As the cold embrace of winter loosens its grip, spring heralds the arrival of warmer weather, blooming flowers, and a renewed sense of vitality. It's a season that inspires many to step outside, travel, and enjoy the great outdoors. For businesses, especially those relying on shift work, this seasonal shift often coincides with an increase in time-off requests. Preparing for this uptick without disrupting operations can be challenging, but ShiftLink's advanced shift scheduling software is designed to seamlessly manage these seasonal changes, ensuring both business continuity and employee satisfaction.
Springtime is synonymous with vacation plans, outdoor events, and family gatherings. Employees are more likely to request time off to enjoy the season, leading to potential staffing challenges. Anticipating and planning for these requests is crucial for maintaining smooth operations. ShiftLink offers predictive scheduling features that help managers forecast and prepare for seasonal staffing needs, ensuring that your business is well-equipped to handle the springtime surge in time-off requests.
Flexibility is key to balancing employee needs with business requirements. ShiftLink’s flexible scheduling system allows employees to easily list their availability, swap/modify shifts, or pick up extra shifts through a user-friendly interface. This level of flexibility empowers employees to enjoy their springtime activities without compromising the business’s operational needs, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing employee satisfaction.
One of the challenges of managing seasonal time-off requests is ensuring fairness and transparency in the scheduling process. ShiftLink’s transparent scheduling system provides a clear view of who is working, who is off, and why, reducing potential conflicts and misunderstandings. This transparency helps maintain a fair and equitable scheduling process, where employees feel valued and respected.
Effective communication is vital during high-demand seasons. ShiftLink streamlines communication between managers and employees, through broadcast messaging. This efficient communication ensures that all parties are informed and can plan accordingly, minimizing last-minute scheduling crises and improving overall operational efficiency.
1. Utilize Predictive Scheduling: Leverage ShiftLink’s predictive scheduling features to anticipate and prepare for increased time-off requests during spring.
2. Promote Flexible Scheduling: Encourage employees to use ShiftLink’s flexible scheduling options to manage their springtime plans without impacting business operations.
3. Ensure Fairness and Transparency: Use ShiftLink to maintain a transparent scheduling process, ensuring fair treatment of all employees.
4. Streamline Communication: Take advantage of ShiftLink’s communication tools to keep everyone informed and engaged, facilitating a smoother scheduling process.
As spring approaches, businesses must adapt to the seasonal increase in time-off requests. ShiftLink’s shift scheduling software provides the tools and flexibility needed to manage these changes effectively, ensuring both operational success and employee satisfaction. By preparing in advance with ShiftLink, your business can embrace the spring season with confidence, ready to thrive in the warm weather ahead.
Springtime doesn't have to be a scheduling headache. With ShiftLink, your business can navigate the seasonal shift smoothly, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy the warmer weather while keeping your operations running seamlessly.
Managing staff in nursing, long-term care, or at a homeless shelter is tough. You're handling a team that's more like a family.
And when someone leaves, it hits hard.
The problem with staff turnover goes beyond simply finding someone to cover a shift. It's also about keeping everyone going, making sure your patients or clients don't feel the difference, and somehow keeping yourself together, too.
It’s hard enough when you already feel like you're always playing catch-up, always trying to keep everyone happy. When someone decides to move on, you're worrying about how to keep giving top-notch care with one less pair of hands.
One important yet often-overlooked factor in staff turnover is shift management. When staff schedules are unpredictable, unfair, or just plain chaotic, the stress it adds can make even the most dedicated team members reconsider their role.
In this post, we’ll explore how smarter shift management and scheduling can help address the root causes of staff turnover, offering real solutions to keep your team intact, satisfied, and focused on what they do best — caring for others.
Together, let’s turn the tide on turnover.
At ShiftLink, we know your time matters. We know your work matters. Interrupting your focus on caring for others to perform the time-consuming task of filling shifts in a pinch is frustrating at best. ShiftLink is not a band-aid fix. It is a response to your deepest need — to spend more time on what truly matters. We have created a software that will ease every pain point related to shift scheduling. Request a demo today or send us an email to learn more.
Losing a team member is means more than saying goodbye. It's costly on multiple levels.
First, there's the obvious: the costs of finding someone and training them on your organization’s policies and procedures. After all, no two clinics, hospitals, or shelters are exactly alike.
Depending on the size and nature of your organization, that onboarding process could be time and money you feel you don't have.
Beyond what appears on the balance sheet, there are costs that cut deeper when it comes to staff, patient, and client well-being.
When a staff member leaves, it's like dropping a pebble in a pond. The ripples go out, touching everything. The rest of their team's got to pick up the slack, which means more work for everyone.
Overtime increases, mistakes are made, and ultimately, the quality of care takes a hit. And that's the last thing any of us want.
Your remaining staff become increasingly overworked, feeling underappreciated and burned out. And when they leave in turn, it starts all over again with someone else.
It's a vicious cycle.
Right now, shift management might seem like just another task on your already-long to-do list.
But when it comes to mitigating staff turnover, shift management should not be overlooked.
When the same few folks end up working back-to-back shifts, or consistently get stuck with the less desired holiday or weekend shifts, it's a problem. It feels unfair, and that's when frustration kicks in.
Research shows us that the shift schedules, including the length of shifts and the amount of overtime required, significantly influences nurse turnover rates. It’s likely that this trend applies to other 'caring' professions, which see similar health effects and burnout rates as nurses as well.
On the other hand, when scheduling is done right, people notice. They're happier, they stick around longer, and they're all in. It's a game-changer for job satisfaction and keeping your team together.
That's where smart shift management software steps in — it takes the guesswork out, making sure shifts are covered, and everyone's happy.
Imagine a world where there's no dread around the schedule going up.
Instead, there's a system that's clear, easy to understand, and fair. A system where requests for time off are handled smoothly, and there's plenty of notice for shifts.
That's the kind of environment where people thrive. They feel in control of their work-life balance, less burnt out, and more satisfied with their job altogether.
In the end, it's simple. When people are happy with their schedules, they're happier at work. They do a better job and stick around longer. Everyone wins — your team, your patients or clients, and you.
Fairness in shift scheduling is huge. When everyone gets a shot at the shifts they prefer, and the workload's spread out evenly, no one's left feeling overworked or overlooked. Instead, your staff feel respected and valued.
On paper, it sounds golden. But in practice, getting to that kind of smooth, equitable shift process is much easier said than done. You have to know exactly who's available, their shift preferences, and their seniority at all times, then somehow fit it together like a puzzle. Without the right tools, it's a tough puzzle to solve.
That’s why shift management solutions like ShiftLink can be a lifeline for those in the trenches of nursing, long-term care, and shelters.
ShiftLink is all about making your day-to-day smoother, your team happier, and your job easier. And while ShiftLink’s shift management software is packed with features, we want to discuss three that really stand out when it comes to mitigating staff turnover: automated shift callout, smart scheduling, and overtime alerts and reporting.
Ever feel like you're spending all your time just trying to fill vacant shifts? It's like a never-ending game of tag, except it's not fun. In fact, it’s stressful for everyone.
No one likes being cooped up in an office, going down the list, begging for someone to step in on their day off to ensure you’re not short-staffed. And not everyone is keen to take up a shift on short notice.
ShiftLink ends the scramble to fill vacant shifts at the last minute. In just a few clicks, eligible staff are notified about open shifts through our app or email. It respects everyone's preferences and seniority, making the whole process smooth and stress-free.
No more frantic calls. No more guilt-tripping staff into taking shifts. Shifts get filled fast, fair, and without the headache.
We know how complex scheduling can be. You’re balancing different roles, locations, seniority, personal preferences, and more.
ShiftLink's smart scheduling gives you a clear, easy-to-navigate view of everything. You can post shifts, see who's available, and even handle those last-minute changes without breaking a sweat.
It's scheduling made simple, transparent, and fair, giving your team the stability and balance they need.
Overtime can sneak up on you, and before you know it, your team is overworked and your budget's in trouble.
With ShiftLink, you get real-time alerts and in-depth reports on overtime. It's like having a watchdog for your team's well-being and your bottom line. You can easily see who's close to hitting overtime before it happens, allowing you to make smarter decisions about shift assignments.
This feature keeps everyone happy. Your team avoids burnout, and you stay on top of your budget!
ShiftLink’s scheduling software has unique features that are designed to keep things simple, but effective, one shift at a time. We're here to help you manage the juggle of staffing, ensure everyone feels valued, and keep your focus where it really belongs — on providing excellent care.
By addressing the root causes of staff turnover, including scheduling headaches, excessive overtime, and the feeling of being undervalued, smart shift management tools like ShiftLink offer a path forward. It's a path that leads to a more stable, satisfied workforce, where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.
Turnover is tough, but so are you. And with ShiftLink by your side, you're more than equipped to turn the tide, creating a more stable, supportive, and fulfilling workplace for everyone. Together, we can make a difference — one shift, one day, one team member at a time.
At ShiftLink, we know your time matters. We know your work matters. Interrupting your focus on caring for others to perform the time-consuming task of filling shifts in a pinch is frustrating at best. ShiftLink is not a band-aid fix. It is a response to your deepest need — to spend more time on what truly matters. We have created a software that will ease every pain point related to shift scheduling. Request a demo today or send us an email to learn more.
"Working nights must be great. You've got your days all to yourself!"
Sound familiar? It’s a common refrain from well-meaning friends of shift workers around the world.
But anyone who’s ever actually tried juggling the night shift with social and family life knows that statement is far from the truth.
While others are soaking up the sun or enjoying their morning coffee, shift workers like you are pulling down the shades and trying to catch some much-needed sleep. After a long night's work, sleep and recuperation are the only thing on your mind — not social engagements or errands.
Yet, the world doesn't always understand or accommodate this reversed schedule, leaving you feeling like you're living in a time zone all on your own.
We understand that balancing shift work schedules with social and family life is no small feat. In this post, we’ll offer practical advice, real-life tips, and a good dose of understanding to help you maintain those precious relationships and connections, even when your work schedule seems to be conspiring against you.
At ShiftLink, we know your time matters. We know your work matters. Interrupting your focus on caring for others to perform the time-consuming task of filling shifts in a pinch is frustrating at best. ShiftLink is not a band-aid fix. It is a response to your deepest need — to spend more time on what truly matters. We have created a software that will ease every pain point related to shift scheduling. Request a demo today or send us an email to learn more.
The life of a shift worker is filled with unique challenges that go beyond the workplace, and one of the biggest challenges is social isolation.
And it's not just a feeling. It's a reality backed by hard facts.
Research reveals a stark difference in the social lives of shift workers compared to their day-working counterparts. For instance, while 20.8% of day workers are single, this figure jumps to 30.8% among shift workers. Another study showed that 31% of evening and 27% of night shift workers report feeling socially isolated, a stark contrast to the 9% reported in a general community sample.
But it's not just about the numbers. The real-life impact of these statistics is felt every day. For those of you working in the evening or at night, participating in leisure activities or simply catching up with friends becomes a logistical nightmare.
When the rest of the world is winding down, you're gearing up for work, and vice versa. This misalignment with the conventional 9-to-5 schedule can leave you out of social gatherings and lead to a profound sense of disconnection.
The physical toll of shift work is a further complication. Evening-shift workers often grapple with difficulties in winding down after shifts and engaging in spare-time activities. Night-shift workers, on the other hand, often experience physical symptoms like headaches and mood swings, which also hurts their quality of life and social interactions.
Family life doesn't escape unscathed, either. Shift work can strain family dynamics, creating stress and reducing the quality time that parents can spend with their kids. This reduction in family time means missing out on many of those simple, everyday moments that bond a family together — like school drop-offs and pick-ups, family dinners or soccer practices.
Walking the tightrope between your shift work schedule and a fulfilling social life requires a fine balance. It means setting boundaries, being honest about your availability, and understanding the importance of self-care.
Here are some practical strategies that can help you maintain your social connections while looking after your personal health.
Be upfront with your friends and family about your availability. Your loved ones might not fully understand the demands of shift work at first, so it's important to set clear expectations.
Boundaries are essential — they allow you to protect your rest time, which is vital for your health and well-being. For example, it’s often helpful to explain that your 'night' might be their 'noon' and vice versa. This perspective can help them appreciate why you can't always join daytime activities.
Resist the urge to overcommit. Instead, pick a few important dates or events and plan around them. This selective approach means you can fully enjoy your social engagements without compromising your rest or feeling overwhelmed.
You don’t have to be present at every after-school activity, every game night, and every potluck dinner to be a great friend, spouse, or parent. The quality of time you spend with your loved ones far outweighs the quantity.
Connect with colleagues or community groups that share similar schedules. These are the people who truly understand the intricacies of balancing life around shift work. Engaging in activities or forming bonds with those on similar timetables can provide a sense of normalcy and comraderie.
Look ahead and mark your calendar for social events, vacation days, or even routine family activities. This forward-planning ensures that you can align your rest periods with your social commitments, allowing you to be fully present during those cherished moments with family and friends.
Take the initiative to plan activities yourself! This proactive approach puts you in control of your social life. Whether it's a brunch after your night shift or an early evening gathering before your shift starts, organizing events according to your schedule can help you stay socially connected without compromising your work or rest.
In times when physical presence is impossible, online communities and friendships can be a lifeline. Digital platforms offer many ways to stay connected, engage in shared interests, and find support among those who understand the demands of shift work.
After a shift, allow yourself some wind-down time. This transition period is crucial for shifting from work mode to personal life or rest. It's a buffer that helps you manage stress and improves your overall well-being.
Balancing social life and shift work is undeniably challenging, but it's also an opportunity to be creative and intentional about how you manage your time. By setting clear boundaries, communicating openly, and planning ahead, you can create a fulfilling social life that works in harmony with your shift work schedule.
It's all about finding what works best for you and your unique circumstances.
Shift work presents many challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining relationships and connections outside of work.
But while the world of shift work comes with its hardships, it also fosters a unique bond among those who share the experience.
If you're a shift worker, especially in high-pressure roles like healthcare or social services, you’ve definitely noticed the special camaraderie that develops among colleagues. It's a kind of solidarity that arises from working while the rest of the world sleeps — from the challenges of a life turned upside down by irregular hours, to the surreal experience of managing crises while the rest of the world slumbers.
It's important to recognize the value of the close-knit relationships formed among shift workers. These bonds can be a source of immense support and understanding. They can be the pillars you lean on when the going gets tough or when you feel out of step with the rest of the world.
Your schedule might be unconventional, but it doesn't have to isolate you. We hope that the advice we’ve shared here can help you navigate the peculiar rhythms of shift work and emerge with a vibrant social life that complements, rather than conflicts with, your professional responsibilities.
It's also important to recognize that the challenge of balancing shift work and social life isn't just a personal issue — it's a key contributor to shift worker burnout. The constant juggling act between work demands and the need for personal time can take a toll on even the most resilient individuals.
This is where ShiftLink steps into the picture. ShiftLink isn't just a solution for filling shifts quickly — it's a tool designed to address the deep-seated needs of shift workers and managers alike. ShiftLink offers a way to give employees the flexibility they require to manage their personal lives effectively. This, in turn, can lead to improved job satisfaction, reduced burnout rates, and a healthier work-life balance.
At ShiftLink, we understand that your time matters, and so does your well-being. ShiftLink is designed to ease every pain point related to shift scheduling, offering a path to greater autonomy and flexibility for shift workers.
Request a demo today or send us an email to learn more about how ShiftLink can transform your scheduling challenges into opportunities for a better work-life balance.
Homelessness is more than just a statistic — it's a reality that affects people in every part of the world.
In 2022, over 421,000 people in the U.S. alone were counted as unhoused, with nearly 128,000 being chronically unhoused. What's more, about 28 percent of these were families with children. And on any given night, about 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness are left to find refuge in places not meant for living, like sidewalks, vehicles, or abandoned buildings.
At ShiftLink, we work closely with those who work in shelters through our scheduling solutions. This blog post draws upon information from reputable sources like the National Alliance to End Homelessness to shed light on the causes and contributing factors of this homelessness crisis.
About the Terminology in this Article
“Homeless” is widely recognized to describe people without a permanent residence, but it carries a stigma. The term “unhoused” is gaining popularity as a more neutral alternative to "homeless”, since it simply describes the state of being without a house, without implying negative aspects of the person or their life. "Unhoused" also focuses on systemic failures, like the government's inability to provide decent housing, instead of blame on the individual.
In this article, we refer to the “homelessness crisis” in reference to the broader society issue of the lack of stable housing, while using terms like “unhoused” and “experiencing homelessness” in reference to people. The use of person-first language, such as "people experiencing homelessness," emphasizes the individuality and humanity of each person, rather than defining them solely by their housing status.
When we talk about homelessness, it's not just a single story. It's many stories, each unique and complex. However, there are common threads that highlight the systemic issues that cause certain groups of people to experience homelessness more often than others.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in the United States:
About 22 percent of unhoused people are chronically unhoused.
Often, these people live with a disability.
Veterans make up 6 percent of people experiencing homelessness.
While 5 percent are youths under 25, alone and vulnerable because of their age.
Race and ethnicity play a role. While 11 out of every 10,000 White people experience homelessness, the number skyrockets to 48 out of 10,000 for Black individuals. Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders face an even starker reality, with 121 out of every 10,000 experiencing homelessness. These high rates are not random, but are linked to a history of oppression, including displacement and exclusion from housing opportunities.
Gender is another factor. Men, comprising 68 percent of the individual homeless population, are more likely to be homeless. Women, including those with children, and people identifying as transgender, nonbinary, or questioning, face their own unique challenges and barriers in the context of homelessness.
The LGBTQ community, particularly those who are transgender, gender questioning, or nonbinary, are overrepresented in the unsheltered homeless population, meaning they are both unhoused and lacking a safe shelter space. This highlights the need for targeted support and understanding to address the specific barriers they face.
The National Alliances to End Homelessness highlights five key causes of homelessness in the United States: income and housing affordability, health issues, domestic abuse, and racial disparities.
One of the biggest reasons people end up without a home is something pretty basic: they just can't afford a place to live. Think about it – if you're struggling with unemployment or barely getting by during tough economic times, like a recession, paying rent or a mortgage can feel impossible.
Right now, we're in the middle of one of the worst affordable housing crises ever. It's hitting those living in poverty the hardest. At the same time, for people with lower incomes, wages haven't really budged much.
Today, there are about 11 million households with extremely low incomes spending more than half of what they make on housing alone. That's a huge chunk of their budget.
When so much of your income goes towards keeping a roof over your head, it doesn't take much to tip the balance and put you at risk of losing your home. This is the reality of the affordable housing crisis and how deeply it affects the risk of homelessness.
Health and homelessness are deeply intertwined. Health issues can lead to homelessness, and experiencing homelessness can make health problems even worse. This creates a cycle that's hard to break without the right support.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, people living in shelters are over twice as likely to have a disability compared to the general population. Think about this: on a single night in 2023, 31 percent of the homeless reported serious mental illness, 24 percent had chronic substance abuse issues, and nearly 11,000 were living with HIV/AIDS.
Health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS are also far common among people experiencing homelessness, sometimes three to six times higher than the general population. Getting treatment and preventive care is a huge challenge for people experiencing homelessness, as many don't have health insurance, and finding healthcare providers can be very difficult.
For those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders, the situation is even more critical. They're more likely to have severe physical illnesses and live in unsafe conditions. Over 10 percent of those seeking treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues in public health systems are unhoused.
The opioid crisis has hit this group especially hard. Since 2010, opioid abuse and related overdose deaths have quadrupled. For those without a home, the impact is devastating. Substance use is a known risk factor for experiencing homelessness, and overdose rates are alarmingly high in this population.
This shows just how crucial housing and healthcare are in tackling the issue of homelessness. Without addressing these health needs, breaking the cycle of homelessness becomes even more difficult.
When we talk about homelessness, we often overlook a crucial factor: domestic abuse.
It's a heartbreaking reality that for many, fleeing an abusive relationship leads directly to homelessness. This is true for people of all ages, whether they're youth, single adults, or families.
Finding themselves in a situation where the need for safety outweighs everything else, survivors of domestic abuse often have no choice but to seek refuge in homeless service programs. These programs become a lifeline, offering a safe temporary space for those who have had to make the tough decision to leave their homes to escape abuse.
However, it's not just the need for safety driving this decision. Often, those fleeing domestic abuse also face economic hardships. Without the financial means to secure or maintain housing independently, their options are painfully limited.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, know that help is available. The National Domestic Abuse Hotline offers free, confidential support 24/7. An important feature of their website is the ability to quickly exit by pressing the ESC key twice, which immediately navigates away from the site and erases it from your internet history. This helps ensure that your search for help remains private.
Homelessness is deeply tied to racial inequalities, both present and historical, in the United States.
African Americans make up 13% of the general population, but more than 40% of the population experiencing homelessness. This isn't a coincidence. It's the result of unfair federal laws, policies, and practices over time.
One such policy is Redlining, a practice of housing discrimination that had a huge impact. It meant that African Americans and other people of color were often left out of economic investments like mortgage and business loans. This practice from decades ago has left a lasting mark: African Americans today are more likely to live in areas of concentrated poverty, face environmental hazards, and have limited access to good healthcare, services, and job opportunities. All of these factors contribute to a higher risk of experiencing homelessness.
The situation with incarceration rates tells a similar story. For African Americans, the rate has tripled from 1968 to 2016, the result of targeted profiling and arrests for minor offenses, especially in high-poverty areas. Having a criminal record makes it more difficult to find housing and a job, and people coming out of jail or prison often struggle to find a safe, affordable place to live.
Healthcare is another piece of the puzzle. People of color are more likely to lack health insurance, especially in states that haven't expanded Medicaid. Without insurance, managing chronic medical conditions or serious mental illnesses becomes a challenge, increasing the risk of homelessness or precarious housing situations.
It's not just about individual circumstances, but about a history of systemic inequalities that continue to affect people's lives today.
Homelessness is more than a series of individual choices. It's a crisis deeply rooted in systemic issues — issues that individuals alone cannot change.
The affordable housing crisis, health conditions and healthcare costs, domestic abuse, and racial disparities are not just challenges, but symptoms of larger societal failures. Each story of homelessness is unique, but they all share a common thread: they are often the result of circumstances beyond a person's control.
We must approach this crisis with compassion and understanding, recognizing that those experiencing homelessness are caught up in a system that often works against them. Real change requires not only acknowledging these systemic issues but actively working to address them.
At ShiftLink, we're committed to playing our part. By providing a scheduling solution that supports those working on the front lines in shelters, we aim to streamline the vital services they offer. If you're involved in this critical work and looking for an efficient way to manage shifts and resources, consider exploring ShiftLink's scheduling software. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
For many facing domestic abuse, technology and the internet are more than just tools — they are lifelines.
Technologies offer ways for survivors of domestic abuse to reach out for help, find vital information, and connect with those who care.
But it's important to recognize how abusers can use this same technology to harm.
Domestic abuse shelters understand these risks very well. They are committed to keeping people safe – not just in their physical spaces but also in the digital world.
That’s why shelter staff take privacy and confidentiality very seriously, handling digital information with great care to ensure digital safety.
In this article, we're going to talk about how technology can help and harm, and how shelters are helping to keep people safe in the digital world.
At ShiftLink, we know your time matters. We know your work matters. Interrupting your focus on caring for others to perform the time-consuming task of filling shifts in a pinch is frustrating at best. ShiftLink is not a band-aid fix. It is a response to your deepest need — to spend more time on what truly matters. We have created a software that will ease every pain point related to shift scheduling. Request a demo today or send us an email to learn more.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, know that help is available. The National Domestic Abuse Hotline offers free, confidential support 24/7. An important feature of their website is the ability to quickly exit by pressing the ESC key twice, which immediately navigates away from the site and erases it from your internet history. This helps ensure that your search for help remains private.
The internet connects survivors of domestic abuse to essential information about shelters and other resources that can help them find safety. With most people having access to mobile phones, help and support are often just a few taps away.
The digital world also offers survivors supportive communities who understand what they're going through. Whether it's a dedicated support forum, a small community on Reddit, or a Facebook group, these online spaces offer a chance to share stories, find understanding, and get emotional support.
Movements like #MeToo, which gained momentum across social media in 2017, are powerful examples of how these platforms can help survivors share their experiences and find solidarity.
However, it is just as important to recognize how abusers can leverage this same technology to stalk, harass, and cause harm to survivors in other ways.
Often, the most dangerous time for domestic abuse survivors is when they are planning to leave their abuser.
In these moments, survivors might use the internet to research where to go and what steps to take.
But every action taken on a phone or computer leaves a ‘digital paper trail’ that, if found by the abuser, could put survivors in serious danger. Most people don’t understand just how much of this data is stored or how to delete it.
From smart thermostats to smart TVs, smart devices designed to make life easier can be manipulated to harass and intimidate survivors of domestic abuse. As documented by DomesticShelters.org:
One survivor noticed that her home was heating up unexpectedly on hot days. It turned out that her abuser kept turning up the smart thermostat from outside the home to make her uncomfortable.
There have been several cases of abusers spying on survivors through Wi-Fi home security cameras while the abuser is away.
Smart speakers, like Amazon Alexa or Echo, have been used to eavesdrop on survivors, likely by hacking the device or using the Amazon “Drop-In” feature.
In one case, an abuser had access to the smart lock on the survivor’s front door, and was able to open the door and repeatedly enter her home without her knowledge or permission.
When we talk about domestic abuse, it's important to recognize that the danger doesn't always end when a survivor leaves their abuser.
The internet, which offers so much in terms of connection and support, can unfortunately also be used to perpetuate harassment and abuse as well. These methods include:
Defamation: Posting false and harmful statements online to damage someone's reputation.
Doxing: Sharing private information like addresses or social security numbers online, exposing individuals to further harassment or crime.
Financial Abuse: Manipulating online banking and accounts to control or steal a survivor's finances.
Harassment: Using social media to intimidate or upset victims through messages, calls, or public posts.
Google Bombing: Manipulating online search results to make defamatory content appear when someone searches for the survivor’s name.
Online Impersonation: Creating fake accounts or hacking into existing ones to send harmful messages or disrupt the survivor's relationships.
Non-Consensual Image Sharing: Sharing intimate photos or videos without consent, often obtained during the relationship or through hacking.
Stalking: Monitoring the survivor’s location through online check-ins or GPS device tracking.
Threatening: Using the internet to make threats, which can cause real fear and anxiety.
Since our lives are so deeply intertwined with technology, domestic abuse shelters have evolved to become more than just a place of physical safety.
Today, shelter staff recognize the risks that technology can pose for survivors of domestic abuse and work hard to extend their protective embrace into the digital world.
Many shelters have educational materials and programs to empower survivors with important knowledge about digital safety. This education is crucial because understanding the potential dangers of technology is the first step in safeguarding against them.
Survivors learn how their digital footprints can be traced and how to cover these tracks effectively, using technology as a shield rather than allowing it to be used against them.
Shelter staff often work with survivors to create a digital safety plan. This plan may include steps like securing online accounts, changing passwords, and being mindful of shared devices.
It's a comprehensive approach, ensuring that each survivor's unique situation is addressed, providing them with the tools and strategies they need to stay safe both offline and online.
Finally, shelters foster a community of understanding and support, with many extending that support to forums, websites, and social media platforms.
In these safe spaces, survivors can connect with others, share experiences, and build a network of support, all while being guided on how to do so securely.
It’s about creating a balance – maintaining connections and accessing resources without putting oneself at risk.
Many domestic abuse shelters have specific guidelines around technology use, designed to protect both the individual survivors and the shelter itself from potential threats.
These may include:
Thoughtful Cell Phone Use: Personal cell phones can be a link for abusers to track movements or communication. Shelters understand this risk. They often advise against using personal phones and may provide safe alternatives, like emergency phones available at the shelter or suggestions to use prepaid, disposable phones, which leave no digital trail.
Recording Devices and Privacy: Modern devices, with their cameras and microphones, can accidentally reveal locations or other sensitive details. Shelters carefully manage the use of such devices. There might be areas where these devices are not allowed, or guidelines on how to use them without compromising anyone's safety. This care is all about making sure no information gets out that could put anyone risk.
Navigating the internet and Social Media with Care: Shelters guide you on how to use the internet and social media in a way that keeps survivors safe. This advice includes being cautious about what is posted, especially regarding location or details that might hint at where a survivor is staying.
Disabling GPS and Location Services: Device location services can unwittingly give away a person’s whereabouts. Shelters often recommend turning off these services to prevent any chance of an abuser tracking them. This simple step is a powerful way to maintain privacy and safety.
Email and Digital Communication: In our digital age, even emails can be a vulnerability. Shelters may advise on setting up new email and social media accounts that aren't connected to the survivor’s past life.
While technology offers many valuable resources for support and connection, it also poses unique dangers. With awareness and the right guidance, survivors can navigate this digital landscape safely.
Today, domestic abuse shelters play a vital role in this journey. Through their thoughtful guidelines on technology use, these shelters empower survivors with the knowledge and tools to use technology to their advantage without compromising their safety.
At ShiftLink, we know your time matters. We know your work matters. Interrupting your focus on caring for others to perform the time-consuming task of filling shifts in a pinch is frustrating at best. ShiftLink is not a band-aid fix. It is a response to your deepest need — to spend more time on what truly matters. We have created a software that will ease every pain point related to shift scheduling. Request a demo today or send us an email to learn more.
