Short answer: A good shift handover turns open work into tasks with an owner before the shift ends, records anything the next shift needs to know, and confirms the handover was received. Notes on a whiteboard aren’t enough.
Why handovers fail
Information is passed by word of mouth and forgotten.
Open work is mentioned but nobody takes ownership.
Notes are written but not read.
The next shift starts with questions instead of work.
A five-minute handover routine
List open work. Anything not finished becomes a task with an owner on the next shift and a deadline.
Flag risks. Faults, complaints, safety issues and anything unusual.
Share updates. Deliveries, visitors, changes to the plan.
Attach proof. Photos of what was done and what still needs doing.
Confirm. The incoming lead confirms they’ve read it and accepted the open tasks.
What to write, and what to skip
Write what the next shift must act on or must know. Skip what went normally. A short, focused handover gets read. A long one gets skimmed.
Make it a habit
Use the same handover checklist every shift, ideally as a recurring task, so it never depends on someone remembering. Review it once a month: what kept coming up, and what can be fixed for good?
Frequently asked questions
How long should a shift handover take?
Five to ten minutes is enough when open work is already in tasks. The handover then becomes a quick review, not a long briefing.
Should handovers be written or spoken?
Both. A short conversation for context, and a written record so nothing depends on memory.
Use our free shift handover checklist to get started.
Try it with your team
Turn your next handover into tasks. Please Do It is free for 30 days, with no credit card required.