What is 2nd shift and 3rd shift?
First Shift (Day Shift): Start time between 5:00 AM and 9:30 AM (Straight Time Rate) Second Shift (Swing): Start time between 9:31 AM and 8:00 PM (Straight Time Rate. +17.3%) Third Shift (Graveyard): Start time between 8:01 PM and 4:59 AM (Straight Time Rate.
These three shifts typically last 8 hours and are called, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift. 1st Shift usually takes place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 2nd Shift is worked between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. 3rd Shift typically takes place between the hours of 12 a.m. and 8 a.m.
What is third shift? Working third shift means you work during the overnight hours. A typical shift begins around 11 p.m. and ends around 7 a.m. However, these hours can fluctuate based on your role and the company you work for.
Working a second shift schedule means that you start work in the late afternoon and work into the late evening. A typical second shift schedule usually starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m., however, second shift hours can vary depending on the company's needs.
So, what is the best shift to work? For most, the morning shift (approximately 7am-3pm) is best as it allows for a productive workday whilst not sabotaging time away from your loved ones. It is least likely to negatively impact your health as gaining adequate sleep and vitamin D is achievable for most.
You've got plenty of time. Plus, the stores are typically less crowded, making your task smoother and easier. Second shift schedules can also be incredibly helpful for those pursuing other life goals, like a second job or education. Having mornings open is perfect for class schedules and other responsibilities.
The 2-2-3 plan, also known as the Panama schedule, involves a rotational cycle of 28 days where each employee performs a daily 12-hour shift. This plan often involves four teams working for two days, taking two days off, and then working for three days. That is why it is called the 2-2-3 work schedule.
Yes, in most industries, working a 2nd or 3rd shift means higher pay.
“Working third shift is really hard. It's very mentally draining and people around you tend to be grumpier to work around, because everyone would rather be in bed,” they said.
The most common full-time work schedule is a variant of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, adding up to 40 hours per week. While most full-time work schedules are normally the same shift each day, in some cases (like retail), shifts can vary, but the number of hours will still add up to 35-40 per week.
Why is it called graveyard shift?
During the day, the cemetery attendants would listen for bells ringing, but the shift of workers whose sole job was to listen for the bells of the buried but undead, from midnight to dawn, became known as the Graveyard Shift.
Working for 12 hours straight is difficult. One of the most significant cons of 12-hour shifts is worker fatigue. Workers may have a difficult time remaining alert throughout their shift and working several long shifts in a row can disrupt sleep.

Additionally, shift workers tend to be more overweight than their daytime counterparts. Combined with insufficient sleep, excess weight can increase the risk of metabolic health problems such as Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
A standard shift refers to a regular business schedule where employees work Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., often referred to as a 9-to-5 job. This is a common schedule for businesses and offices that operate during regular business hours.
This schedule follows forward rotation and has a rotation period of 280 days in which each of your employees will work for 40 hours on an average per week.
Findings In a large cohort study of 46 318 female nurses, long-term rotating night shift work was associated with modestly decreased odds of healthy aging after 24 years of follow-up.
For ageing employees, night work reduces sleep quality and recovering from demanding shifts takes more time. Based on new research results, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health recommends providing employees over 50 years of age with better opportunities to reduce night shifts and long hours.
In the end, scientists generally agree that the ideal daily working time is around 6 hours, and more concentrated in the morning.
- Take a 30 minute nap * Before your shift begins and, if possible, try to get in a 10-20 minute nap during your break. ...
- Eat small portions throughout the shift. ...
- Limit your caffeine intake. ...
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Keep busy. ...
- Talk with your co-workers. ...
- Sleep well.
2nd Shift Supervisor Years | Percentages |
---|---|
40+ years | 72% |
30-40 years | 23% |
20-30 years | 5% |
How do you survive a second shift?
Carve out a healthy second shift sleep schedule and stick to it. Nap during the day if needed, and avoid caffeine and sleep aids as much as you can. Make a point of going to bed shortly after you get home from your shift.
In general, clockwise shift rotations should be used (day–evening–night). Ideally, a rotational schedule should include no more than 3 night shifts in a block, with 3 days of recuperation after the night shift work. In general, 8-hour shifts are preferable to 12-hour shifts.
5-4/9 CWS - a type of compressed work schedule in which an employee meets the 80-hour work requirement by working four 9-hour days and one 8-hour day during one workweek plus four 9-hour days and a day off during the alternate week, in addition to the established lunch period for the Office.
Four days ON (first shift) Three days OFF. Four days ON (second shift) Three days OFF. Four days ON (third shift)
An additional job could be a way to achieve financial security, as you're not relying solely on one employer for all of your income. The money you make moonlighting might be a way to pay off debt faster without using savings, whether that means whittling down your student loans or a credit card balance.
Working full time and getting a second, part-time job can be exhausting. Even if you are only taking on a holiday job to help afford holiday activities, it can be draining. But sometimes there is no other way, at least in the short term.
The night shift can be challenging, and some might question if the benefits are worth it, and more importantly if they can manage it. But the short answer is yes. Many individuals can manage to work the night shift, and there is typically a financial incentive provided by the employer for the employee to do so.
Dedicate time to sleep: Try to set aside a block of 7–9 hours to dedicate to sleep after a night shift.
Balancing work, sleep, and free time during the day is a benefit that 3rd shift workers enjoy. There also may be a big benefit for your family related to your scheduling. For example, you can get home in time to see the kids off to school and greet them when they come home. You're there if a daytime emergency occurs.
Take a 30 minute nap before your shift begins and, if possible, try to get in a few 10-20 minute naps throughout the night. Short periods of rest will help keep your energy high, but be sure not to sleep too long or you'll risk making yourself groggy. Eat small portions throughout the shift.
What time should you sleep if you work night shift?
8 A.M.: Get in bed ASAP. If you expose yourself to too much light, you'll disrupt the circadian clock you're trying to reset and your body temperature will rise too soon after you fall asleep; If that happens, you'll wake up before getting enough rest. 8 A.M.–3 P.M.: Sleep.
With 12-hour shifts, your physical and mental health may be at risk. Those who work long shifts are more prone to obesity, sleep problems and low energy levels. Certain professions require long shifts due to the on-the-job duties. Examples are truck drivers, nurses and police officers.
The first shift often starts between 8 and 9 a.m. and ends between 5 and 6 p.m. It's sometimes called the day, morning, or early shift. The first shift is often used for full-time workers, especially those in office jobs.
It's referring to making out (for the most part), and usually only in the context of someone you don't know yet and have just met at the bar or club. In some cases, shifting might also mean fooling around sexually, and online I've noticed people refer to a shift as sexual intercourse.
Noun. twilight shift (plural twilight shifts) An early evening shift of work.
Typical swing shift hours
When a swing shift occurs between the day shift and night shift, the hours are commonly 4pm-12am. This relieves day shift workers in time to commute home for dinner, while allowing night shift workers to get some rest before starting their workday at midnight.
c) The third shift (graveyard shift) shall be worked between the hours of 12:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
This may be a first shift from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., second from 4 p.m.-midnight, and third from midnight to 8 a.m. In manufacturing work, traditionally the hours are 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 3-11 p.m., and 11p.
Balancing work, sleep, and free time during the day is a benefit that 3rd shift workers enjoy. There also may be a big benefit for your family related to your scheduling. For example, you can get home in time to see the kids off to school and greet them when they come home. You're there if a daytime emergency occurs.
In a recent National Toxicology Program report, it was concluded that there is “high confidence” that persistent night shift work that results in circadian disruption can cause human cancer. Chronic sleep loss has also been shown to be a contributor of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes.