Working in shifts: everything you need to know

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to work when most people are asleep? Or to be fully occupied early in the morning when the rest of the world has yet to wake up? Then working a shift might be for you! Whether you like the quiet of the night or the energy of an early morning, shift work offers something for everyone. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about working shifts.

What is shift work?

A shift system is a work schedule in which employees work in alternating shifts.Instead of a fixed 9-to-5 workday, you work different shifts, such as morning shift, afternoon shift or night shift. This means your working hours can change each week. For example, one week you work during the day, while the next week you work at night. This system allows companies to keep running 24 hours a day.

Types of shifts

Shifts come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common shifts are as follows:

• 2-shift operation;
• 3-shift operation
• 4-shift operation
• 5-shift operation

Below we briefly explain the different shifts.

2-shift
In a 2-shift job, you work in two shifts: a morning shift and an afternoon shift. The morning shift usually works from early morning until noon. The afternoon shift works from noon to evening. So you work 8 hours a day and 5 days a week.

3-shift operation
In a 3-shift system, there are three shifts: morning, afternoon and night. Each shift works 8 hours. As a result, the company runs 24 hours a day. Again, you work 8 hours a day and 5 days a week.

4-shift operation
In a 4-shift system, you work 4 shifts in 24 hours. This means you have shorter work days (6 hours instead of 8), but work 6 days a week.

5-shift operation
In a 5-shift system, a company runs 24/7. This means you can be scheduled to work different days and times each week. You usually work two days in the morning, followed by two afternoons, and then two nights. After this series of six working days, you then have four days off.

Why choose shift work?

Working shifts can sometimes be tough, but it also has benefits. You often get paid extra for night and weekend shifts; this is called shift pay. This extra pay compensates for the varying working hours and the possible health risks of working at different times, both day and night.

Some people enjoy working shifts, while others prefer day shifts. Working shifts is a good option if you are flexible and like variety in your working hours.

Tips for getting through your shifts well

Working shifts can be quite tough, especially if you have to work at night. That is why it is extra important to take good care of yourself. Below we give you a few simple tips to help you keep up your night shifts better:

• Sleep: Night shifts can mess up your biological clock because you are working when your body actually wants to sleep. Therefore, make sure you have a regular sleep rhythm, especially if you work night shifts. Try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day, even on your days off.
• Light: If you go to bed after a night shift or early in the morning, it is important to make your bedroom as dark as possible. This will help you fall asleep better. When driving home after your night shift, put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. Daylight signals your body that it is time to wake up, and that is exactly what you want to avoid.
• Nutrition: Shifts can mess up your diet. Still, try to eat regularly and healthily. Three good meals a day, supplemented with healthy snacks, will help you stay energized. Avoid heavy, fatty snacks during the night shift, no matter how tempting they are. These will only make you sleepier.
• Exercise: It is important to get outside and exercise every day, even if you are tired after a night shift and would rather hang out on the couch. You can always game or watch TV later, but daylight is strongest during the day. Exercise and outdoor air will help you adjust your biological clock properly so you can sleep better and feel fitter.

Ready for shift work?
After reading this article, do you feel that shift work is for you? Great! At UBN, we have a wide range of jobs in different shifts. Whether you're looking for an early morning shift or prefer to work nights, we have the right job opening for you. Check out our job openings online or stop by a UBN location near you to get acquainted. We're ready to help you!