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Importing staff list (CSV file)

Sean Wyse By Sean Wyse Updated 13 January 2026 3 min read
Permission level: Managers Device: Web Browser

Importing staff in bulk using CSV

Learn how to add staff members in bulk by importing them from a CSV file. This method is ideal when you need to add multiple employees at once, saving time compared to manual entry. This guide covers downloading the template, populating it with your staff data, and uploading it to RosterElf.

1. Downloading the CSV import template

Before importing staff, you need to download the CSV template from RosterElf. This template ensures your data is formatted correctly for import.

1.1 Steps to download the CSV template

1.1.1 Log in to your RosterElf account.

1.1.2 Navigate to the Staff tab on the top menu.

1.1.3 Click the Import button.

1.1.4 Select Download Template to get the pre-formatted CSV file.

2. Populating the CSV file

Once you have the template, open it in a spreadsheet application like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to add your staff details.

2.1 Steps to populate the CSV file

2.1.1 Open the downloaded CSV template in Excel or Google Sheets.

2.1.2 Enter each staff member's First Name (required).

2.1.3 Enter each staff member's Last Name (required).

2.1.4 Enter the Email Address for notifications and login.

2.1.5 Enter the Phone Number (required) for SMS notifications.

2.1.6 Add optional fields like Date of Birth and Employment Start Date.

2.1.7 Save the file in CSV format when complete.

Important:

Do not change the column headers in the template. RosterElf uses these headers to map the data correctly during import.

3. Uploading the CSV file

After populating your CSV file, upload it to RosterElf to import all staff members at once.

3.1 Steps to upload the CSV file

3.1.1 Go to the Staff tab in RosterElf.

3.1.2 Click the Import button.

3.1.3 Select your completed CSV file from your computer.

3.1.4 Review the preview to ensure all data is correct.

3.1.5 Click Import to add all staff members to your account.

3.2 Review and confirm the import

3.2.1 RosterElf will display a summary of staff to be imported.

3.2.2 Review any errors or warnings displayed.

3.2.3 Confirm the import to complete the process.

Note:

After import, each staff member will receive a welcome email with their login details and instructions to download the RosterElf app.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I download the CSV import template in RosterElf?

Go to the Staff tab, click the Import button, and select Download Template. This provides a pre-formatted CSV file with all the required columns.

2. What information do I need to include in the CSV file?

The CSV file requires first name, last name, email address, and phone number. Optional fields include date of birth, employment start date, and position assignments.

3. How do I upload the completed CSV file?

Go to the Staff tab, click Import, select your completed CSV file, review the preview to ensure data is correct, then click Import to add all staff members.

4. What happens if there are errors in my CSV file?

RosterElf will display any errors found during the import preview. You can fix the issues in your CSV file and re-upload, or proceed with importing only the valid entries.

5. Can I update existing staff using CSV import?

The CSV import is primarily for adding new staff. To update existing staff details, edit their individual profiles in the Staff tab.

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