Which shift pattern is best?
What is the best shift pattern to work? The 4 on, 4 off shift pattern model is extremely common and is often used in 24/7 shift work environments.
The math is simple: working five eight-hour shifts is equivalent to working four 10-hour shifts. That's true. But the implications of these schedules are different. The danger is in disregarding the health effects that can occur as a result of fatigue and stress that accumulate over a longer-than-normal working day.
Each team works 4 consecutive night shifts, followed by 3 days off duty, then 3 consecutive day shifts, followed by 1 day off duty, then 3 consecutive night shifts, then 3 days off duty, then 4 consecutive day shifts, then finally 7 consecutive days off duty.
Those who felt like they had the least time overall worked 8.6 hours, whereas those who felt like they had the most time worked just one hour less, or 7.6 hours. So to not feel starved for time, aim for a 7.6 hour workday. That would equate to a 38-hour workweek.
Four On, Four Off (4 x 4)
The advantage of this schedule is that employees have plenty of time to rest and recuperate between their four days on. Also, within an eight-week cycle, employees get three consecutive weekends off.
Research doesn't provide a clear winner between 8 and 12 hour shifts. Both have positive impacts on ones physical health, work / life balance and productivity. The best shift timing comes down to a business' individual needs, the abilities and availability of the workforce and ultimately, true “buy-in” from employees.
In the end, scientists generally agree that the ideal daily working time is around 6 hours, and more concentrated in the morning.
Workforce Institute's research demonstrates that a 4/10 work schedule reduces employee stress and boosts their happiness and well-being. Having an extra day off each week allows employees to find a better work-life balance. In this context, offering 4/10 hour shifts have also shown to increase employee attendance.
For three days you work 12 hours during the day, have two days off; work 12 hours on nights for 4 days, have 3 days off; work 12 hours on days for 3 days etc. Of course there are many variations on this theme.
The most popular shift pattern still tends to be the Monday to Friday full-time shift. But this could vary from business to business.
What is the best 12 hour rotating shift schedule?
A 12 hour rotating shift might work like this. For three days you work 12 hours during the day, have two days off; work 12 hours on nights for 4 days, have 3 days off; work 12 hours on days for 3 days etc.
Shortened Work Week: In most hospitals, working three 12-hour shifts means four days off each week. The extended break is advantageous if you have a longer commute or require child care. You get less time on the road and more time with your family than those working the traditional 9 to 5.
Workers on 12-hour shifts never work more than two days in a row, reducing problems of stress and cumulative fatigue. Less commuting required. Fewer days at work mean fewer days of driving to and from work. This represents time saving and reduced transportation costs for employees with longer commutes.
