5 Microkeeper features you might not be using (but should)

If you're already using Microkeeper to run payroll, manage rosters, or onboard staff, you'll likely already be aware of the time savings and compliance benefits it brings. But even the most experienced users often miss some of the most powerful tools within the platform. 

In this post, we’re shining a spotlight on 5 Microkeeper features that fly under the radar - yet offer  serious value for boosting productivity, cutting admin, and improving employee satisfaction.

Whether you’re in HR, a business owner, or a payroll admin, these tools could be your next big unlock.

1. Shift bidding: let your team fill the gaps

Feature summary

Shift bidding empowers staff to express interest in available shifts, allowing managers to fill rosters based on staff preference and availability, without endless back and forth communication. 

Why should you use it

• Reduces scheduling stress for managers.
• Gives staff more flexibility and autonomy.
• Helps ensure that shifts are filled by willing, available team members. 
• Reduction in staff no shows, last minute cancellations or unapproved shift swapping.

Common misconception

Some users think bidding is only for agencies or large teams. But even small hospitality venues or retail stores can benefit from more dynamic rostering.

Check out our shift bidding guide

2. Auto Rosters: Smart suggestions, less guesswork

Feature summary

The Automatic Roster Suggestion tool builds a draft roster based on your chosen priorities, whether that’s even distribution of hours, lowest cost, or most experienced staff.

You can control the strategy

1. Even distribution: fair spread of hours among staff.
2. Lowest cost: prioritise budget-conscious staffing. 
3. Most/least experienced: tailor to your specific needs.

You can also protect buffer hours before or after shifts, and set weekly overtime thresholds, ensuring that your roster is not only fair, but sustainable. 

Why you should use it

• Generates smarter rosters in seconds.
• Reduces human bias or oversight.
• Save hours of planning time. 

Pro tip: combine this with Shift Bidding to create an efficient, employee-led scheduling system that still aligns with your business priorities. 

3. Skills and files tool: one place for qualifications, forever

Feature summary

With the Skills and Files tool, you can assign, store, and track staff certifications, licenses, qualifications, and important HR files - right inside Microkeeper. 

Why you should use it

• Never lose track of a First Aid or RSA renewal again.
• Ensure only qualified staff are rostered for specific tasks.
• Centralise important HR documentation like contracts or policy acknowledgments. 

Real-world example: need to make sure every forklift driver has a current license? Just assign the required skill and let Microkeeper handle the tracking and alerts.

Read more on our HR documents tool

4. VEVO Check: Right-to-Work Compliance, Automated

Feature summary

Microkeeper can integrate directly with the Australian government’s VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system to confirm an employee's work rights in Australia. 

Why you should use it

• Avoid compliance risks and penalties.
• Run checks directly from within the employee’s profile.
• Ensure real-time validation of visa conditions.
• Did you know?
  You can also set scheduled re-checks to make sure you’re not just compliant today, but also in the future. 
• Ideal for:
  Any business employing international workers, especially in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, retail, or healthcare. 

Check out how VEVO Checks work

5. Custom reports: data that works the way you do

Feature summary

Microkeeper’s Report Builder allows you to generate custom reports using any data across payroll, time and attendance, rostering, and HR. 

Why you should use it

1. Tailor reports to fit your specific business KPIs.
2. Export in formats like CSV or Excel for deeper analysis.
3. Filter by department, location, employment type, and more.
4. Common use cases:
   
   1. Budget forecasting by department.
   2. Overtime trends across months.
   3. Leave accrual and usage by team.

Learn more about custom reports

Wrapping up

If you’re only scratching the surface of Microkeeper, these underutilised tools can transform how you manage your workforce. 

• Want more efficient rosters? Try Shift Bidding + Auto Rosters.
• Need better compliance? Enable VEVO Checks + use the Skills Tool.
• Looking for insights? Build a few Custom Reports tailored to your goals.

Next Steps

Check your current plan and user permissions. Some features may need to be activated or assigned to the right roles.

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Have questions or want training? Reach out to our sales team so we can assess your needs. 

Stay tuned—more tips coming soon on how to get the most out of Microkeeper.

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