Setup checklist for admins

Complete setup in the right order

This checklist helps you set up Shiftdesk in a structured way and without dead ends. It's best to work through the steps in order — many build on each other.

1. Organization and master data

• [ ] Settings → General: Check company name, logo, time zone, and default language
• [ ] Settings → Locations: Create at least one location with address and country

2. Public holidays and calendar

• [ ] Settings → Public holidays: Select the federal state and import the statutory public holidays
• [ ] Optional: add company-specific public holidays manually

3. Structure

• [ ] Settings → Organization: Create departments and teams per location
• [ ] Review the hierarchy — see Organizational structure

4. Contracts and rules

• [ ] Settings → Contract types: Define full-time, part-time, mini-job, working student, etc.
• [ ] Settings → Time tracking: Set the tracking mode (clock in/out, self-service, or hybrid)
• [ ] Settings → Break rules: review them (statutory DACH breaks are preset)

5. Prepare shifts

• [ ] Settings → Shift templates: Save typical shifts as a template (early shift, late shift, night shift)
• [ ] Optional: Create Skills and Qualifications if you need them for planning

6. Invite the team

• [ ] Employees → Add employee for each person, or Import via CSV
• [ ] Add the contract right away — details under Creating and inviting employees

7. First schedule

• [ ] Open the Schedule, select the week, place shifts from templates
• [ ] Publish the schedule — employees then receive a notification

Tip

At the end, invite a test employee to experience the entire flow from an employee's perspective.