Continuous 24/7 or semi-continuous systems are usually based on either 3 or 2 shifts with, typically, average shift lengths of 8 or 12 hours respectively.  Points to consider when choosing a shift length:

  • 12-hour shifts are sometimes considered to be too long - there may be issues regarding fatigue, health and safety and productivity
  • The European Working Time Directive puts a limit of 8 hours on the night shift for "hazardous" work
  • 12-hour shifts require fewer attendances at work which saves staff travel time and cost (see example below)
  • 12-hour shifts lead to longer periods of usable time off as a result of having more rest days 
  • 12-hour shifts lead to more weekends off (see example below)
  • 12-hour shift patterns are usually more "attractive"
  • 12-hour shifts require just two handovers a day rather than three under 8 hour shifts.
  • 12-hour shift patterns have longer rest day breaks which sometimes are considered to be too long from a communication and continuity point of view
  • 12-hour shift absence cover: a shift can be covered by bringing in somebody from a rest day. This is also the case for 8-hour shifts but there are fewer staff on rest days to choose from
  • 8-hour shift absence cover: a shift can be covered by bringing in somebody from a rest day. It can also be covered by extending adjacent shifts. For example, a late shift can be covered by a 4-hour extension of an early shift and by bringing in a night shift 4 hours earlier. This is not an option with 12-hour shifts.

Example: continuous system (24 hrs per day, 365 days per year)

Number of shifts rostered per year

Nr teams 8 hrs 12 hrs Difference
4 274 183 91
5 219 146 73


Number of weekends off per year

Nr teams 8 hrs 12 hrs Difference
4 13 26 13
5 21 31 10

 

Mix of 8's and 12's

There are advantages and disadvantages of using 8 or 12 hour shifts. As a compromise, some organisations use a mix of 8 and 12-hour shifts. Typically, 8 hour shifts are worked on weekdays with 12 hours at the weekend. This maximises the number of weekends off but for most of the week 8-hour shifts are worked. Let us know if you need any help in deciding what the appropriate shift length is for your operation
 

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