Skiftrotation

Skiftrotation is a scheduling approach used in workplaces that operate around the clock, where employee shifts are rotated to balance workload, ensure coverage, and distribute responsibilities fairly. The core idea is that workers periodically switch between different shifts, such as morning, afternoon, and night, according to a predefined pattern and time horizon.

Common rotation patterns include cyclic rotation, where the sequence of shifts repeats after a set interval; forward rotation, where staff move from morning to afternoon to night in that order; and backward rotation, which follows the reverse order. Rotation frequency varies by organization, ranging from weekly to monthly or longer, and may involve full cycles or partial rotations for part of the workforce.

Benefits of skiftrotation often cited include improved fairness in who works less desirable shifts, enhanced coverage during peak periods, and opportunities for employees to develop a broader set of skills. It can also help balancing workload across teams and reduce fatigue concentration among a fixed group of workers.

Challenges include potential sleep disruption, especially with night shifts, and the adaptation period required for workers to adjust to changing schedules. Effective implementation requires attention to legal and health considerations, such as maximum work hours, rest periods, overtime rules, and fatigue management. Communication and employee involvement are important to address preferences and constraints, while rotation design should be supported by scheduling tools that optimize coverage and minimize disruption.

In practice, a typical example is a three-shift system (day, evening, night) with a weekly rotation, ensuring that each employee experiences all shifts over the rotation cycle.