The answer is a resounding yes — because you deserve a scheduling system that gives you peace of mind, not sleepless nights.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the bookings are rolling in. But while your customers are focused on each other, you’re probably staring at a rota that somehow doesn’t add up — again. In hospitality and retail, 14 February can make or break the day, but for plenty of managers it feels more like a relationship stress test… with their current scheduling setup.
Still working with outdated spreadsheets or a system that refuses to cooperate? Then chances are you’re showing all the classic signs of a bad relationship. It hurts to admit it, but sometimes the love is gone — and it’s time to look for a “partner” that actually listens to you.
3 signs your relationship with Excel is “toxic”
It used to be simple — you completely understood each other. You had a small team, a tidy little file, and that was enough. But your business has grown and times have changed, while your spreadsheet is still stuck in the past. On peak days like Valentine’s Day, the cracks in the relationship show up fast. Finding yourself getting more and more frustrated with the rota? Chances are you’ll recognise these three red flags.
1. Communication is poor
You add the rota to the file and email it around… and then your phone blows up. You get three WhatsApps, a sticky note on your desk, and an email back saying someone can’t work after all. The result: pure chaos and crossed wires. On the busiest night of the year, you suddenly end up one person short behind the bar — because Excel didn’t “mention” that Bart has an evening class. In a healthy relationship (and a well-run business), clear communication is the foundation. A static spreadsheet, however, can’t talk back.
2. It drains you
A good partner gives you energy. A bad one takes it. Ask yourself how many hours you spend every week fixing broken formulas, manually copying hours over, and shuffling shifts until it somehow fits. If you’re lying awake at night worrying about the rota instead of dreaming about great sales figures, it’s time to pull the plug. Your workforce scheduling software should work for you — not against you.
3. You don’t get support when it really matters
On a day like Valentine’s Day, you want to know exactly where you stand. Are we breaking even? Are labour costs still in line with expected revenue? Your spreadsheet probably just stares back at you with empty cells. It doesn’t offer insights, forecasts, or warnings when you’re about to blow your budget. When it’s crunch time, you’re on your own — exactly when you could really use a bit of backup.
Time for a new love: Shiftbase
Breaking up is hard — especially when you’ve been together for years. Maybe you’re thinking, “But I know exactly how this file works.” That’s usually just fear of the unknown, because the truth is: you deserve better. There are plenty of better fish in the sea — and they can make your life a whole lot easier. Shiftbase is the “partner” that actually ticks all the boxes and understands what you need.
Imagine a partner who doesn’t just take, but also gives. While Excel has you spending hours trying to make everything fit, smart workforce scheduling software takes the heavy lifting off your plate. Here’s what you can expect from a healthy relationship with your system:
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It actually listens to you: Where your old setup was conveniently deaf, Shiftbase is all ears. Employees use the app to share their availability and time-off requests. You approve or decline — and it’s instantly confirmed in the rota. No more mixed signals, just clear agreements everyone can rely on.
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It’s flexible and thinks along with you: Plans change — especially in hospitality. Need to swap a shift? It’s sorted in two clicks, and the relevant employees get a notification straight away. The system works with you, not against you, so you’ve got headspace for the things that actually matter.
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It backs you up when it’s busy: This might be the best part. Shiftbase shows you in real time whether you’re staying within budget. While the receipt printer is going non-stop on Valentine’s Day, you can glance at your screen and see your labour costs are still under control. That’s the kind of support you need to stay calm and confident on the floor.
Love at first sight
Do you remember what it feels like to fall in love? That light, buzzy feeling in your head — the energy it gives you. That’s exactly what good software can do for you. The moment you make the switch, you’ll notice the difference straight away. No more mess with random notes lying around or endless phone calls — just a calmer, smoother operation.
And it’s not only about saving you time — your team will be happier too. Staff know exactly where they stand, can request time off easily, and always have their rota in their pocket. A happier team creates a better atmosphere on the floor, and that shows in the experience your customers get. And really, that’s the whole point: delivering great service without the admin chaos distracting you.
Choose yourself (and your team)
Valentine’s Day is the perfect moment to stop settling for less. You don’t have to keep muddling through with a system that frustrates you. Break up with those static spreadsheets and choose a solution that gets your hospitality heart beating for the right reasons. Happy staff, happy you, happy customers.
Ready to break the cycle?
