This section is used to define staff-based special requests and leave entries entered before schedule generation within the scope of HR (Human Resources) planning.
While generating a solution, the algorithm tries to satisfy special requests as much as possible. However, leave entries are strict constraints and must always be enforced. If leave constraints cannot be satisfied, the algorithm cannot generate a solution.
Within this scope, two different actions can be performed from the “Add to Plan” button located at the top right of the HR Planning screen:
Add Special Requests (Soft Constraint)
Add Leave (Hard Constraint)
Add Special Requests (Soft Constraints)
Special requests are preferences that the algorithm considers whenever possible, but they are not mandatory.
The algorithm does not invalidate the solution in order to satisfy these requests. If no suitable solution exists, the request may not be applied.
Special requests can be defined in two different types:
1. Rest Day (Special Request)
This indicates that the staff member prefers not to work on a specific day, if possible.
Example:
“If possible, I would like the 26th of this month to be my day off.”
This request:
Is fulfilled if a suitable solution exists.
May be ignored if no suitable solution is available.
2. Shift Assignment (Special Request)
This indicates that the staff member prefers to work a specific shift on a specific day, if possible.
Examples:
“If possible, I would like to work the morning shift on this day.”
“If possible, I would like to be assigned to the evening shift on the 15th of next month.”
These types of requests:
Are not binding for the algorithm.
The algorithm tries to satisfy them.
If no suitable solution exists, they may be ignored.
How to Add a Special Request?
Go to the HR Planning screen.
Click Add to Plan → Add Special Request.
Select the request type.
Select the staff member.
Choose one of the three date selection methods:
Single Selection
Range
Multiple Selection
If Rest Day is selected, specify the leave type in the Reason field; if Shift Assignment is selected, choose the requested shift in the Shift field.
Optionally add a note and save.
Note: Since special requests are soft constraints, they are not guaranteed to be fulfilled.
Add Leave (Hard Constraints)
Leave entries are strict constraints that the algorithm must always comply with.
On defined leave days, the relevant staff member is never included in planning.
There are two different types of leave available on the leave entry screen:
1. Rest Day (A Rest Day is Not Paid)
The staff member does not work on that day.
Working time is counted as 0 hours.
It does not contribute to weekly or monthly working hours.
2. Day Off (A Day Off is Paid)
The staff member does not work on that day.
However, depending on the leave type and its defined working-hour value, it is counted as worked hours.
Example:
Annual Leave → may be counted as 9 worked hours
Sick Leave → may be counted as 6 worked hours
These hours:
Are included in weekly working hour calculations.
Are included in monthly working hour calculations.
Are considered in the automatic scheduling solution.
For this reason, paid leave should be evaluated together with hour limits and minimum–maximum working conditions.
How to Add Leave?
Go to the HR Planning screen.
Click Add to Plan → Add Leave.
Select the leave type.
Select the staff member.
Choose one of the three date selection methods:
Single Selection
Range
Multiple Selection
Optionally add a note and save.
Important: Since leave entries are hard constraints, the algorithm cannot violate these days.
Date Selection Types
Both Special Requests and Leave entries support three date selection methods:
Single Selection: Select a specific single day
Range: Select a start and end date
Multiple Selection: Select multiple specific days within the month
Quick Summary
Special Requests
Soft constraints
Applied if a suitable solution exists
Not fulfilling them does not invalidate the schedule
Leave
Hard constraints
Mandatory for the algorithm
Paid leave is included in working hour calculations