Fundamentals of Shiftwork Scheduling

Abstract

In this article, I outline nine components and focus on nine principles that must be considered if one wishes to create a reasonable and useful schedule for rotating or fixed regular shiftwork to support a 24/7 work demand. The components generate the minimum number of decisions required to specify a shiftwork schedule. They include the number of crews, employment ratio calculation, shift type, shift length, shift system, shift plan (or rota), shift differentials, shift alignment, and shift change times. The principles constitute the essential qualities of shiftwork schedules and include circadian stability, the five principles of chronohygiene, equity, predictability, and good quality of time off.