On-call schedules
An on-call schedule refers to a rostering system where employees are required to be available and contactable outside of their normal working hours to provide emergency cover for their department or organisation. This can include being on standby to attend to unexpected situations, respond to urgent queries, or participate in out-of-hours activities.
In the UK, on-call schedules are commonly used in industries such as healthcare, transportation, and utilities, where staff may be required to work irregular hours or provide 24/7 coverage. The schedule typically outlines which employees are responsible for being on call at specific times, and may include details such as:
- Frequency of on-call periods (e.g., weekly, fortnightly)
- Duration of on-call periods (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours)
- Specific dates or timeframes when staff are required to be on call
- Contact information for employees who are on call (e.g., phone numbers, email addresses)
On-call schedules can be managed using a variety of tools and software, including online rotas, spreadsheets, and mobile apps. Employers are responsible for ensuring that on-call arrangements comply with relevant employment laws and regulations, such as the Working Time Regulations 1998.
It’s worth noting that on-call schedules can have implications for employee work-life balance, fatigue management, and overall well-being. As such, employers should take steps to mitigate these risks and ensure that employees are not unfairly disadvantaged by being on call. This may involve providing additional support, compensation, or time off in lieu for staff who are required to be on call.
In terms of HR best practice, it’s essential to:
- Clearly communicate the on-call schedule to all relevant staff
- Ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and any associated risks
- Provide adequate training and support for staff who are required to be on call
- Monitor and review the effectiveness of the on-call schedule regularly
By following these guidelines, employers can create a fair and manageable on-call system that supports both business needs and employee well-being.
AceRota’s automated scheduling feature ensures that on-call duties are evenly distributed among team members, taking into account factors such as availability, time off, and seniority, thereby reducing the administrative burden and promoting fairness.
