In This Release
This release includes improvements to the Help Center experience, new Time Off Request notifications in the Native App, and several fixes to improve the reliability of Time Off Requests, Shift Swaps, and app settings.
New Features & Improvements
Help Center: Updated Chat Bubble Placement
Native App: Time Off Request Notifications
Native App: Time Off Request Approved/Declined Notifications
What's Improved
Native App: Unavailability and Theme Settings
Shift Swap Portal
Time Off Requests
Help Center: Updated Chat Bubble Placement
Overview
The Intercom Chat bubble has been moved to the Help Center landing page.
The chat bubble will now appear only when you are on the main Help Center landing page rather than throughout Help Center articles.
When to Use This
If you need assistance while browsing the Help Center, return to the Help Center landing page to access the Chat bubble.
Step-by-Step
While within your Shiftlab Account > select 'Help Center'. Shown below.
This will open the Help Center landing page.
Select the Chat bubble to contact Support. Shown below.
FAQ
Why don't I see the Chat bubble while viewing an article?
The Chat bubble is now displayed only on the Help Center landing page. Return to the main Help Center page to access Chat. This change occurred on Sept 3rd 2026.
Native App: New Time Off Request Notification
Overview
Employees and their direct approvers will now receive notifications when a new Time Off Request is submitted.
When an employee submits a Time Off Request, a push notification is sent to the employee's direct approver—their immediate leadership responsible for approving the request.
The notification also provides quick access to the pending request within the Time Off Portal.
When to Use This
This notification helps approvers stay informed when a new Time Off Request requires their attention.
How It Works
An employee submits a Time Off Request.
The employee's direct approver receives a push notification.
The approver selects the notification.
Shiftlab opens the pending request directly within the Time Off Portal.
The approver can review and respond to the request.
FAQ
Who receives the notification?
The notification is sent to the requester's direct approver.
Does the notification open the Time Off Request?
Yes. Selecting the notification deep links directly to the pending request within the Time Off Portal.
Native App: Time Off Request Approved or Declined Notification
Overview
Employees will now receive a push notification when their Time Off Request has been approved or declined by leadership.
The notification lets the employee know the outcome and provides quick access to their requests within the Time Off Portal.
When to Use This
No action is required. Notifications are automatically sent when leadership responds to a Time Off Request.
How It Works
An employee submits a Time Off Request.
Leadership reviews the request.
The request is either approved or declined.
The employee receives a push notification with the outcome.
Selecting the notification takes the employee directly to My Requests within the Time Off Portal.
FAQ
Who receives the notification?
The employee who originally submitted the Time Off Request.
Will I be notified whether my request is approved or declined?
Yes. A push notification will be sent when leadership responds to your request.
Where does the notification take me?
Selecting the notification opens the My Requests list within the Time Off Portal.
What's Improved in This Release
We've also made several improvements throughout Shiftlab to improve reliability, consistency, and the overall user experience.
Unavailability Improvements
Repeating Unavailability added through the FAB (Floating Action Button) can now be saved correctly.
Theme Settings Improvements
We've resolved an issue where a user's selected theme could revert to the standard/light theme after force-closing the app. Your selected theme will now be retained when the app is reopened.
Shift Swap Improvements
We've also resolved minor user interface issues within the Shift Swap Portal to provide a smoother and more consistent experience.
Time Off Request Improvements
We've improved how consecutive Time Off Requests are handled during the approval process.
Previously, separately submitted requests covering consecutive days could incorrectly appear as one combined request when viewed for approval on the Schedule page.
What's Improved:
Separately submitted Time Off Requests remain separate during the approval process.
Only the days included in the individual submitted request will be included when leadership approves or declines the request.
This provides a more accurate view of what was actually requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update the Native App to receive the new notifications?
We recommend using the latest version of the Shiftlab Native App to ensure you have access to the latest features and improvements.
Who receives a new Time Off Request notification?
The notification is sent to the employee's direct approver.
Who receives an approval or decline notification?
The employee who submitted the Time Off Request receives the notification.
Can I access the Time Off Request directly from the notification?
Yes. Approvers are taken directly to the pending request, while employees are taken to their My Requests list.
Why did my theme change back after I closed the app?
An issue that could cause the selected theme to revert after force-closing the app has been resolved.
What happens if I submit separate Time Off Requests for consecutive days?
Each request will remain separate. Approvers will only approve or decline the specific days included in the individual request.
Where can I access Chat in the Help Center?
The Chat bubble is now available on the Help Center landing page.