Never heard of a Pitman shift schedule before? We’re here to change that, with everything you need to know about this popular shift pattern. How does it work? What is it used for? Who the hell is Pitman? Read on and all will be revealed.

What is the Pitman shift schedule?

The Pitman shift schedule is a rotating shift pattern designed to provide 24-hour staffing for a business or organisation. This is done by giving employees, or teams of employees, a combination of day and night shifts over a set period.

In the Pitman shift schedule, employees typically work 12-hour shifts over the course of two weeks, with a balance of work days and rest days. The schedule will generally cover a two-week period, where shifts are rotated to give people at least one weekend off.

What does a Pitman shift schedule look like?

Still confused? Here’s a breakdown of two-week Pitman shift schedule:

Week 1

An employee or team works two days straight, followed by two days off, followed by three days of work.

Week 2

Employees start this week with two days off, followed by two days of work and then three days off.

After this two-week period, that team might switch on to night shifts and follow the same pattern, or there will be a combination of night and day shifts within the two-week period. This approach means that workers get a good balance of work and rest, while making sure shifts are covered consistently throughout the day.

Key components of the Pitman shift schedule

There are plenty of different ways to slice up the Pitman shift schedule, but some of the key components generally remain the same:

12-Hour shifts: Employees typically work 12-hour shifts, either at night or during the day, so the business or organisation can run 24 hours a day.

Rotation pattern: The rotation usually involves a balance of day and night shifts, alternating throughout the two-week period or on a monthly basis.

Extended time off: Because of the longer shifts, workers typically have multiple days off during the week or between rotation cycles.

Night shifts: As they can be physically and mentally draining, the Pitman shift schedule ensures that night shifts are evenly distributed among employees.

Where does the Pitman shift schedule name come from?

There are lots of different theories for where the name Pitman comes from for this type of shift pattern. But many believe that it comes from the Pitman shorthand system, which was developed by Sir Isaac Pitman in the 19th Century.

It’s worth saying that the Pitman shift schedule doesn’t seem to have a direct historical connection to Pitman shorthand, so this connection is a little speculative. But the name certainly evokes structure and organisation, which is exactly what the Pitman shift schedule promotes.

Why use the Pitman shift schedule?

In many ways, the Pitman pattern can be a win-win for both employers and their workers:

Better work/life balance

The extended time off during each week gives employees more consecutive days off, helping them recover from fatigue, spend time with family and generally enjoy their personal lives.

Reduced burnout

By rotating shifts, the Pitman schedule can help employees avoid burnout from working the same roster for too long. Plus, it can reduce the monotony that so often comes with sticking to one shift type.

Constant coverage

If you need round the clock operations, this is the shift pattern for you. Emergency services, healthcare, security and lots of other industries can all benefit from the Pitman shift schedule.

Flexibility

With such constant rotation, the Pitman schedule can adapt to different business needs or changes in demand. Employers can plan for busier periods, for example, by adjusting shifts accordingly.

Start building your shift schedule

Whether it’s the Pitman system or any other, Planday can help you create shift schedules quickly and easily - start your 30-day free trial to see for yourself.

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