# Shift Worker Chat Apps 'Project Sonoma' Helps Shift Workers Coordinate with Each Other By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-23 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-sonoma References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/22/microsoft-tests-project-sonoma-a-team-chat-app-for-managing-shift-workers-schedules/?ncid=rss) & [itunes.apple](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/project-sonoma/id1122181468?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo=8) 'Project Sonoma' is a gift to shift workers who are tired of clunky business-specific interfaces or ineffective group chats for coordinating their [weekly and monthly schedules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workforce-management1). The [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-1)-developed app is currently under a beta release (called "Private Preview",) with businesses having to enter a waitlist to try it out. Project Sonoma is divided into three sections: My Shifts, Requests, and Messages. These sections let employees look at and manage their hours; make requests to change, drop, or trade shifts; and chat with coworkers, respectively. With these three straightforward sections and a simple interface, Project Sonoma is a far more efficient way to coordinate with other shift workers, a task that previously demanded communicating with people who might not have any relationship outside of the job. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Shift Worker Coordination:** Project Sonoma provides a streamlined and efficient solution for shift workers to coordinate their schedules and communicate with each other. - **Simplification of Shift Management:** Project Sonoma simplifies the process of managing shifts, allowing employees to easily view, request, and trade shifts in one app. - **Improved Workplace Communication:** Project Sonoma enhances workplace communication by providing a dedicated messaging platform for shift workers to connect and collaborate. ### Who This Affects Most - **Retail:** Project Sonoma can disrupt the retail industry by improving scheduling efficiency and fostering better communication among shift workers. - **Hospitality:** The hospitality industry can benefit from Project Sonoma's shift coordination features, allowing employees to seamlessly manage their schedules and communicate across departments. - **Healthcare:** Project Sonoma offers healthcare professionals a convenient tool to coordinate shifts and exchange information, resulting in improved teamwork and patient care. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Shift Management Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-management-tools.md) - [Shift Management Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiftmanagementtools.md) - [Shift Tracking Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiftbear.md) - [All-in-One Team Communication Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoomshift.md) - [Hospitality-Focused Labor Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labor-app.md) - [Hybrid Work Scheduling Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-1.md) - [Schedule-Accommodating Calendar Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rise-calendar.md) - [Work Scheduling Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/actiplans1.md) - [Visualized Coworker Task Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teamroll.md)