Best Shift

Being part of the industries where employees need to work around the clock involves shift work. Nearly 22 million Americans are shift workers, and while this type of employment provides plenty of benefits in terms of pay, they are also exposed to numerous health issues such as sleep deprivation.

However, to maximize worker’s productivity, companies should employ specific guidelines for shift start time, which should prevent on-the-job fatigue. Additionally, despite the nontraditional working hours, these workers serve as role models. For that reason, in this article, we will discuss the best shift to take and help you find the proper working schedule according to your needs.

DuPont Shift

DuPont Shift is one of the most popular and widely accepted shift schedules around the world, which includes 12-hour rotating shifts. Additionally, this type of program consists of four teams to maintain around the clock efficiency. During one month, you have a four-week cycle that looks like this:

4 ongoing night shifts
3 days off
3 ongoing night shifts
1 day off
3 ongoing night shifts
3 days off
4 ongoing night shifts
7 days off

The great thing about DuPont Shift is the fact that you basically get a one-week vacation each month. On the other hand, when you have a 24-hour break in the middle of the month, it might not be enough for some employees to rest enough before they have to go back to work.

Additionally, some workers may also have issues adjusting to working after a 7-day break. Last but not least, keep in mind that once a month, employees will have to work 72 hours per week, which might be too much.

Pitman Schedule

Pitman Schedule also goes by the name “every other weekend off.” In this case, four teams work two 12-hour shifts per day, on the 2-week cycle. However, each team either works day or night shifts. But for employees who work night shifts, the schedule should look like this:

2 ongoing night shifts
2 days off
3 ongoing night shifts
2 days off
2 ongoing night shifts
3 days off

One of the benefits of the Pitman Schedule is that you get every other weekend off. In that way, you can plan some activities with your friends and family who work regular working hours. Moreover, you never work more than three ongoing nights per month. However, one of the cons when it comes to Pitman Schedule, 12-hour shifts might be too challenging for some employees, especially for night workers.

2-2 3-2 2-3 Rotating Schedule

This is an alternative to Pitman Schedule, while it offers a couple of variations. For instance, the plan employs two teams, who work 12-hour shifts over four weeks. However, teams would either take night or day shifts for two weeks and then rotate to the opposite one. In that case, the shift schedule should look like this:

2-day shifts
2 rest days
3-day shifts
2 rest days
2-day shifts
3 rest days
3-night shifts
2 rest days
3-night shifts
2 rest days
2-night shifts
3 rest days

When it comes to advantages, 2-2 3-2 2-3 Rotating Shift Schedule means that you never work three days in a row, while every other weekend, you enjoy an extended weekend. However, some employees might work for 62 hours per week and then go from day to night shifts. Therefore, this type of plan may be challenging for people who have sleep disorders.

Now that you know your options, you can choose a plan according to your needs. However, shifts mostly depend on companies, and every time they apply a new plan, the company should plan some transition period for workers to adjust to a new routine.