Purpose Statement

Exclusion Rules allow administrators to automatically prevent personnel from being scheduled for Call Shifts or Mandatory Hires based on their time off requests. This feature ensures adequate rest periods before and after scheduled time off, helping maintain personnel wellness while reducing scheduling conflicts and compliance issues.

Background Information

Exclusion Rules create buffer zones around approved time off requests by automatically blocking personnel from being assigned to Call Shifts or Mandatories within a specified timeframe before or after their time off period. 

Common use cases include preventing shifts immediately before vacation time, ensuring rest periods after medical leave, and maintaining compliance with labor agreements that require buffer periods around time off.

Required Permissions

1. Access Scheduling 
2. Access Setup

Video
 

Step-by-Step Guide
 

Accessing Exclusion Rules Configuration

1. Navigate to Scheduling Setup
   • Click on Scheduling in the main navigation menu
   • Select Setup from the dropdown options
      

1. Access Time Off Settings
   • Click on Time Off Settings in the left navigation panel
      

1. Open Exclusion Rules
   • Click on Exclusion Rules tab to access the rule configuration area
      

Creating a New Exclusion Rule

4. Initiate Rule Creation
   • Click the Add Rule button to open the exclusion rule configuration form
      

4. Configure Rule Application Scope
   • Select whether the rule applies to Call Shifts, Mandatory assignments, or both
   • This determines which types of scheduling assignments will be affected by the exclusion rule
5. Select Time Off Types
   • Choose which specific time off types will trigger the exclusion rule
   • Multiple time off types can be selected for a single rule
   • Options typically include vacation, sick leave, personal time, medical leave, and other department-specific categories
6. Set Exclusion Time Periods
   • Enter the number of hours before the time off period when scheduling should be blocked
   • Enter the number of hours after the time off period when scheduling should be blocked
   • These buffer periods ensure adequate rest and preparation time
7. Save the Rule
   • Click the Save icon to activate the exclusion rule
   • The rule will immediately become active in the scheduling system
      

4. Verify Rule Creation
   • Confirm the new exclusion rule appears in the active rules list
   • The rule will now automatically apply to future scheduling operations
      

Best Practices

Rule Configuration:

• Start with conservative buffer periods and adjust based on operational needs and feedback
• Consider different buffer periods for different types of time off (e.g., longer buffers for medical leave)
• Coordinate exclusion rule timing with existing labor agreements and department policies

Time Off Type Selection:

• Apply rules to time off types that genuinely require rest periods rather than all categories
• Consider whether emergency or short-notice time off should have different exclusion parameters
• Review and update time off type selections when new leave categories are added

Monitoring and Maintenance:

• Regularly review exclusion rules to ensure they align with current operational needs
• Monitor scheduling conflicts to determine if buffer periods need adjustment
• Document rule purposes and parameters for future reference and training

Avoid These Common Mistakes:

• Setting excessively long buffer periods that create unnecessary scheduling gaps
• Applying the same exclusion parameters to all time off types without considering their unique requirements
• Creating rules without consulting with supervisors who manage daily scheduling operations

Troubleshooting & FAQs
 

1. Q: Why isn't my exclusion rule preventing certain scheduling assignments?
    
   1. A: Verify that the rule is configured for the correct shift types (Call Shifts vs. Mandatory) and that the time off type matches what was used in the personnel's request. Also check that the rule was saved properly and appears in the active rules list.
       
2. Q: Can I modify an existing exclusion rule?
    
   1. A: Yes, locate the rule in the Exclusion Rules list, select it for editing, make your changes, and save. Changes will apply to future scheduling operations but won't affect already-approved schedules.
       
3. Q: How do exclusion rules interact with manual scheduling overrides?
    
   1. A: Exclusion rules typically prevent automatic scheduling assignments but may allow administrative overrides when necessary. 
       
4. Q: Can I set different exclusion periods for weekdays versus weekends?
    
   1. A: Standard exclusion rules apply uniformly regardless of day type.