Guide Scheduling Admins on how to initiate a Mandatory Fill from the Shift Board to ensure critical shifts are staffed when voluntary responses are insufficient.
Supports compliance with minimum staffing requirements and operational readiness.
Background Information
Mandatory Fill is used when open shifts remain unfilled after voluntary call shifts or when policy requires immediate assignment to qualified personnel.
This process enables admins to select personnel based on department rules such as inverse seniority or other fair distribution policies.
Common use cases include:
Unfilled critical shifts for the upcoming day
Last-minute sick calls or no-shows
Ensuring specialized positions are covered when voluntary coverage is unavailable
Required Permissions
Access Scheduling – to view and manage schedules
Access Shift Board – to initiate fills directly from the board
Access Call Shifts – to manage call shift requests and fills
Add/Edit Personnel into Shift Board – to assign personnel directly
Initiate Call Shifts – to create mandatory fill requests
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Select the First Due Logo, then choose Scheduling > Shift Board.
Find a vacancy on the shift board and select it.
Choose Fill Vacancy, then select Mandatory Fill.
Choose the appropriate qualifier.
You can also filter further down by:
Groups
Ranks
Rotations
The On Duty toggle allows you to reach only those that are ending their shift at the time that the Mandatory Fill begins.
When ready, click Generate List.
The Mandatory Fill Details page will appear. To force a individual, select the Check Mark.
Best Practices
Do:
Review voluntary responses first before initiating a mandatory fill.
Follow fair labor distribution policies when selecting personnel.
Don’t:
Initiate mandatory fills without confirming qualification requirements.
Delay mandatory fills for critical positions, as this may impact operations and compliance
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Accidentally selecting the wrong personnel due to filtered lists
Overusing mandatory fills when voluntary options remain available
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why can’t I initiate a mandatory fill? Check that you have Initiate Call Shifts permission enabled and that the position is configured to allow mandatory fills.
What happens if personnel refuse a mandatory fill? Refer to department policy. Typically, refusal of mandatory fills may require administrative follow-up or progressive discipline per labor agreements.
Can I cancel a mandatory fill after assignment? Yes. Navigate to the Shift Board, select the assigned mandatory fill, and remove or edit the assignment as needed, notifying personnel accordingly.