Shift Patterns

There are various shift patterns commonly used in different industries, including 2-shift and 5-and-2 patterns. Here are shift patterns commonly used in various industries. Many industries may use customised shift patterns based on their specific operational needs and workforce requirements.

2-shift pattern

This typically consists of two shifts covering a 24-hour period. Common variations include:

• Day shift and night shift
• Morning shift and afternoon shift

5-and-2 pattern

This involves working five consecutive days followed by two days off. It's commonly used in industries such as retail and healthcare. Variations include:

• Monday to Friday schedule with weekends off
• Rotating shift pattern with different start days

4-shift pattern

Involves four shifts rotating over a set period, such as a week or a month. Examples include:

• Four-day workweek with three days off
• Four on, four off rotation

3-shift pattern

Utilised in industries requiring 24/7 coverage, with three shifts rotating throughout the day. Examples include:

• Morning, afternoon, and night shifts
• Early morning, day, and night shifts

Continental shift pattern

Involves rotating shifts covering both day and night hours, typically over a two-week period. Employees work a series of day and night shifts followed by days off.

Fixed shift pattern

Employees work the same shift consistently without rotation. Examples include:

• Day shift only
• Night shift only

12-hour shift pattern

Involves working 12-hour shifts, typically alternating between day and night shifts. Examples include:

• 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off rotation
• 4 days on, 4 days off rotation

Weekend shift pattern

Employees work shifts primarily on weekends, with weekdays off. Examples include:

• Friday to Sunday shifts with Monday to Thursday off
• Saturday and Sunday shifts with weekdays off

Split shift pattern

Involves dividing the workday into two parts with a break in between. Examples include:

• Morning shift with a long break in the middle and an evening shift
• Afternoon shift with a break in the evening and a late-night shift

Flexible shift pattern

Employees have the flexibility to choose their own shifts within certain parameters. Examples include:

• Flexitime arrangements allowing employees to start and finish work at different times
• Rotating shifts based on employee preferences and availability

On-call shift pattern

Employees are on standby and are called in to work as needed. Examples include:

• Medical professionals on call for emergencies
• Technical support staff available for customer inquiries outside regular hours

Part-time shift pattern

Involves working fewer hours or shifts per week compared to full-time employees. Examples include:

• Working only weekends
• Working specific days or shifts based on availability and preference

Rotating shift pattern with fixed days off

Employees work rotating shifts but have fixed days off each week. Examples include:

• Rotating between morning, afternoon, and night shifts with weekends off
• Rotating between two shifts with weekdays off

Shift pattern with compressed workweeks

Employees work longer hours per day but fewer days per week. Examples include:

• Four 10-hour shifts per week with three days off
• Three 12-hour shifts per week with four days off