---
title: "Forward Planning"
canonical: "https://docs.shiftmatch.com/space/KB/2739241083/Forward%20Planning"
format: markdown
---
## 📣 Forward Planning – Stay One Step Ahead

Forward Planning lets you see exactly *when* shift requests will be sent for each upcoming roster period — so you can plan your availability and avoid missing out.

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![image](media://9b7ccc4d-10d9-4ad7-8bd6-c9da0602ff71)

## 🧐 What Is Forward Planning?

Forward Planning provides a timeline of when notifications (also known as work requests) will be sent for future shifts. It helps you stay ahead by giving visibility into:

- When roster periods start and end
- When shift requests will be distributed
- Which periods have already had messages sent

**Why it matters:**

- You’ll know when to expect new shift offers
- You can ensure your availability is up to date in time
- You won’t be left wondering if you’ve missed something

In short, it’s your roster visibility tool — no guesswork required.

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## 🔍 What You’ll See

When you open the Forward Planning screen (via the top-right corner of the *My Roster* page), you’ll see a list of upcoming roster periods.

Each entry includes:

- **Roster Period Dates** (e.g. *Mon 12 May – Sun 25 May*)
- **Shift Request Send Times** — when messages will go out to staff
- A status indicator:
  - ✅ *“All messages have been sent”* – nothing more to expect for that period
  - 🕓 *“When will messages be sent?”* – dates not yet scheduled or confirmed

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## 🗓️ How to Use Forward Planning

1. Click **Forward Planning** from the top-right corner of *My Roster*
2. Find the upcoming roster period you're interested in
3. Review when shift requests will be sent
4. Add your availability **before** that time to ensure you're considered
5. Wait for shift offers to arrive once the send window opens

> ℹ️ *Tip:* You can use Forward Planning from any view — Roster, Calendar, or Kanban.

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> ⚠️ ## Important to Know
> ⚠️ 
> ⚠️ ShiftMatch can only offer you shifts if both of the following are true:
> ⚠️ 
> ⚠️ - You’ve entered availability **before** the request send time
> ⚠️ - Your availability matches the requirements of the shift
> ⚠️ 
> ⚠️ **No availability = no offer.** It’s that simple.