Who's On WhatGuide
How to build a fair team rota
A fair rota is not one where every person has identical hours on every duty. It is one where the rules are visible, constraints are respected and less popular work is shared deliberately.
Start with constraints, not names
Record contracted hours, working patterns, leave, skills and genuine availability before assigning work. This prevents a visually balanced rota that is impossible in practice.
Define the coverage you actually need
Write down the minimum cover for each channel or responsibility by time of day. Separate essential cover from work that can move.
Share difficult duties fairly
Review totals across several weeks, not only one. Rotate unpopular assignments and explain any exceptions.
Leave room for change
A rota planned to 100% capacity is fragile. Keep some flexibility for demand, absence and urgent work.
Review before publishing
Check gaps, clashes, long runs on one duty and whether focused work has been protected. Then give everyone one current version.