Michaels Team Members can update their work availability when their school hours, second job, family needs, or other regular commitments change.
WorkSmart handles many scheduling tasks for Michaels employees. Team Members commonly use it to review work schedules and manage availability-related information. The exact screen or button name can change, so always follow the options you see in your current account.
Changing your availability does not always change shifts that already appear on your schedule. A manager may also need to review the request before the new availability affects future schedules.
This guide explains how to change your availability at Michaels, what times to enter, how manager approval may work, and what to do when your new availability does not show correctly.
How Do You Change Your Availability at Michaels?
The basic process looks like this.
- Sign in to the Michaels scheduling system you normally use.
- Open the section for availability.
- Review your current available days and hours.
- Change the days or times that you can work.
- Check the effective date if the system shows one.
- Review the information for mistakes.
- Submit your availability change.
- Check whether manager review is required.
- Review future schedules to make sure the new availability appears correctly.
Do not assume that submitting the request changes your schedule right away.
A posted shift may remain on your schedule even after you update your availability. Speak with your Store Manager when an existing shift creates a conflict.
What Does Availability Mean at Michaels?
Your availability tells Michaels when you can normally work.
It does not mean that Michaels schedules you for every hour you mark as available.
For example, your weekly availability may look like this.
- Monday from 4 PM to closing
- Tuesday unavailable
- Wednesday from 3 PM to closing
- Thursday unavailable
- Friday from 4 PM to closing
- Saturday available all day
- Sunday available in the morning
Your manager uses your availability along with store staffing needs when building the work schedule.
Availability and your work schedule are different
Your availability shows when you can work.
Your schedule shows the shifts Michaels actually assigns to you.
You may stay available for eight hours on Saturday but receive only a four-hour shift.
You may also have a day marked as unavailable and still see an old shift that was created before your availability change takes effect.
This difference matters when you update your Michaels employee availability.
Before You Change Your Michaels Availability
Take a few minutes to plan your weekly availability before you submit anything.
Check each day of the week and decide when you can realistically work.
Think about these points.
- School or college classes
- Another job
- Childcare
- Transportation
- Family responsibilities
- Regular appointments
- Travel time
- Opening shifts
- Closing shifts
- Weekend commitments
Do not enter times that leave no room for travel.
For example, if your college class ends at 2 PM and your Michaels store is 30 minutes away, do not enter 2 PM as your available start time.
Choose a time that you can actually meet.
How to Change Your Availability at Michaels Step by Step?
1. Open the Michaels Scheduling System
Sign in to the Michaels employee scheduling area that you normally use to view your work schedule.
Many Team Members know this system as WorkSmart.
If you cannot sign in, fix your login problem first. Do not turn an availability change into repeated password attempts or multiple new requests.
Once you have access, move to the scheduling area.
2. Find the Availability Section
Look for an option related to availability.
The wording can vary depending on the version of WorkSmart that Michaels uses.
You may see wording such as
- Availability
- My Availability
- Schedule Availability
- Availability Change
- Employee Availability
Do not worry if your screen looks different from an older screenshot you find online.
Employee systems change over time.
Use the current options in your account. Ask your Store Manager if you cannot find the correct section.
3. Review Your Current Weekly Availability
Do not start editing right away.
First, check what the system already shows.
Review
- Monday through Sunday
- Available days
- Unavailable days
- Start times
- End times
- Any effective date
- Any existing availability pattern
This step helps you avoid changing the wrong day.
It also helps you spot old information that no longer matches your real schedule.
4. Enter the Hours You Can Work
Enter the time range when you can actually work.
This part causes confusion for many employees.
You normally enter your available work hours, not the hours when you are busy.
For example, your class runs from 9 AM to 2 PM.
You can reach the store by 3 PM.
Your work availability starts around 3 PM, not at 9 AM and not at 2 PM.
If you can work until closing, enter the appropriate end time shown by the system.
Check the time format carefully.
Some systems use a 24-hour clock.
For example
- 15:00 means 3 PM
- 17:00 means 5 PM
- 20:00 means 8 PM
One wrong time entry can create a scheduling conflict.
5. Mark Days When You Cannot Work
Set a day as unavailable when you cannot regularly work on that day.
For example
- You attend college every Tuesday.
- You work at another job every Thursday.
- You have regular family responsibilities every Sunday morning.
The exact way you mark an unavailable day can vary by WorkSmart screen.
Follow the instructions shown in your account.
Do not enter random hours just to make the system accept the form. Ask your manager if the meaning of a field is unclear.
6. Check All-Day Availability Carefully
Some employee reports describe WorkSmart screens that use specific time values to show all-day availability.
Do not assume that every Michaels location or every version of WorkSmart uses the same format.
If you see a value that you do not understand, check the screen instructions or ask your Store Manager before you submit the request.
This is safer than entering a time range based on an old online post.
7. Check the Effective Date
Look for an effective date or start date before you submit your Michaels availability change.
This date tells you when the new availability pattern begins.
A change that starts next week may not affect this week’s schedule.
A change that starts next month may leave several current shifts unchanged.
Always check the effective date before you assume the system ignores your request.
8. Review the Availability Change
Read through the full week one more time.
Check
- Correct days
- Correct start times
- Correct end times
- Correct unavailable days
- Correct effective date
- Any notes you add
Small mistakes can cause big schedule problems.
A wrong start time may make it look like you can work during class or another job.
9. Submit Your Availability
Submit the change when everything looks correct.
Do not close the screen before the system confirms your action.
If the page shows a status, note whether it says something such as
- Submitted
- Pending
- Accepted
- Approved
- Rejected
The exact wording can vary.
You may also want to take a screenshot of the submitted availability for your own records if your workplace rules allow it.
Does a Michaels Manager Need to Approve an Availability Change?
Manager review may form part of the availability process.
Michaels employees often report that a Store Manager or scheduling manager reviews an availability request before the change affects future schedules.
Do not assume that clicking Submit means the new hours take effect immediately.
Check the status of your request.
If it remains pending, speak with your Store Manager.
If the request gets rejected, ask why and discuss what hours the store can support.
Store staffing needs also affect scheduling.
Your preferred availability and the store’s staffing needs may not always match.
How Long Does a Michaels Availability Change Take to Affect Your Schedule?
There is no safe reason to assume one fixed waiting period applies to every Michaels store.
The timing may depend on
- When you submit the request
- When your manager reviews it
- When the new availability starts
- How far ahead your store builds schedules
- Whether the current schedule is already posted
Check the effective date and your next few schedules.
If your new availability looks correct but an old shift remains, that shift may come from a schedule that was created before the change.
Talk with your manager instead of assuming the system updates every existing shift.
Does Changing Your Availability Remove Shifts That Are Already Posted?
Not necessarily.
Changing your Michaels availability should not be treated as an automatic cancellation of a shift that already appears on your schedule.
Your availability mainly helps with future scheduling.
An already-posted shift may still remain assigned to you.
If an existing shift conflicts with school, another job, or another commitment, contact your Store Manager as soon as possible.
Do not simply skip the shift because you submitted a new availability pattern.
How to Change Michaels Availability for School or College?
Students often need to change availability when a new semester starts.
Your class schedule may change every few months.
Plan your work availability around the time you can actually arrive at Michaels.
For example
Your class ends at 2 PM.
The drive to the store takes 25 minutes.
You need time to leave campus and park.
A more realistic work availability may start at 3 PM.
You can also adjust individual days.
Example
- Monday after 3 PM
- Tuesday unavailable
- Wednesday after 4 PM
- Thursday after 3 PM
- Friday after 2 PM
- Saturday open availability
- Sunday morning only
Tell your Store Manager about a major school-related change.
Do not wait until the next schedule appears if you already know your class hours change.
How to Change Michaels Availability for a Second Job?
You can also need limited availability when you work two jobs.
Do not create overlapping time ranges.
Include travel time between jobs.
For example, your first job ends at 4 PM and Michaels is 30 minutes away.
Do not tell Michaels that you can start at 4 PM.
Use a realistic start time.
A second job can reduce your available hours, so speak with your manager if the change is large.
This gives the store time to plan future staffing.
Michaels Availability vs Time Off
Availability and time off solve different problems.
| Situation | Change Availability | Request Time Off |
|---|---|---|
| You cannot work every Tuesday | Yes | No |
| You attend college every weekday morning | Yes | No |
| You need one Friday off | No | Yes |
| You take a vacation for several specific days | No | Yes |
| You can now work every evening | Yes | No |
| You need next Saturday off for an appointment | No | Yes |
Use availability for a recurring pattern.
Use a time-off request for a specific date or short period.
Do not change your full weekly availability because you need one day off.
Availability vs Your Michaels Work Schedule
This difference causes many scheduling problems.
Availability
Availability tells Michaels when you can generally work.
Example
You can work Monday from 4 PM to 9 PM.
Schedule
Your schedule tells you when Michaels actually assigns you to work.
Example
You receive a shift Monday from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Your availability gives the manager a range.
Your schedule gives you the actual shift.
Changing availability does not guarantee a certain number of hours.
It also does not guarantee that every existing shift disappears.
What Should You Do If Michaels Schedules You Outside Your Availability?
First, check your own information.
Do not assume the manager ignored your request.
Follow these steps.
- Open your submitted availability.
- Check the day and time.
- Make sure you actually submitted the change.
- Check whether the request still shows as pending.
- Check the effective date.
- Check when the shift was posted.
- Confirm that you entered the correct time format.
- Speak with your Store Manager or scheduling manager.
Explain the conflict clearly.
For example
You submit that you are unavailable before 4 PM on Wednesdays, but the schedule gives you a 2 PM shift.
Show the submitted availability and ask the manager to review it.
Avoid treating online employee experiences as a universal Michaels policy.
Scheduling rules can vary by role, location, and local employment requirements.
Why Is My Michaels Availability Not Updating?
Several common problems can stop a Michaels availability change from appearing as expected.
The Change Was Not Fully Submitted
You may edit the times but leave the page before completing the final submission.
Open the availability section again.
Check whether the new hours still appear.
Look for a submitted or pending status.
If the old availability returns, submit the change again carefully.
The Request Still Needs Manager Review
Your request may sit in a pending state.
This does not always mean the system is broken.
A manager may still need to review it.
Speak with your Store Manager when a request stays pending and your schedule deadline gets close.
Your Availability Gets Rejected
A manager may not accept the requested availability if it creates a major staffing problem.
For example, you may change from open availability to only two short shifts per week.
Speak with your manager about the reason.
You may find a schedule that works for both sides.
The New Availability Starts Later
Check the effective date.
Your request may be approved but set to start next week or later.
Your current schedule can still follow the old availability.
Your Schedule Was Already Posted
A new availability change may not rewrite an existing posted schedule.
This is one of the most important things to check.
Ask your manager how to handle a shift that conflicts with your new availability.
You Enter the Wrong Hours
Time-entry mistakes happen easily.
Check for
- AM and PM errors
- 24-hour time errors
- Wrong day
- Wrong start time
- Wrong end time
- Missing unavailable days
Correct the information and resubmit if needed.
WorkSmart Does Not Save the Change
Try a few basic troubleshooting steps.
- Sign out and sign back in.
- Refresh the page.
- Use a current browser.
- Check your internet connection.
- Open the availability section again.
- Avoid submitting several different requests at the same time.
If the issue continues, speak with your Store Manager or use the current Michaels employee support option available to you.
Can Michaels Reject an Availability Change?
A Team Member can request a different availability pattern, but the store still needs enough employees for required shifts.
A manager may discuss the change with you when your new availability does not fit store staffing needs.
This can happen when you remove
- Most weekends
- All evenings
- All opening hours
- All closing hours
- Busy seasonal periods
Do not assume that every availability request receives automatic approval.
Talk with store leadership when your schedule needs a major change.
Can Part-Time Michaels Team Members Change Their Availability?
Part-time Team Members often need flexible work hours because of school, family, transportation, or another job.
You can submit updated availability when your recurring schedule changes.
The store still considers staffing needs when making the final work schedule.
Part-time status does not always mean that every availability pattern works for every role.
Some positions need early mornings, evenings, weekends, or other specific time periods.
Does Michaels Require Open Availability?
Not every Michaels job has the same scheduling needs.
Some roles need more flexible hours than others.
Availability expectations can depend on
- Your position
- Store hours
- Seasonal demand
- Weekend staffing
- Opening needs
- Closing needs
- Truck or replenishment schedules
- Your hiring agreement
If you apply for or move into a role that needs early mornings or nights, your manager may expect availability during those periods.
Ask your Store Manager about the requirements for your specific position.
Tips for Changing Your Michaels Availability
A few simple habits can prevent many schedule problems.
- Submit changes early
Do not wait until the schedule is already posted when you know your regular availability changes.
- Use realistic hours
Include travel time from school, home, or another job.
- Check all seven days
One wrong day can create a recurring conflict.
- Review the time format
Make sure you understand AM, PM, or 24-hour time.
- Tell your manager about major changes
A large change deserves a quick conversation.
- Check the request status
Do not assume Submit means Approved.
- Review future schedules
Make sure the new availability actually appears in upcoming scheduling.
- Use time off for one-time needs
Do not rewrite your regular availability because you need one specific day off.
Common Michaels Availability Problems
| Problem | What to Check | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Old availability still appears | Submission status | Submit the change again if needed |
| Request shows pending | Manager review | Speak with your Store Manager |
| Request gets rejected | Store scheduling needs | Discuss workable hours |
| Old shifts remain | Posted schedule | Ask about those shifts separately |
| Wrong hours appear | Time entry | Correct the hours |
| WorkSmart does not save | Browser or system issue | Sign in again and retry |
| Scheduled when unavailable | Effective date and approval | Speak with the scheduling manager |
| School schedule conflicts | Weekly availability | Update recurring hours |
| Second job creates overlap | Start and end times | Add travel time and adjust hours |
Who Should You Contact If You Cannot Change Your Availability?
Start with your Store Manager or the manager responsible for scheduling.
They can usually confirm
- Whether the request reached the system
- Whether it needs approval
- Whether the effective date is correct
- Whether an existing shift was already posted
- Whether you entered the wrong hours
Use an official Michaels Team Member support channel if your manager tells you to do so or the issue needs further help.
Avoid sending login details or personal employee information to unofficial websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my availability at Michaels after I get hired?
Yes, your regular availability can change after you start working. School, family needs, transportation, or another job may affect when you can work. Submit the new availability and speak with your manager if the change is significant.
Can I change my Michaels availability for school?
Yes. Enter the hours when you can actually work around your classes. Include travel time between school and the store.
Where do I change my availability in Michaels WorkSmart?
Look for an availability-related section in the scheduling area. The exact screen name can change. Ask your Store Manager if you cannot find it.
Enter the time ranges when you can work according to the instructions shown in your current system. Mark fully unavailable days using the option provided on your screen.
Does a manager need to approve my Michaels availability?
Manager review may form part of the process. Check whether your request shows as pending, accepted, approved, or another status.
Why is my new Michaels availability not showing?
The request may still need review, have a later effective date, contain an incorrect time, or fail to submit fully.
Does changing availability remove existing Michaels shifts?
Do not assume it does. A new availability pattern may mainly affect future scheduling. Speak with your manager about shifts that already appear on your schedule.
Can Michaels schedule me outside my availability?
If you see a shift outside your submitted hours, first check the approval status, effective date, and date when the shift was posted. Then speak with your scheduling manager.
Is changing availability the same as requesting time off?
No. Availability covers a recurring work pattern. Time off usually covers a specific date or period.
Can part-time Michaels employees have limited availability?
Part-time Team Members may have scheduling limits, but store needs and job requirements still affect whether a requested pattern works.
What should I do if Michaels rejects my availability request?
Speak with your Store Manager. Ask what part of the new availability creates a problem and discuss hours that work with your recurring commitments and the store’s staffing needs.
Final Thoughts
Changing your availability at Michaels works best when you enter clear and realistic work hours, submit the request correctly, and check that the new pattern takes effect.
Do not treat availability as the same thing as your work schedule or a one-time request for time off.
If your Michaels availability does not update, check the submission status, manager review, effective date, and already-posted shifts. Speak with your Store Manager when the schedule still conflicts with the hours you submitted.
