Ever stood in the middle of a craft aisle, glue gun in hand, wondering if you're actually supposed to be at work in ten minutes or ten hours?
It happens. Working at Michaels is a vibe—all glitter and yarn until you can't figure out when your next shift starts. Honestly, the michaels schedule for employees is one of those things that sounds simple on paper but gets weirdly complicated once you’re in the thick of it. You’ve probably heard three different versions of how to check your hours from three different people.
The truth is, there’s a "corporate way" things are supposed to happen and then there's the "real-world store way."
The Portal Problem: Where is the Schedule?
Most new hires think there's a fancy, dedicated Michaels app in the App Store just for their shifts. There isn't. Not exactly. Basically, everything runs through a platform called Worksmart.
You'll usually find it at worksmart.michaels.com. It’s not the prettiest website in the world. It looks a bit like a relic from 2012, but it's the source of truth. You use your SSO (Single Sign-On) credentials—the same ones you use to log into the registers or the handheld scanners—to get in.
If you're at home trying to plan your life, you need to use the mobile version or "Worksmart Mobility."
Some stores have migrated certain functions over to Workday, especially for things like paystubs and benefits enrollment for the 2025-2026 cycle. But for the actual weekly grid? Worksmart is still the king of the castle. If you’re stuck, ask your MOD (Manager on Duty) for the specific URL. They usually have it printed on a dusty piece of paper in the breakroom.
The 3-Week Rule (And Why It Fails)
Corporate policy says your michaels schedule for employees should be posted three weeks in advance.
- Wednesday: The system auto-generates a "draft" based on everyone's availability.
- Thursday/Friday: The Store Manager (SM) is supposed to go in and fix the mess the computer made.
- Friday Night: The schedule "goes live" for the team to see.
In a perfect world, you’d always know what you’re doing 21 days out. But let’s be real.
💡 You might also like: High Yield Savings Account Calculator: Why the Math Usually Feels Wrong
Between freight trucks arriving late, seasonal surges, and that one coworker who always calls out on Saturdays, schedules change. A lot. Many managers struggle to keep up with the three-week window. You might find your schedule for next week isn't actually "real" until Saturday night.
It’s frustrating. You want to go to a concert or just sleep in, but the system says "TBD" or shows a shift that gets deleted two hours later.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Hours
If you’re part-time, don't expect 40 hours. You won't get them.
Most part-time employees at Michaels see between 10 and 25 hours a week. Policy usually caps part-time hours at around 28 hours per week averaged over a six-week period. Why? Because once you hit that 30-hour mark consistently, the company has to offer you full-time benefits under the Affordable Care Act.
They’re pretty strict about that.
Seasonal workers have it even more random. You might work 30 hours during the week of Christmas and then get scheduled for one four-hour shift the first week of January. It’s the nature of the beast.
Can They Change Your Shift Without Telling You?
Legally, it depends on where you live. Ethically? It’s a nightmare.
Generally, Michaels' policy is that they should give you 24 hours' notice for any shift change. If it’s less than that, they’re supposed to call or text you. But systems like Worksmart update automatically. If you don't check it daily, you might show up at 9 AM only to realize you were moved to 12 PM.
Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your schedule every Friday night. If they change it on Tuesday without telling you, you have "receipts" to show your manager why you didn't show up at the new time.
Viewing Your Coworkers' Schedules
Did you know you can see who else is working?
In the Worksmart portal, there’s often a "Coworkers" or "Department" tab. This is a lifesaver. If you’re a framer and you see you’re the only one scheduled during a huge 70% off sale, you know it’s going to be a rough day. It also helps when you need to swap a shift. You can see who isn't working on Tuesday and message them directly instead of begging the manager to find someone.
How to Get Your Schedule Right
If you want better hours or a more consistent michaels schedule for employees, you have to play the game.
Update your availability in the system, but don't make it too restrictive. If you can only work Tuesdays from 2 PM to 4 PM, you’re getting zero hours. Managers love "open availability," especially for those early morning freight shifts or late-night closing rounds.
Also, check the "Open Door" policy poster in your breakroom if your manager is consistently posting schedules less than 48 hours before they start. That’s a violation of company standard, and you have every right to bring it up.
💡 You might also like: Thank You For The Clarification: Why This Phrase Is Actually Your Best Career Move
Actionable Next Steps:
- Log into Worksmart today: Don't wait until Sunday morning to see if you work.
- Screenshot your week: Keep a folder on your phone for schedule screenshots to protect yourself from "stealth" edits.
- Check MikBenefits: If you're looking for the 2026 benefits schedule, head to the official benefits site rather than the scheduling portal, as they are separate systems.
- Talk to your SM: If you need more hours, ask to be cross-trained in the Frame Shop or on the Freight Team. Those areas almost always need extra bodies.