While most office jobs operate on a standard 40-hour work week with employees working 8 hour days from Monday through Friday, industrial sites that operate around the clock are generally not afforded that luxury. Because workers need to be onsite 24 hours a day, most industrial companies operate on 12-hour shift schedules.
There are many different types of 12-hour schedules and each one has a number of variations. Picking a schedule that is right for your company can be challenging. Each schedule has its own pros and cons that must be considered and evaluated according to your company’s needs.
Most Common 12-Hour Shift Schedules
Let’s take a look at the three most commonly used 12-hour shift schedules.
The DuPont
The DuPont has been in use since the 1950’s and its name is derived from the company that originated it. The schedule revolves around a maximum of four consecutive day or night shifts and a single day off between another three consecutive day or night shifts. Employees then have a 7 or 8 day period of consecutive days off during every 28-day rotation.
- Pros: While employees have long stretches with very few days off, they also enjoy having a weeklong “mini-vacation” each month.
- Cons: Working several consecutive night shifts and long stretches with limited days off causes fatigue. Employees also have a tough time re-adjusting to work when they get back from their 7-8 day off time.
The “2-3-2”
The 2-3-2 was first introduced in the 1960’s and became popular in the 1980’s. The schedule is based on a 14-day period in which employees work 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off. It is sometimes referred to as “every other weekend off.” This type of schedule is widely used in oil refineries.
- Pros: Employees know they never have to work more than three consecutive days in a row and will always have every other weekend off.
- Cons: This shift requires workers to switch back and forth between day and night shifts, which can lead to fatigue. Also, while employees never work more than three days in a row, they also never have more than three days in a row off.
Four On, Four Off (or 4 x 4)
As its name states, this schedule requires employees to work four consecutive day or night shifts followed by four consecutive days off. While it varies by company, employees typically rotate day and night shifts as frequently as every 8 days or as infrequently as every 24 days.
- Pros: Always having four consecutive days off gives employees plenty of time to recuperate between shifts. 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. That can make scheduling future plans difficult since workers do not have set days off. It also means that during every eight-week period, there are five consecutive weeks in which employees must work at least one day on the weekend. For some, four consecutive shifts can be tiring as well.
Each of these 12-hour work shift schedules can be altered in various ways to suit your needs. When evaluating a shift schedule, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each and how they impact workplace safety.
FAQs
Increased Fatigue and Burnout:
Adhering to rotating schedules can result in heightened fatigue, as employees must continuously adjust to changing sleep patterns and work hours. This ongoing adjustment can increase the risk of burnout, as individuals may not have sufficient time to rest and recover between shifts.
What are the pros and cons of a 2 2 3 work schedule? ›
Advantages of the 2-2-3 work schedule
- Advantage #1: Increased customer pool. ...
- Advantage #2: Increased productivity and lower hiring costs. ...
- Advantage #3: More leisure time. ...
- Advantage #4: Better work-life balance. ...
- Disadvantage #1: Health problems. ...
- Disadvantage #2: The sleeping cycle disruption. ...
- Variation #1: The Pitman schedule.
4 on 4 off schedule: Pros and cons
- Better work-life balance. The first pro of a 4 on 4 off schedule is that it offers an improved work/life balance. ...
- Improved productivity. ...
- Less disruption between shifts. ...
- Increased cost-effectiveness. ...
- More scheduling predictability. ...
- Less employee burnout. ...
- Long shifts. ...
- Inconsistent work days.
There are definitely certain advantages to 12-hour shifts, including:
- Simple 24-hour coverage. ...
- Fewer shift handovers. ...
- Reducing employee absenteeism. ...
- Saving money. ...
- Increased risk of burnout. ...
- Higher labor costs. ...
- Labor compliance difficulties.
Flex schedule pros and cons
- Pro #1: Improved employee morale. ...
- Pro #2: Top talent for your business. ...
- Pro #3: Better attendance. ...
- Pro #4: Increased productivity. ...
- Con #1: Difficult tracking. ...
- Con #2: Complicated setup. ...
- Con #3: Possible distractions. ...
- Con #4: Potential for burnout.
The disadvantage of scheduling activities is the lack of flexibility and it is time-consuming to organize tasks and create a timeline. However, it could increase your productivity and maintain everything in order which could generate more focus on your part.
What are the pros and cons of working 3rd shift? ›
Working the third shift comes with a number of benefits, some of which are decreased distractions, lifestyle improvements, and improved focus on additional tasks. The disadvantages of working the third shift are disrupted circadian rhythms, negative impact on mental clarity, and poor social life.
What are the disadvantages of split shifts? ›
Employees who work split shifts often experience increased stress, fatigue, and reduced sleep, which can negatively impact their workday, well-being, and productivity. Furthermore, a split shift can also create challenges for employees who face a long commute time or have limited access to public transportation.
What are the pros and cons of a 4 day week schedule? ›
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.
What is the best shift pattern? ›
The 5 over 7 shift pattern is one of the most popular, as it mimics the typical working week. That means employees work five days out of seven, but those days aren't necessarily Monday to Friday. Instead, you could schedule someone to work Saturday and Sunday but give them Thursday and Friday off work.
The 3-2-2 shift pattern, often referred to as the DuPont schedule, is a unique work arrangement that involves employees working three days consecutively (either day or night shift), followed by having two days off, and then working two more days.
What are the benefits of 4 on 4 off shift pattern? ›
Reduced absenteeism and turnover rates: A more balanced work-life schedule can decrease burnout, reducing absenteeism and staff turnover. Enhanced flexibility in managing business operations: This pattern allows businesses to operate continuously, covering 24/7 demands.
What are the disadvantages of shift work? ›
A shiftworker is at increased risk of health problems, such as digestive upsets, obesity and heart disease, and accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness.
What are the pros of working more hours? ›
Increased Productivity: One of the biggest advantages of working overtime is the ability to get more work done. When you work longer hours, you have more time to complete tasks and meet deadlines, which can increase your productivity and help you get ahead in your career.
What is 4 days on 2 days off? ›
The 4 on 2 off shift pattern is a work schedule that is gaining popularity in many industries. In this system, employees work four consecutive days and then have two days off. This type of schedule can be found in various sectors, including healthcare, emergency services, and manufacturing.
Is shifting schedule bad for your health? ›
Such work schedules disrupt the biological circadian rhythm and natural sleep-wake cycles. This disruption may cause significant consequences. A growing body of evidence shows a connection between shift work and numerous hazardous health outcomes, including both physical and mental health conditions.
What are the problems with shift work? ›
Increased risks
- Increased likelihood of obesity.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Higher risk of mood changes.
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation and stomach discomfort.
- Higher risk of motor vehicle accidents and work-related accidents.
Rotating shifts have also been associated with stress, as the irregular nature of shifts can disrupt how the body manages stress. This may lead to other problems, such as anxiety and depression. These mental health conditions impact almost all aspects of employees' lives.
How do you survive a shifting schedule? ›
This Is How To Survive and Thrive Working A 12-Hour Shift
- Have a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule.
- Batch your work shifts.
- Create a day-off routine.
- Get your bloodwork done every six months.
- Eat nutritious balanced meals and snacks.
- Prioritize your social life outside.
