Today I focused on implementing two significant enhancements to our system: shift adjustment capabilities and the foundation for a comprehensive overtime request module. These features give organizations more flexibility in managing schedule changes and properly tracking additional hours.
I began by designing the shift adjustment system, which allows managers to modify existing shifts in response to changing operational needs. Unlike simple edits to shift records, adjustments maintain a clear history of the original schedule and all subsequent changes, providing an audit trail for compliance and reporting purposes.
The implementation required creating a new database structure for tracking adjustment records, including the original shift details, modified parameters, reason for adjustment, and approval information. I built a flexible schema that accommodates various types of adjustments including time changes, location reassignments, duty modifications, and supervisor reassignments.
For the user interface, I developed an intuitive adjustment form that appears when managers select the “Adjust Shift” option from a shift’s context menu. The form dynamically adapts based on the type of adjustment being made, showing only relevant fields and validation rules. It also includes capabilities for batch adjustments when similar changes need to be applied to multiple shifts simultaneously.
I implemented business rules that govern when adjustments are allowed based on organization policies. For example, some organizations might prohibit adjustments less than 24 hours before a shift starts, while others might allow them with special approval. These rules are configurable at the organization level and can vary by department or employee type.
In the afternoon, I shifted focus to creating the overtime request system. This new module allows employees to formally request overtime hours and managers to review and approve these requests before the work is performed. The system integrates with both the scheduling and time tracking components to ensure proper payment and compliance with labor regulations.
I designed a comprehensive database schema for overtime requests that tracks essential information including the requesting employee, proposed overtime hours, justification, affected shifts, approval status, and relevant timestamps. The schema includes appropriate foreign key relationships to employees, shifts, and departments to enable sophisticated reporting and analysis.
For the basic request workflow, I implemented a multi-step process:
- Employees submit requests specifying the date, time range, and reason for overtime
- The system validates requests against business rules (maximum hours, advance notice requirements)
- Notifications are sent to appropriate approvers based on organizational hierarchy
- Approvers can review, approve, deny, or request modifications to overtime requests
- Upon approval, the system automatically updates relevant shifts and payroll calculations
By the end of the day, I had completed the core functionality for shift adjustments and laid the groundwork for the overtime request system. The adjustment feature is now fully functional, while the overtime system has the database structure and basic API endpoints implemented. Tomorrow I’ll focus on improving the user interface for these new modules to ensure they provide an intuitive experience for both employees and managers.