4 on, 4 off definition · RotaCloud glossary (2024)

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What is an example of a 4 on 4 off shift pattern? ›

Example of a 4-on-4 off-shift schedule

Employees work from Monday to Thursday, starting each shift at 8 AM and finishing at 8 PM for day shifts. For night shifts, they might start at 8 PM and finish at 8 AM. After these four days, employees get four days off.

A 4 on 4 off shift pattern is a structured work schedule where employees are required to work for four consecutive days or nights, and then have four consecutive days off. This cycle is continuous, providing round-the-clock coverage all days of the week and is particularly utilized in jobs requiring 24/7 operations.

For the 4 on 4 off schedule with 12-hour shifts, the yearly total amounts to 2190 hours. This calculation is based on multiplying the yearly average of 182.5 shifts (half of 365) by 12.

Better work-life balance

The first pro of a 4 on 4 off schedule is that it offers an improved work/life balance. With every four days of work comes four days off, which allows employees to relax, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

The 4 on, 4 off, 10-hour shift schedule is a unique work arrangement that spans over a period where employees work for four consecutive days followed by a fixed four-day break, and each workday involves a 10-hour shift.

Four On, Four Off (or 4 x 4)

This schedule also provides employees with three consecutive weekends off during every eight-week cycle. Cons: Because this schedule is based on an eight day period rather than the standard seven day week, employees' days off are pushed forward by a day each period.

The 4-team double shift rotation schedule is a staffing strategy that involves four teams working two 12-hour shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. This schedule operates on a rotating basis, typically in a pattern of 4-on, 3-off, 3-on, 4-off, repeating the cycle.

A 4 on 3 off shift pattern refers to a work schedule where employees are on duty for four consecutive days, followed by three consecutive days of rest. This cycle is designed to provide a balance between work and personal time, allowing for longer, uninterrupted breaks.

This is a classic continuous working pattern based on 12 hour shifts. Participants work for four consecutive 12-hour days, followed by four consecutive days off, then four consecutive 12-hour nights, followed by four consecutive days off, then four more days and so on.

4 on 4 off shift pattern template for Excel

4 on 4 onff shift pattern is used for 24-hour coverage with four teams working 12-hour shifts for four days after which they will have four days off. This is one of the essential scheduling patterns for the healthcare industry and nurse scheduling.

What is 5 on 5 off 4 on 4 off? ›

The 5-5-4 work schedule, a rotating shift pattern, comprises five days of work, followed by five days off and then four days of work. This distinct approach to scheduling aims to provide an attractive work-life balance for employees while ensuring continuous productivity for organizations.

Twelve hours is a long time. While some shifts may whiz by, others may creep along at a snail's pace, particularly if your work hours cover slow times, such as an overnight shift. Boredom and fatigue may set in when time begins to drag, creating a distracted, wandering mind or sleepiness.

Pros of a 4-day work week can include cost savings, increased productivity, and employee retention. Some disadvantages, however, can include scheduling challenges, reduced productivity, and added stress.

Some four-day workweek models are compressed workweeks, where employees work four 10-hour days to fit the same amount of working hours into fewer days. Other four-day workweeks have reduced hours, where employees are expected to complete all their work in 32 hours — but still get paid a full salary.

In this system, an employee works for four days and then has two days off. This cycle repeats continuously, providing a consistent and predictable pattern for both staffing and personal planning. Employees typically work the same shifts (e.g., morning, day, or night) during their four working days.

Regular 4-on 4 off:

This is a classic continuous working pattern based on 12 hour shifts. Participants work for four consecutive 12-hour days, followed by four consecutive days off, then four consecutive 12-hour nights, followed by four consecutive days off, then four more days and so on.

A 4 on 3 off shift pattern refers to a work schedule where employees are on duty for four consecutive days, followed by three consecutive days of rest. This cycle is designed to provide a balance between work and personal time, allowing for longer, uninterrupted breaks.

The best 24/7 shift patterns with 4 teams can be a traditional 4 on 4 off shift pattern or shorter runs of shifts and shorter breaks, through to variable consecutive shifts and rest days with some longer rest breaks. 4 team 24/7 shift patterns may repeat across 4, 8, 12 or 16 weeks.

In this system, an employee works for four days and then has two days off. This cycle repeats continuously, providing a consistent and predictable pattern for both staffing and personal planning. Employees typically work the same shifts (e.g., morning, day, or night) during their four working days.