Rotating shifts
A rotating shift system, also known as a rotational rostering system, refers to an organisational schedule where employees work varying shifts over a set period of time, typically on a regular basis. This type of scheduling involves employees working different shifts or days off in a cyclical pattern, with the aim of ensuring that all shifts are covered and that no one employee is consistently assigned to the same shift.
In practice, this means that an employee may work a morning shift one day, an afternoon shift another day, and possibly have a night shift on another day. The rotation can occur daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the organisation’s needs and the employees’ collective agreements.
The key characteristics of rotating shifts are:
- Variation: Employees work different shifts over time.
- Cyclical pattern: Shifts are assigned in a regular, predictable cycle.
- Equitable distribution: All employees share the responsibility for working varying shifts.
- Fairness: The system aims to ensure that no one employee is consistently disadvantaged or overworked.
Rotating shift systems can be beneficial for organisations as they help to:
- Ensure adequate staffing levels at all times
- Promote fairness and equity among employees
- Reduce fatigue and stress associated with working the same shift repeatedly
- Improve work-life balance by providing regular breaks from a particular shift
However, rotating shifts can also have drawbacks, such as:
- Disruption to family life and social commitments
- Increased commuting time or expenses for some employees
- Potential negative impacts on employee health and well-being due to irregular sleep patterns
To mitigate these effects, organisations may need to implement additional measures, such as flexible working arrangements, paid rest breaks, or support services for employees affected by rotating shifts.
AceRota’s automated shift planning feature ensures fairer distribution of night shifts, weekends, and other unpopular shifts among staff, thereby reducing employee burnout and turnover rates associated with rotating shifts.
