Glossary

Night shift jobs
Do night shift jobs sound like the stuff of nightmares to you? We’re here to dispel the myths around this vital role, take a look at what industries employ night shift jobs and why, and dive into a few of the pros and cons. Now, who’s making some coffee?

Double shift
Good things often come in doubles - double dip sherbet, double cheeseburgers, double scoop ice cream - but what about double shifts? We’ve got everything you need to double your knowledge of this type of shift practice.

4-on-3-off shift pattern
Not sure how a 4-on-3-off shift pattern works? We’ve got you. Read on to find out everything you need to get your head round this popular rota schedule.

Shift supervisor
Every shift needs to have someone in charge, right? That’s where a shift supervisor comes in. But what does a shift supervisor do exactly? We’ve taken a look at the roles and responsibilities of this vital position that every business needs.

24-hour shift pattern
There’s no rest for the wicked in some lines of work, which is why some industries use 24-hour shift patterns to make sure there’s cover around the clock. Here’s everything you need to know about 24-hour shift patterns.

Shift swap
As long as shift work has existed, so has a shift swap. It’s done in pubs and restaurants, care homes and hospitals all around the world. We’re here to help you swap your questions for answers on everything to do with the humble shift swap.

Duty roster
Duty rosters are a vital component of many businesses' day-to-day operations. But what exactly is one, and how does it work? We’ve made it our duty to answer all your questions about duty rosters, giving you everything you need to know in one place.

Shift allowance
You’ve heard of shifts, but what about a shift allowance? We’ve broken down everything you need to know about shift allowances, their pros and cons, and why managers and employers use them with their teams.

Rota schedules
In this guide, we’ll explain what a rota schedule is, why it’s essential for businesses and how to create one that works for your team.

Shift patterns
Not all jobs need to be done in a 9-to-5, sitting behind a desk. And that’s where shift patterns come in. But what are they, how do they work, which ones are best suited for certain industries, like hospitality, healthcare and retail? Glad you asked. Let’s get into it.

12-hour shifts
Curious about 12-hour shifts and how they work? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide explains what a 12-hour shift is, how it’s used in different industries and gives a few tips on how to make 12-hour shifts work for you and your team.

Swing shifts
A swing shift might sound like a dance move from the 1930s, but it’s actually a key shift pattern that helps bridge the gap between operations. Here we’ll dive into everything you need to know, like what is a swing shift, how they work, where they’re used and give you some tips on how you can manage them effectively.

Panama shift pattern
You could be forgiven for thinking a 2-2-3 is a seriously depleted football team formation, but it’s not. It’s actually the Panama shift pattern. What is it, how does it work and where does the name come from? All great questions that we’re going to answer here.

Overtime pay
Trying to understand overtime pay? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explain what overtime pay is, how it works, and why it’s important for both employers and employees.

Split shifts
Splitting hairs over split shifts? We’re here to put the record straight. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a split shift is, where it’s used the most and how you can use them to effectively manage your team.