Shift patterns (examples)

Here the definition of shift pattern.

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