Executive Summary

Planned maintenance windows and downtime notifications are essential for ensuring a reliable experience on PyjamaHR. This article explains how PyjamaHR manages scheduled updates, communicates downtime, and what you can do to minimize disruption to your workflow. Learn how to stay informed, plan ahead, and handle unexpected outages with confidence.

Detailed Overview

What Are Planned Maintenance Windows and Downtime Notifications?

Planned maintenance windows are scheduled periods when PyjamaHR performs essential updates or improvements to the platform. During these times, the system may be temporarily unavailable or experience reduced functionality. Downtime notifications are alerts sent to users to inform them of upcoming or ongoing service interruptions—whether planned or unexpected.

Why Are They Important?

Minimize Disruption: Advance notice helps you plan your work and avoid critical tasks during maintenance.
Transparency: You’re kept in the loop about platform status, reducing uncertainty and frustration.
Business Continuity: Knowing when and why downtime occurs helps you communicate with your clients and teams.

How Does PyjamaHR Handle Maintenance and Downtime?

Scheduled Maintenance: PyjamaHR aims to schedule updates during off-peak hours to minimize impact, especially for users managing multiple clients or working to tight deadlines.
Real-Time Notifications: Users are notified about both planned and unplanned downtime, typically through in-app banners, email alerts, or status page updates.
Rapid Resolution: The engineering team works to resolve issues as quickly as possible, with regular updates provided during extended outages.

Integration with Other PyjamaHR Features

API Access: Maintenance may temporarily affect backend APIs, as seen in customer reports of 502 errors.
User Access: Login and portal functionality may be unavailable during downtime.
Support Channels: Users can reach out to support for real-time updates or troubleshooting during outages.

Business Impact

Productivity: Unplanned downtime can halt recruitment workflows, especially for agencies or users managing multiple clients.
Client Communication: Advance notice allows you to set expectations with your own clients and stakeholders.

Step-by-Step Guide: Staying Informed and Managing Downtime

1. Check for Planned Maintenance Notifications

Where to Look:
In-app banners or pop-ups (usually at the top of your dashboard)
Email notifications sent to your registered address
PyjamaHR status page (link provided in the app or via support)

[Screenshot suggestion: Example of an in-app maintenance notification banner]

2. Review Maintenance Details

Key Information Provided:
Date and time of scheduled maintenance (with time zone)
Expected duration
Services affected (e.g., login, API, candidate management)
Contact information for urgent queries

3. Plan Your Work Around Maintenance Windows

Best Practices:
Avoid scheduling interviews, candidate submissions, or critical tasks during the announced window.
Inform your team and clients about the planned downtime.
Download any essential reports or data in advance if you anticipate needing offline access.

4. Monitor for Real-Time Downtime Notifications

During Unplanned Outages:
Look for in-app error messages (e.g., 502 errors, login failures).
Check your email for urgent notifications from PyjamaHR.
Visit the status page for live updates.

[Screenshot suggestion: Example of a 502 error message and where to find the status page link]

5. Contact Support if Needed

How to Reach Out:
Use the in-app chat or support email for urgent issues.
Provide details such as error messages, time of occurrence, and your account information for faster resolution.

Advanced Usage & Best Practices

Power User Tips

Subscribe to Status Updates: If available, subscribe to the PyjamaHR status page for instant alerts.
Set Internal Alerts: Use your team’s communication tools (Slack, Teams, etc.) to relay maintenance notifications.
Document Downtime: Keep a log of outages and their impact to help with internal reporting or discussions with PyjamaHR.

Optimization Strategies

Schedule Critical Activities Outside Maintenance Windows: Especially important for agencies or users with client-facing deadlines.
Automate Data Backups: Regularly export key data in case of unexpected downtime.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:
Check notifications regularly.
Communicate proactively with your team and clients.
Reach out to support if downtime exceeds communicated windows.
Don’t:
Schedule high-priority tasks during announced maintenance.
Ignore repeated downtime—document and escalate if it impacts your business.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Common Error Messages

502 Bad Gateway:
Indicates backend/API disruption, often during maintenance.
Solution: Wait for maintenance to complete; check status page for updates.
Login Failures:
May occur during downtime.
Solution: Retry after the announced window; contact support if unresolved.

What If Scenarios

What if I didn’t receive a downtime notification?
Check your spam folder and ensure your email is up to date in your PyjamaHR profile.
Contact support to confirm your notification settings.
What if downtime extends beyond the announced window?
Monitor the status page for updates.
Contact support for an ETA and possible workarounds.
What if downtime affects my client deliverables?
Use the notification as documentation to explain delays.
Request a service extension or compensation if downtime is prolonged (as seen in customer requests).

Recovery Procedures

After Downtime:
Refresh your browser and log in again.
Verify that all functionalities are restored.
Report any lingering issues to support.
When to Contact Support:
If you experience issues outside the announced window.
If you need urgent escalation for business-critical tasks.

Comprehensive FAQ

How will I be notified about planned maintenance?
Via in-app banners, email, and the status page.
How far in advance are maintenance windows announced?
Typically at least 24 hours in advance; check your notifications regularly.
What should I do if I experience downtime during business hours?
Check for notifications, monitor the status page, and contact support if unannounced.
Can I request maintenance to be scheduled outside my business hours?
PyjamaHR aims to minimize impact but cannot guarantee custom scheduling for individual users.
What if I miss a notification and am caught off guard by downtime?
Review your notification settings and subscribe to all available channels.
Will my data be safe during maintenance?
Yes, maintenance is designed to protect your data integrity.
What if downtime affects my ability to deliver to clients?
Use downtime notifications as documentation and contact support for possible compensation or extensions.
How do I check the current status of PyjamaHR?
Visit the status page (link in-app or provided by support).
What if I keep experiencing frequent downtimes?
Document each incident and escalate to support for review.
Can I get a direct call or escalation during outages?
Use the in-app chat or support email for urgent issues; phone support may be available for premium users.
What if I see a 502 error?
This usually indicates backend maintenance; wait for resolution and check the status page.
How do I ensure my team is aware of upcoming downtime?
Forward notifications and set reminders in your internal communication tools.

Status Page Subscription: Stay up to date with real-time alerts.
User Profile Settings: Ensure your contact information is current for notifications.
Support Center: Access troubleshooting guides and contact support directly.
Data Export: Regularly back up your data for business continuity.

By following these guidelines and best practices, you can minimize the impact of maintenance windows and downtime on your recruitment operations, ensuring a smoother experience for you and your clients.

Planned Maintenance Windows and Downtime Notifications in PyjamaHR: Everything You Need to Know