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Common Types of Work Shifts
By Georgia Carter MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Finding the ideal work shift is key to creating the optimal workflow for a business. Each type of shift offers unique advantages and disadvantages that contribute to employee productivity and workplace satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for convenient hours or cost-effectiveness, understanding all your options will help you create the ideal working environment.
In this article, we’ll go through the most common types of work shifts currently used by businesses and explore their pros and cons so you can make a more informed decision about which ones fit best with your organization’s needs.
And once you’re looking to hire qualified candidates to work for your business — for any particular shift — the top hiring site, ZipRecruiter, can help.
What is shift work?
Shift work refers to a schedule of work that typically varies from the traditional nine-to-five job. It includes hours beyond the regular working hours, such as night, afternoon and rotating shifts. Shift work has become increasingly common in the past few decades as companies try to stay competitive and keep up with consumer demands for around-the-clock service.
However, while shift work may offer flexibility and higher wages to some, it can also negatively affect employees’ health and well-being. Irregular sleep patterns, disrupted family life and increased stress levels are some challenges that shift workers may face. Despite these challenges, many industries rely on shift work to keep their operations running smoothly. When recruiting candidates for your chosen work shifts, you can utilize the best job posting sites to find the best fits for your team schedule.
The most common types of work shifts
Not all industries conform to the nine-to-five schedule, with many healthcare workers, factory employees and retail staff working unconventional shifts, like evenings, overnight or split schedules. These varied shifts require flexibility and adaptability but often come with unique perks, like differential pay or lower traffic during commutes. Ultimately, finding the shifts your company needs is the most important thing. Below are the various types of work shifts.
1. Standard shift
A standard shift usually refers to the typical nine-to-five work day from Monday through Friday. While a standard shift can provide some predictability and routine to a work schedule, it may not be the ideal fit for everyone. Some industries, such as healthcare and hospitality, often require employees to work non-standard shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
2. First shift (morning shift)
A first shift, also known as a morning shift, refers to the work hours that take place during the first part of the day, typically starting around 6 a.m. and ending around 2 p.m. This shift is ideal for employees who need to have their evenings free. It can offer a balance between work and personal life. Additionally, it may be fitting for businesses that see the majority of activity in the morning.
3. Second shift (swing shift)
A second shift is a work schedule that typically begins mid-afternoon and ends at midnight. It’s a common schedule for businesses that require around-the-clock operations, such as hospitals, manufacturing plants and call centers.
It’s important for workers and employers alike to understand the dynamics of a second shift and its impact on productivity, safety and employee well-being. A second shift can affect employees’ family and social lives. This can negatively impact their physical and mental health, leading to increased absenteeism, burnout and reduced job satisfaction.
On the other hand, a well-managed second shift can result in increased productivity and efficiency. This is because the second shift, in conjunction with the first and third shifts, allows businesses to operate for extended hours, thereby maximizing production output, meeting customer needs and increasing cost-effectiveness.
4. Third shift (night shift or graveyard shift)
A third shift — also known as the night shift or graveyard shift — is a work schedule that runs overnight, typically from around 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. This schedule allows companies to operate 24 hours a day and always ensures someone is present.
For some industries, this shift is crucial to keeping things running smoothly. Hospitals, emergency services and manufacturing plants are just a few examples of businesses that often require overnight staffing.
As an employer, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of offering a third shift to your workforce. You may attract employees by offering a higher pay rate due to the less desirable work hours. Additionally, employees may appreciate the lack of traffic during commutes, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and potentially reduce absenteeism. However, working late at night can also have a negative impact on an employee’s personal life, including social and familial relationships. Assessing the potential benefits and drawbacks before implementing a third-shift position in your organization is crucial.
5. Split shift
A split shift refers to a work day split into two distinct parts, with a substantial break in between. For example, an employee might work from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a break in the middle of the day. Split shifts can be particularly beneficial for hospitality, healthcare and retail businesses. In these sectors, service demand often varies depending on the time of day, and split shifts allow businesses to adjust their staffing levels accordingly, minimizing costs while maintaining optimal service levels.
This kind of schedule can be challenging because it requires an employee to adjust to two different work environments and potentially commute back and forth throughout the day. However, it can also offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and allow for a more varied workday.
6. Rotating shifts
Rotating shift work may be found in workplaces that operate around the clock. This type of work schedule involves employees rotating through different shifts over a period of time. For example, an employee might work the night shift for a week, followed by a week of day shifts and then switch to the afternoon shift the following week.
Rotating shifts help ensure that staffing levels remain consistent throughout the day, meaning businesses can efficiently operate around the clock, and employees don’t always have to work the night shift. However, it’s crucial for both employers and employees to carefully consider the potential impact on health and well-being before committing to rotating shifts, as they can disrupt sleep patterns and affect overall health.
7. Compressed shift
A compressed shift is when employees work their usual amount of hours on fewer days. For example, instead of working five eight-hour days, they might work four ten-hour days. Compressed shift schedules can benefit various businesses, especially those that require round-the-clock or extended hours of operation. Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and retail may utilize a compressed shift schedule. It can help businesses save on operational costs, such as energy and equipment usage.
Moreover, employees who work compressed shifts often have more time off, which can foster greater work-life balance and job satisfaction. Thus, compressed shifts can reduce employee turnover rates and decrease absenteeism rates. Overall, businesses that seek to increase productivity, optimize operational costs and improve employee satisfaction should consider implementing compressed shifts in their work schedules
8. On-call shift
An on-call shift is a type of work shift that requires an employee to be available and ready to work at a moment’s notice. This means that the person on-call must be reachable and able to respond to work-related situations promptly. On-call shifts are common in healthcare, emergency services and IT support industries. Employees who work on-call shifts often receive additional compensation, but balancing work and personal life can be challenging. Typically, employees are paid a different rate while on-call than if they were working.
9. Fixed shift
A fixed shift is a type of work schedule that remains consistent week after week, typically consisting of the same hours and days. This differs from a rotating shift, where employees work a different weekly schedule, or a flexible schedule, where employees can choose their schedule.
The benefit of a fixed shift is that employees can plan their lives outside of work with more certainty, as they know when they will be working each week. Additionally, employers can design their staffing needs more efficiently, knowing that the same employees will be working the same shifts consistently. Fixed shifts can help foster a sense of routine and stability for both employees and employers.
10. Flex shift
Flex shifts are becoming increasingly popular in the workforce and among many industries as more companies recognize the importance of work-life balance. These shifts allow employees to have a degree of flexibility in their work schedule while still completing their daily tasks efficiently.
Flexibility can vary widely depending on the job and employer, but typically, a flex shift means that an employee can adjust their schedule to accommodate personal obligations, such as childcare, family commitments or hobbies. This can mean working early in the morning, late at night or for shorter blocks throughout the day.
By offering flex shifts, companies can retain talented workers who may have otherwise been unable to work regular shifts and show that they value employees’ lives outside of the workplace. It may be a win-win situation for both the company and the employee.
What to keep in mind when creating shift work schedules
Creating shift work schedules can be a tricky task. You want to balance your business’s needs with your employees’ availability and needs. There are several important factors to keep in mind when creating these schedules.
First, consider the needs of your business. Consider your business’s busiest times and what positions require more attention during these times. Next, take into account the availability of your employees. Are there certain times when they are generally unavailable? Finally, allow adequate rest periods between shifts to ensure your employees stay fresh and focused.
By keeping these distinctions in mind, you can create a schedule that meets the needs of both your business and your employees, resulting in a happy and productive workforce.
How do 12-hour shifts work?
For businesses in fields requiring extended hours, 12-hour shifts are an option. They fall under the compressed shift category. One industry that commonly employs 12-hour shifts is healthcare, where 24/7 patient care is required. This both ensures patient safety and benefits hospitals by reducing the number of shift changes, which can lead to mistakes and decreased efficiency.
Another industry that typically schedules 12-hour shifts is manufacturing, where the continuous operation of machinery and the need for supervision often require longer shifts. Typically, employees will work three to four 12-hour shifts per week with a rest day between each shift. This allows for a longer stretch of time off.
Implementing 12-hour shifts can lead to decreased labor costs, increased employee satisfaction through reduced commutes and more extended periods of time off and potentially higher productivity and revenue for the business. While some may find working 12 hours in a row challenging, the extended rest days may make it worthwhile for those in specific industries.
Can minors work night shifts?
Night shift work may seem like a great opportunity for a young person looking to earn some extra cash and gain valuable work experience that fits into their schedule. But the question of whether or not minors should be allowed to work night shifts is complex. The child labor standards vary from state to state — some states allow minors age 16 or 17 to work until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
But generally speaking, if your state allows it, young workers can work night shifts if certain conditions are met. These can vary but often include obtaining a work permit, limiting the number of hours worked and ensuring adequate supervision. However, there are also potential risks associated with working overnight, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and safety concerns. Employers and parents must consider these elements carefully, abide by state laws and weigh the benefits and drawbacks before allowing a minor to take on a night shift job.
Summary of The Miami Herald’s common types of work shifts
Shift work offers unique advantages and disadvantages to ensure workplace productivity and satisfaction. When creating shift work schedules, employers should consider their business needs and employees’ availability and needs, allowing adequate rest periods between each shift. Considering employee well-being as well as productivity is key to creating a thriving workforce.
Once you’re ready to hire people for your desired shifts, post your open jobs on hiring platforms. ZipRecruiter is a marketplace that allows your listing to appear on more than 100 job posting sites so you can reach the best candidates.
Georgia Carter is a dedicated copywriter, content creator, and editor who loves creating compelling and authentic copy for creatives and businesses alike. With years of experience working in a range of industries, such as marketing, tech, conservation, and travel, Georgia has expanded her skillset and craft to bring to life the stories of many companies and individuals. With an eye for detail and a knack for prose, she's a unique and passionate wordsmith.