Everything you need to know
You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Whether you're running a hospitality venue, a warehouse, or a 24/7 customer service team, this guide will break down what 12-hour shifts are, how they’re used across industries, and offer tips to help make them work for both you and your team.
What is a shift pattern?
A shift pattern is a schedule that outlines when employees are expected to work over a set period - usually weekly or monthly. It shows shift times, days off, and how shifts rotate. In short, it’s your blueprint for making sure your business is fully staffed and your team isn’t overworked.
For industries that don’t stick to the 9-to-5 grind—like hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, or retail - effective shift patterns are essential. They help managers juggle staff availability, align workforce capacity with business needs, and maintain productivity without burning people out.
Why do shift patterns matter?
Getting your shift patterns right can make a world of difference. A smartly designed schedule helps you:
- Ensure full coverage during peak hours and off-peak times.
- Balance employee workloads to prevent burnout.
- Accommodate employee availability and preferences for better job satisfaction.
- Improve operational efficiency by aligning workforce capacity with demand.
Want to see how a shift pattern could work for your team? Try using a Shift Pattern Calculator to map it out clearly and spot any potential issues before they happen.
Read more: How far in advance should you give employees notice of their work schedule?
Types of shift patterns
Different industries call for different scheduling styles. Here are the most popular ones:
Fixed shifts
Same hours, same days. Reliable and predictable - great for stability.
Rotating shifts
Employees alternate between different times (morning, afternoon, night). Common in businesses that run 24/7.
Split shifts
A workday is divided into two or more shifts. This pattern is often used in hospitality to cover busy periods – like lunch and dinner service.
Continental shifts
Employees rotate through morning, evening, and night shifts, often over a 4-day cycle. It’s a go-to for manufacturing or logistics.
Panama shift pattern
A 2-2-3 rotation: two days on, two days off, three days on. It balances work and rest over two weeks, and helps with 24/7 coverage while giving employees regular breaks.
Challenges of shift patterns
Even with the best intentions, creating an effective shift pattern can be tricky. Common obstacles include:
- Staff shortages leading to gaps in coverage.
- Employee preferences for specific shifts or days off.
- Seasonal fluctuations in demand, requiring flexible scheduling.
- Keeping compliance and labour laws in check
How to better manage shift patterns
Managing shifts doesn’t need to be a logistical nightmare. A smart workforce management system like Planday lets you:
- Build and update schedules in minutes
- Track team availability and requests
- Adjust for last-minute changes on the fly
- Visualise coverage using built-in tools like a Shift Pattern Calculator
Read more: Employee scheduling guide
Get your shifts together
Try Planday free for 30 days and start building smarter, fairer, and more efficient shift patterns - without the spreadsheets and headaches. With our shift pattern calculator and all-in-one scheduling tools, your team (and your stress levels) will thank you.
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