Shift Work: Definition, Jobs, Pros, and Cons

If companies need employees to work all hours of the day to boost profits and productivity They often resort to shifts. People who are employed on shifts tend to work at irregular times to ensure the company’s 100% efficiency. This is typically used in manufacturing and hospitality, civil service, or health. If you’re in search of work or you’re not satisfied with your 9-to-5 routine shift work could be the answer to the career you’ve been searching for.

How do you define shift work?

Shift work includes any work that takes place outside of the normal 9-to-5 workday. It could include night shifts (graveyard shift) and early morning hours, or the possibility of a rotating schedule that changes monthly, weekly, and quarterly. Another practice that is common to shift work is working longer duration over a short work week. For instance, an employee might work for four days of 10 hours instead of the traditional five eight-hour workdays.

It’s commonplace for all businesses that operate for 10 hours per day or more. The reason is that employers aren’t able to afford the capital or aren’t willing to provide overtime pay to employees. Therefore they’ll divide the work into work shifts, which keeps their employees working less than 40 hours per week. This helps reduce overhead while also keeping workers focused and alert.

Shift work hours

The hours of work for shifts vary according to business and industry. In businesses that are open 24 hours, like factories, hospitals, and diners shifts are usually arranged according to this pattern:

1. First shift 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
2. Second shift 2nd shift p.m. until midnight
3. The third shift (graveyard shift) From Midnight to 8 a.m.

The duration of these times could change based upon the type of work as well as the item or service being that is offered.

Employed, you the decision to work on your specific shift for a period of months or years at a time. However, your employer might assign you to the basis of a rotating shift. For instance, you could start your shift one month and then work the third shift in the following month.

Common forms of shift work that are not in the 24-hour, three-shift style are four 10-hour shifts that have three days off or several 12-hour shifts that have a number of days offset by an employer.

The morale of workers, productivity as well as safety/legal aspects all influence shift schedules.

Different types of jobs that require shift work

There’s no limit on the variety of occupations or industries which require shift work however these are the 15 most popular career options that rely on shift work almost all the time:

1. Bartender
2. Server
3. Firefighter
4. Police officer
5. EMT
6. Doctor
7. Nurse
8. Manager
9. Transit worker for public transport
10. Housekeeper
11. Chef
12. Manager
13. Worker at the call center
14. Customer service representative
15. Factory worker

This is not an all-inclusive list of occupations that require shift work, however, as a job seeker, this list should provide you with suggestions of careers you’d like to explore.

The advantages of working in shifts

The benefits for companies employing shift work are increased revenues and productivity employees also benefit from the numerous benefits that come by shift work.

• Further learning opportunities: If you work in a traditional shift, your workplace typically has full capacity, and managers are busy with their day-to-day activities. This typically means that you’re working only on the jobs given to you and not much other work, particularly if there are there aren’t any other opportunities. The off-hours during shift give you the chance to learn more because your workplace might have fewer employees available. This means that you’ll be able to learn new skills and apply on the job and take on new duties when your employer is convinced that you’re up for it.

• Improved focus: Once your body becomes accustomed to shifting work it will give you a better concentration. Without meetings, no colleagues around, and fewer distractions, it is possible to focus your attention to job, which will result in improved focus. This can translate into greater responsibility or an chance to impress your bosses.

• Convenience: The primary reason that employees opt for shift work is the matter of ease of use. Parents, this might be a way to be with your kids throughout the day, or after they get home from school. This flexibility gives parents the chance to go on errands, do grocery shopping or go to the gym to accomplish a task without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

• A lesser amount of congestion and a less crowded commute: Long commutes and congestion in traffic are two of the most unpleasant aspects of a typical 9-to-5 workday. Everyone trying to make it to work simultaneously it’s stressful and hectic. When you work shifts the struggle to get there is gone. There isn’t much or no traffic, or a free seat on the subway or bus are benefits that occur out of work however, you’ll appreciate these perks nonetheless.

• Better Wages: To attract workers businesses typically offer higher wages for shift workers. This isn’t a fixed rule but that you could make more money while in the same job changing from shift to.

• Set Hours: The set hours for shift work is a predetermined amount of time you are working throughout the day. There is no need to fret about work that puts you working late at night or completing your work before someone else hands it onto you. Every day, you begin and end your day simultaneously. This allows you to create an agenda of your own without fear of working causing you to change your plans.

• Training options: When you are working shifts, employers typically offer you the chance to enhance your capabilities through education. Through hands-on training or computer-based programs, you’ll be able to acquire important tools and acquire the necessary skills to elevate your profession to the next step.

It offers more than enough benefits to draw you in as a worker, especially when you’re tired of your working a routine or prefer something new. Comparing these benefits to the current work environment can determine whether your shift work is forward-movement as well as a lateral change or taking a step back.

Disadvantages of working in shifts

Similar to any other kind of job shift work comes with its benefits, but it also comes with a few disadvantages. Here is a list of disadvantages to shift work to help get the most out associated with working shifts.

• Sleep disorders and insomnia: A few of the commonly mentioned disadvantages of working shifts is insomnia and sleep disorders. Brains are programmed rest at night, and throwing off your normal sleeping schedule could cause disruption in sleep patterns, fatigue and sleepiness. Due to these issues it is possible to use the aid of a sleep medication or melatonin in order to mitigate the effects of work shifts until you are accustomed to your routine.

• Other health problems: Apart from sleep-related issues shift work may be a cause for other health issues. If employees are forced to do shift work due to necessity, it could cause unnecessary stress on their lives. This could lead to abnormal heartbeats and heart attacks, and mental health problems. If you’re in a family background of any of these diseases ensure that you consult your doctor prior to taking an employment shift. If you perform at a physical job that requires 12- or 10-hour shifts, you are also at the risk of sustaining injuries. The carpal tunnel condition, sore back, or a bad back are a few of the most frequent health concerns that can arise in these situations.

• A life of isolation and loneliness: The majority of workers have a 9-to-5 work schedule, and shift workers might begin to feel the loneliness that comes with a different lifestyle. You might find that you’re unable to socialize or there isn’t anyone there to talk to you whenever you’re free. If this is problems your way, then finding alternative ways to connect with others is essential for your mental and social health. Sometimes it is a matter of making friends with fellow shift workers is an effective option.

• Security issues: Depending upon the workplace you work at shift work could result in security concerns. For instance that you work on the graveyard shift in the factory located in an area that is a crime-ridden or industrial area could make you feel uncomfortable. A different example is if you’re working at a bar till 3 a.m. This is not only making you at risk of being a victim of violent crime as well, but more and more people drink and drive in the evening, making your journey home more difficult.

• Insufficient coworkers: You may be tired of the discussions at the water cooler however, working shifts and shift work, the chance to chat with your coworkers is usually very limited. Some jobs, like bartenders or servers, aren’t affected by this issue however when you’re a housekeeper, or factory worker, there’s a possibility of a shortage of fellow workers to have a chat with a depressing.

• Stagnation in your career: shift work could provide you with the chance to take on greater responsibility and learning but it can make you fall out of the view of your employer. With an environment that is less competitive and less managers looking at the work you do, it is possible that you may not be considered for promotions or advancement.

• Work ethic issues: When you’re working for an employer who requires a little encouragement from colleagues and managers the idea of working in shifts may be difficult. There’s no constant supervision or direction from top management. This can lead to an unprofessional work ethic even if you’re an extremely efficient person.

• The difficulty of finding colleagues to fill in for shifts: If are obligated to attend an untimely death in your family or an appointment to attend, looking for a colleague to fill in for your shift during you’re absence is a difficult task. It is common for you to have fewer employees who can help you, and most people do not want to take on an additional shift over their regular schedule. Some companies do have a contact list in these situations. Contact your manager as soon as you can to determine how they can assist to identify a temporary replacement one day.

• Moonlighting with more urgency: when you work irregular hours due to shift work or have 3 or 4 days of vacation on consecutive days, you may not be productive during your time off. To fill in the gap there is a chance to find an additional job, which is called moonlighting. Although these work opportunities provide an additional source of income, they could affect your productivity in your shift-work position. Your employers could be able to notice.

• Readjustment time: If go on vacation, the odds will be that you’ll return back to your normal routine to accommodate the demands of your vacation. If you are back at work, there will be some time before returning to your regular shift work schedule. This can result in a decline in productivity, or inability to concentration.

Although these issues could be an issue for certain employees, you may be surprised to find that they do not impact you in any way. A trial-and-error time of employment is a good way to find out if you have any issues with your shift work.