The Twilight Shift

Product Information

A risk assessment must be carried out to identify special hazards and work involving mental or physical strain.

If an employee has a fixed-hour contract, there needs to be a discussion and agreement made by both parties (the employee and the employer) before the change can occur.For example, in industries like healthcare and hospitality, the four-on, four-off shift pattern may suit the needs of the workplace, while also providing ample recovery time for employees. Staggered day shift pattern The twilight shift typically starts in the late afternoon and continues until the early morning hours. The exact hours will vary depending on the employer, but it typically begins around 4 pm and ends around 2 or 3 am. This type of shift is often used to staff jobs that require 24-hour coverage, such as hospitals or police departments. Challenges of Working the Twilight Shift Many members commenting on iCSP wish to opt out of the on-call rota, while others point out that the more people do that, the heavier the workload for those who do not. Standard shifts can vary in length, most commonly from around 8 to 12 hours, with a range of working patterns and shift rotations used to ensure that staff are available as and when required, although much will depend on the nature and the needs of the particular business in question. A 4four-on, four-off work pattern works by asking staff members to work four twelve-hour shifts in a row, followed by a four-day break before their next “on” period. Following the rest period, they can then work four twelve-hour night shifts in a row again. A four-on, three-off-shift pattern uses essentially the same approach, but with fewer rest days in between the four days working.

Markowski, M., Cleaver, K. & Weldon, S.M. 2020, “An integrative review of the factors influencing older nurses’ timing of retirement”, Journal of advanced nursing, vol. 76, no. 9, pp. 2266-2285. If you’re looking to create a rota to help manage your workplace shift patterns, why not try Breathe's Rota, Time & Attendance tool? Choose the shift pattern style you want and plan shifts weeks in advance.

Objectives and concerns

By balancing the needs of your employees in such a way you can create a strong work culture, encouraging the very best out of your staff. Four-on, four-off shift pattern Earlier this year researchers at the University of Surrey reported that shift work profoundly disturbed the metabolism. This can be supplemented with dedicated weekend night staff to give the weekday employees time off. When used in conjunction with a three-shift pattern, full 24/7 cover can be achieved. Weekend shifts, including dedicated weekend night staff, can also be used in combination with any other weekly shift rotations to give Monday to Friday workers a full weekend off. It added the proposed change would mean more colleagues were on the shop floor during opening hours. The move followed trials that delivered improvements in customer satisfaction and product availability, it added.