Working Shifts: Everything You Need to Know

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work while most people are asleep? Or to be hard at work early in the morning while the rest of the world is still waking up? Then working shifts might be just the thing for you! Whether you prefer the quiet of the night or the energy of an early morning, shift work has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about working shifts.

What is shift work?

A shift schedule is a work schedule in which employees work rotating shifts. Instead of a fixed 9-to-5 workday, you work different shifts, such as the morning shift, afternoon shift, or night shift. This means your work hours can change every week. For example, one week you might work during the day, while the next week you work at night. This system ensures that companies can operate 24 hours a day.

Types of shift schedules

Shift schedules come in all shapes and sizes. The most common shift schedules are as follows:

• Two-shift work;
• 3-shift schedule
• 4-shift schedule
• 5-shift schedule

Below, we briefly explain the different shift schedules.

2-shift schedule
In a 2-shift schedule, you work two shifts: a morning shift and an afternoon shift. The morning shift usually runs from early morning until mid-afternoon. The afternoon shift runs from mid-afternoon until evening. This means you work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

3-shift schedule
In a 3-shift schedule, there are three shifts: morning, afternoon, and night. Each shift lasts 8 hours. This allows the company to operate 24 hours a day. Here, too, you work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

4-shift schedule
In a 4-shift schedule, four shifts work over a 24-hour period. This means you have shorter workdays (6 hours instead of 8), but you do work 6 days a week.

5-shift schedule
With a 5-shift schedule, a company operates 24/7. This means you may be scheduled to work on different days and at different times each week. Typically, you work two morning shifts, followed by two afternoon shifts, and then two night shifts. After this six-day work cycle, you have four days off.

Why choose shift work?

Working shifts can sometimes be tough, but it also has its advantages. You often receive extra pay for night and weekend shifts; this is called a shift differential. This additional compensation makes up for the irregular work hours and the potential health risks associated with working at different times, both during the day and at night.

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

Tips for getting through your shift schedule

Working shifts can be pretty tough, especially if you have to work at night. That’s why it’s extra important to take good care of yourself. Below are a few simple tips to help you get through your night shifts more easily:

• Sleep: Night shifts can throw off your body clock because you’re working when your body actually wants to sleep. That’s why it’s important to maintain a regular sleep schedule, especially if you work night shifts. Try to go to bed and wake 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’s important to make your bedroom as dark as possible. This will help you fall asleep more easily. When driving home after your night shift, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. Daylight signals to your body that it’s time to wake up, and that’s exactly what you want to avoid.
• Nutrition: Shift work can throw your eating habits off balance. Try to eat regularly and healthily anyway. Three nutritious 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 may be. They’ll only make you more sleepy.
• Exercise: It’s important to go outside and get some exercise every day, even if you’re tired after a night shift and would rather just lounge on the couch. You can always play video games or watch TV later, but daylight is strongest during the day. Exercise and fresh air help reset your body clock, so you can sleep better and feel more energized.

Ready for shift work?
After reading this article, do you feel like shift work might be right for you? Great! At UBN, we have a wide range of jobs across various shift schedules. Whether you’re looking for an early morning shift or prefer to work at night, we have the right job opening for you. Check out our job openings online or stop by a UBN branch near you to get to know us. We’re here to help!