Microsoft StaffHub is a revolutionary app that is designed to help ‘deskless workers’ manage their shift schedules as well as communicate and share information in an intuitive way. To enable this ‘App’ for workers, the staff manager can add and invite them to install this app by sending a link from https://staffhub.ms/. Alternatively, a worker can self serve by accessing the app on the web, iOS or Android.
This post details how to install Microsoft StaffHub on an Android mobile device, so let’s get started!
How to install Microsoft StaffHub app on mobile?
The app can be installed using the link sent by Text Message or can be downloaded on iOS and Android based devices. There is no difference in functionality across Android or iOS, however there are some changes in the UI. Additionally, it’s important to note that this app is not currently available in the Microsoft App Store.
To use the App, the user needs have an activated account within Office 365 and be part of (at least) a ‘Kiosk plan (K1)‘.
This is a screenshot illustrating what the app looks like in the App Store:
If the App is already installed on the mobile device then the user can sign in directly. If not, sign in can be done by registering a mobile number (or work account email address) on the below screen.
Enter your mobile number or work account and then click ‘Next’:
What will you get on the app user interface after signin?
After signing in, there are four menus on the screen (‘My Shifts‘, ‘Requests‘, ‘Messages‘ and ‘Files‘). Let’s take a look at each one.
My Shifts Screen
If you’ve no shifts configured then the following screen appears:
Let’s add a new shift and see what it looks like:
Requests Screen
The ‘Requests’ screen allows the deskless worker to swap or offer the shift to a co-worker. You can also request time off. Once created, the request is routed to the Line Manager for approval.
If the Manager approves the request, you can see an update on the following screen:
Here’s a list of all my requests along with the status (Approved or Declined):
The ‘Messages’ Screen
Nearly all deskless teams need ways to communicate with other workers. StaffHub faciliates this with a group chat facility.
Messages can either be sent to the whole team or any one individual within the group:
Here’s a way to access of all the Team and individual messages:
Files Screen
The last major requirement that ‘deskless work’ often needs is the ability to share files with other team members.
The following screen illustrates how a file is displayed with StaffHub. Obviously, when you click on the file it will open on the phone (assuming there’s an application capable of displaying it).
On Android this is how a PDF is displayed when tapped:
The Calendar
Microsoft StaffHub app also offers a calendar (in the right corner of the screen), which allows you to check schedules, as depicted in the screen:
Settings Menu
Finally, there is also a menu in the App allowing you to view the team members. And, sign out can be done from the app:
Frequently Asked Questions about StaffHub
Here are the answers to a few questions that you may be wondering about. Feel free to ask any others in the comments…
Does everyone need an Office 365 license to use this app?
No, the Office 365 admin can add a staff member without assigning a license and can assign them to the ‘DesklessWorker’ group to provide access to StaffHub app on mobile. As depicted in the screenshot below:
How can a Staff Manager add a new ‘DesklessWorker’ to the team?
Once a new member is added into the ‘active user’s’ list of Office 365. The manage can find and add that newly activated user in the team. An automated Text Message goes to the registered mobile number with a link to download the StaffHub app. The following screen is used to add team member in the StaffHub
Can the staff manager send customized message to workers?
Staff managers can send customized messages to staff members, but the default welcome message can’t be customized yet.
Where are the uploaded files stored in StaffHub?
At the time of team creation, Microsoft StaffHub automatically creates a document library in Office 365 to upload all the files and allows rendering them on mobile devices. Below is the screenshot of the document library that has uploaded files. This is very cool!
