Shift work is popular in many industries. But which shift model is the right one for a company? There is no general answer to this question. It depends on the individual factors as to which shift model suits the company. In this article, we present the different shift models:
The fully continuous shift model
Also known as the three-shift model. The three shifts are the early shift, the late shift and the night shift. A shift usually lasts 8 hours. This means that the fully continuous shift model can be worked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With this shift model, it is important to ensure that the Working Hours Act (ArbZG) and labor law are complied with. Breaks for employees must be included in the shift schedules. These are eleven hours between two shifts. In the fully continuous shift model, shifts are often alternated. This means that employees work the early, late and night shifts in weekly rotation. However, if there is no eleven-hour rest period between shift changes, this is not permitted.
The semi-continuous shift model
The semi-continuous shift model is also a model with three shifts. However, it does not involve working at weekends. This makes it easier to alternate shifts every week, as the weekend is in between and the eleven-hour rest period for employees can be easily observed.
The two-shift model
In a two-shift model, there is no night shift. This means that two shifts of eight hours each are worked. This means that operations run for a total of 16 hours a day. Here too, the employees are usually alternated weekly for the corresponding shifts. The rest period can be easily observed due to the lack of a night shift.
Multilayer models
In multi-layer systems, the layers themselves are not increased. There are three shifts. But the shift groups are divided up so that they cover shift cycles. For example, in a four-shift system, four shift groups work in the shift cycles. These are continuous. Because there are more shift groups than shifts, it is possible to work continuously without exceeding the weekly working hours. Basically, one shift group works in one of the shifts and the fourth shift group is off or on vacation. This is also possible with more than four shift groups if, for example, departments work together and are each divided into shifts and shift groups.
Example of a multi-shift model
Let’s assume that the shifts in your company result in 168 working hours per week. You therefore work in fully continuous shift operation. You divide up four shift groups, each of which works for eight hours. This results in a weekly working time of 42 hours per shift group. This is already more than the usual 40 hours per week. In addition, it would be difficult to compensate for absences due to illness and vacations, or the entire shift schedule would have to be rearranged. So instead, you divide up five shift groups and reduce the working time per shift group to just under 34 hours per week.
Conclusion
Shift models always refer to the fact that a company works more than eight hours a day. At least 16 hours for a two-shift system or 24 hours for a three-shift system. Which shift model is the right one for a company depends largely on what is to be achieved and what the resources are like. Above all, it is important that the ArbZG and labor laws are observed.
