1st, 2nd, And 3rd Shift Hours: Differences, Pros, & Cons
1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift hours are very common in businesses that open around the clock. These types of shifts ensure there are enough employees to keep the business running all day. Knowing about them can help you schedule your staff more effectively and support workers better.
In this post, we’ll talk about what the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift hours are, their pros and cons, and how you can plan them.
What are 1st shift hours?
The first shift, also known as the day shift, starts in the morning and ends in the afternoon, similar to traditional business hours. The hours may vary slightly, for instance, from 8 am to 5 pm, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, or 9 am to 6 pm.
Many people prefer the first shift because they have more time for their family and friends. Staff who don’t have their own vehicles also have more commuting options during the daytime. However, first shift timings always go with annoying traffic jams.
Employees working 1st shift hoursPros of 1st shift
Aligns with traditional working hours
First shift hours mean you start work in the morning and finish in the afternoon, which is when most other people are working too. Many other jobs and schools follow similar schedules, and it’s easier to find someone to cover shifts when needed.
Supports better work-life balance
With first shift hours, you’re usually done with work by early evening. You’ll have plenty of time to relax, exercise, or do whatever makes you happy.
Finishing work early means you can catch up with friends, attend evening classes, or join community activities.
Cons of 1st shift
Heavy traffic during rush hours for commuting
First shift hours often mean dealing with lots of traffic during the busiest times of the day when everyone else is going to work too.
Early wake-up times
Waking up early to start work can be difficult, especially for those who are not morning people or have trouble sleeping at night.
Less flexibility for errands
Since first shift hours overlap with standard business hours, it can be difficult to run errands or schedule appointments without taking time off work.
What are 2nd shift hours?
The second shift, also known as the swing shift, starts in the afternoon and ends around midnight. Hours may vary slightly, from 4pm to 12am, or 5pm to 1am.
Most workers who take a second shift schedule are college students, people who have a day job and want a second job to earn extra money, or people who have personal commitments during the day.
Staff who work this shift often earn more tips, so fairness should also be taken into account. In other words, you may need to rotate shifts so that staff have equal opportunities to earn tips.
Employees working 2nd shift hours
Pros of 2nd shift hours
Opportunity for daytime appointments
With mornings free, second shift workers can easily schedule appointments, run errands, or attend events happening during the daytime.
Reduced commute times
Employees working the 2nd shift can often enjoy lighter traffic during their commutes. They can feel less stressed and less tired.
Cons of 2nd shift hours
Less time for hanging out or activities in the evening
Working second shifts can significantly limit opportunities for socializing or attending evening events. This can lead to feelings of missing out on social connections and activities.
Less time for family
For those with families, working late hours can interfere with evening family routines, such as having dinner together, attending children’s events, or helping with homework.
Health implications
Regularly working late can disrupt natural sleep patterns, potentially leading to sleep disorders or other health issues due to the misalignment with natural circadian rhythms.
What are 3rd shift hours?
The third shift, also called the “graveyard shift”, starts around midnight and ends in the morning. Hours may differ slightly, from 10 pm to 6 am, or 12 am to 8 am.
Because not many workers are fond of working at these hours, night shifts are paid the highest. Those who want to earn more and “night owls” are more likely to choose third shift hours.
Each worker prefers the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift hours differently. Many want the first shift and second shift because third shifts can take a toll on their health and personal lives. When workers sleep while people are awake, and vice versa, their social lives are affected. People who work third shifts are more prone to accidents, errors, and health problems because of sleep deprivation and fatigue.
So make sure you apply the best practices when managing night shifts. To avoid unwanted situations, you should also invest in a better working environment and encourage napping breaks.
Working 3rd shift hours
Pros of 3rd shift hoursMore flexibility for personal activities
Working during the night frees up daytime hours for personal activities such as attending appointments, running errands, or spending time with family and friends. This flexibility can be great for individuals with daytime commitments or responsibilities.
Potentially higher pay differentials
Working overnight may come with financial incentives such as shift differentials or bonuses, which can increase overall earnings. This can be appealing to individuals looking to earn more income.
Quieter work environment
Night shift workers may experience a quieter and less hectic work environment compared to daytime shifts. This can result in improved productivity and job satisfaction.
Less traffic during commute
Third shift workers often experience lighter traffic and shorter commute times since they travel during off-peak hours. This can lead to a more relaxed and efficient commute, and employees can arrive at work feeling less stressed and more prepared for their shift.
Each type of shift has its pros and cons. Understanding the nature of each shift can help you adopt suitable practices and support your staff, hence improving your business performance.
Cons of 3rd shift hours
Disrupts body’s natural circadian rhythm
Working while the body expects to sleep can lead to difficulties in falling and staying asleep, potentially causing fatigue and sleep deprivation.
Social isolation
Third shift workers often face social isolation due to their opposite schedule from friends and family. Missing out on important events and gatherings can take a toll on their mental well-being and lead to feelings of loneliness.
Negatively impacts physical and mental health
Studies have linked overnight work to an increased risk of various health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and digestive problems. Fatigue and decreased alertness during third shift hours can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
The lack of natural light can negatively impact employees’ moods and mental health. Reduced exposure to sunlight can contribute to feelings of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some individuals.
Plan the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift hours with Camelo
Each type of shift has its pros and cons. Understanding the nature of each shift can help you adopt suitable practices and support your staff, hence improving your business performance.
While you don’t have to pay more for first shifts, your business may have to open outside of the traditional 9-5 hours. And if you want to open 24/7, you need to consider second and third shifts. But you have to invest more in equipment and practices that protect your workers and your business operations.
Whether you use the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift hours, or other types of shifts, scheduling your employees can be time-consuming. Take advantage of automated employee scheduling software like Camelo to make the process easier. Camelo allows you to create work schedules and distribute them to employees in minutes.
