Direct Swap vs Open Swap vs Open Shift – Which to Use

Direct Swap vs Open Swap vs Open Shift Request

Use a Direct Swap when:

• You already know who you want to swap with
• You and a colleague have agreed informally
• You want a specific shift in return (or a one-way transfer)

Use an Open Swap when:

• You need to give up a shift but don't have a specific swap partner
• You want the system to find someone qualified
• You're okay with whoever picks it up

Use an Open Shift Request when:

• You want to pick up an extra or vacant shift
• You're not giving up one of your own shifts
• A shift needs to be filled and you're available

Pick Up Open Shift inside the swap modal: When you Request Swap on one of your shifts, the Pick Up Open Shift tab lets you release your shift and claim a vacant shift in the same flow (release-and-claim). Open shifts load one fortnight at a time, anchored to the shift you're giving up — use Load earlier fortnight / Load next fortnight to see more. See Why the Swap Modal Only Shows One Fortnight at a Time.

Comparison:

	Direct Swap	Open Swap	Open Shift Request
Purpose	Exchange/transfer shifts	Give up a shift	Pick up a vacant shift
You choose partner?	Yes	No – anyone can offer	N/A – you're filling a gap
Your shift involved?	Yes	Yes – you give it up	No – you gain a shift
Approval needed?	Colleague + roster builder	Roster builder	Roster builder
Where to find	My Shifts → Request Swap → Direct Swap	My Shifts → Request Swap → Open Swap	Shift Deck → My Deck → Open Shifts or My Shifts → Request Swap → Pick Up Open Shift