How do I manage my 8x8 phone system for a business-impacting event in Admin Console?

Updated: 03/27/2025

Objective

When sudden closures, emergencies, or other outside events occur and necessitate a change in your operations, 8x8 makes it easy to prepare with options to temporarily configure your voicemail, call forwarding, and Auto Attendant to intelligently handle incoming calls while your needs are altered or you are away.

In the event part or all of your workforce shifts offsite, it's also critical to have each 8x8 Work user update their E911 address for emergency services.

Applies To

8x8 X Series
Admin Console
Extensions
Voicemail
Call Forwarding
Auto Attendant

Procedures

Click below for detailed instructions on how to:

Configure your extension voicemail and Ring Group voicemail.
Determine how you will receive voicemail notifications for your extension, and set up a Ring Group voicemail greeting during the event. See Set Up Voicemail Options in 8x8 Admin Console and Set Up Ring Group Voicemail in 8x8 Admin Console.
Configure your call forwarding.
If you would like to direct calls to an alternate number during the event, you can simply create and activate forwarding rules to automatically perform this handling. See Set Up Call Forwarding in 8x8 Admin Console.
Configure your Auto Attendants.
Your Auto Attendant is a powerful tool that offers an array of options for call handling in situations such as closings or altered hours of operation, including time-based greetings and routing. See Set Up a Holiday Schedule for an Auto Attendant in 8x8 Admin Console.
Update E911 Addresses.
Each individual user's E911 address set in 8x8 Work for Desktop helps with dispatching emergency services to the right location when called from their 8x8 phone line. It's critical for users to adjust this whenever they change where they are working from. See Update E911 Address in 8x8 Work for Desktop.

Additional Information

Managing your phone system for unexpected or operations-altering events is similar to preparing your system for a holiday. For more information, see Prepare Your 8x8 Phone System for a Holiday in Admin Console.