Templates for cancelled shifts and sending staff home
Some messages are unwelcome no matter how you word them. Say it early, say it plainly, and keep anything personal out of a group text.
Don’t fire anyone by text. Disciplinary conversations and terminations belong in person or by phone. A text should only ever set up that conversation — never replace it.
Cancelled shifts
Your shift [Thu 6am-noon] is CANCELLED - we're overstaffed this week. Sorry for the change. Rest of your week is the same.
Slow forecast tomorrow - cancelling [2] shifts: [Names]. Sorry for the short notice. I'll make it up next week.
Event cancelled, so [Sat] extra shifts are off. If you were scheduled only for the event, you're free [Sat].
Slow days
It's dead today. Anyone want to go home early? Reply YES - first two get it.
Very slow tonight - looking for 1 person to leave at [7pm]. Reply YES if you'd like to.
One-on-one: please don’t come in
These go to a single employee, never a group. Keep them neutral and short, and move to a call or meeting immediately.
[Name], please don't come in for your shift today. I need to talk with you first - I'll call at [11am].
[Name], you're off the schedule this week while we sort out [the issue]. Can we meet [Mon 10am]?
[Name], please stay home if you're sick. Text me when you're feeling better and we'll get you back on.
Send to everyone, or just one person
Broadcast to the team, or on Airhorn Plus, message one employee privately in Conversations.
Free for 7 days and 60 messages — no credit card. Your trial starts when you send your first broadcast, not when you sign up.