assign shifts, you need to define what shift types exist: their schedule, name, color, and on which days they can be used.

➤ How are they created?

1. Go to the "Shifts" section.
2. Click the "+" button to create a new shift.
3. Fill in the following fields:

• Type: select Work shift.
• Shift name (e.g. Morning, Afternoon, Night).
• Schedule: start and end time.
• Plannable days: select the days on which this shift can be applied (e.g. Monday to Friday).
• Break (optional): add a break if needed.
• Color: choose the color you want this shift to have in the rota.

4. Save.

✅ These shifts will be available when building shift rotas or assigning them manually. Choosing a distinct color helps you read the rota at a glance.

2. Create a shift rota

A shift rota is a sequence of shifts that repeats over several days. It is ideal for rotating and repetitive schedules.

➤ How is it set up?

1. Go to the "Shifts" section.
2. At the bottom, click the "Shift rotas" tab.
3. Click the "+" button (or "More") to create a new rota.
4. Give the rota a name.
5. Define the rota length (in days):

• For example: 7 (full week), 14 (fortnight), 21 (three-week cycle).
• Day 1 corresponds to Monday, day 7 to Sunday.

6. To build the rota:

• In the left panel, select the shift you want to add.
• In the center, click the days of the rota where you want to apply that shift.
• Right-click and select "Paste shift".

7. If you make a mistake when assigning shifts:

• Use the left mouse button to select the shifts you want to delete.
• Then right-click and select "Delete shift".

8. Repeat the process until the sequence is complete.
9. Save.

🌀 You can create several different rotas for different groups, weekend shifts, or specific rotations.

3. Assign the shift rota to a person

Once the rota is created, the next step is to assign it correctly to each employee. This is done from their profile.

➤ How is it assigned?

1. Go to the "Employees" section.
2. Select the person you want to assign the rota to.
3. In their profile, open the "Shift rotas" tab.
4. Click the "+" button (or "More") to add a new assignment.
5. Fill in:

• The shift rota you want to apply.
• Start date: the date from which it begins to apply.
• Index: indicates which day of the cycle corresponds to the first day of the assignment.

• • If you start on a Monday, the index should be 1.
  • If you start on a Tuesday, the index should be 2.
  • If you start on a Sunday, the index should be 7.

6. Save.

🎯 Choosing the right index is essential so the shift sequence is displayed correctly and does not become offset.

4. Check that planning works correctly

Once you have the shifts and rotas assigned, make sure everything is configured correctly.

➤ How do you check it?

1. Select "Planning" from the main menu.
2. Choose the group you want to review.
3. Define a wide period, for example a full month.
4. Click the "Plan" button.

haddock HR will automatically unfold the shift rotas according to the assignments made. If everything is configured correctly, you will see the complete rota without errors.

🔍 You can make manual adjustments if you need specific changes.

Updated on: 23/04/2026