Many employees today work nontraditional shifts, especially if a company has to operate on a 24/7 schedule. A well-designed work schedule can improve health and safety, worker satisfaction, and productivity. Allowing employee input in establishing such a schedule is advantageous both to the organization and the employee.
Should there be a permanent night shift or a rotating shift schedule?
Some workers never get used to a night shift—they can’t sleep properly during the day. However, many prefer it because they can plan their family and social lives more easily, and it may be easier to provide child care if their schedule doesn’t vary.
Should there be three 8-hour shifts or two 12-hour shifts?
Again, there are workers who prefer the standard 8-hour schedule, but others prefer the extra days off they gain from working 12-hour shifts. Here are some suggestions if you opt for long shifts.
Keep consecutive night shifts to a minimum: Experts recommend scheduling no more than four nights in a row followed by a couple of days off. This is especially important if the longer shifts are part of a rotating shift schedule.
Permit frequent short breaks in a 12-hour shift: Performance will improve if workers are allowed a 10-to-15 minute break every 2 or 3 hours.
Avoid overtime with long shifts or rotating schedules: Long shifts add fatigue—don’t make matters worse by scheduling overtime.
How can you provide for family and social life with shiftwork?
Keep the schedule regular and predictable: Employees should know their schedule well ahead of time so they can plan their rest, child care, and family time.
Plan some free weekends: Loss of contact with family and friends is a major problem for shiftworkers. If your facility must remain open seven days a week, workers should have at least one or two full weekends off each month.
Be flexible in your scheduling: Some events in people’s lives cannot be rescheduled. Employers will see improved worker morale and loyalty if they try to accommodate these personal needs.
Many employers operate successfully on a 24/7 basis—with careful planning, so can you.