arbejdskifte

Arbejdskifte refers to the division of the workday into shifts and the practice of assigning employees to rotating or fixed schedules that cover hours beyond the standard daytime period. It is common in industries that require around-the-clock operation or extended hours, such as manufacturing, health care, transportation, and public services.

There are several forms of arbejdskifte. Fixed shifts assign workers to the same shift (for example day shift or night shift) over an extended period. Rotating shifts change between shifts according to a schedule, which can follow forward or backward rotations and vary in length from a few days to several weeks. Other variants include split shifts or on-call arrangements that adapt to workload.

Benefits and challenges: For employers, arbejdskifte enables continuous production and service delivery and can improve workforce flexibility. For workers, it can offer flexibility and potential for higher pay, but may cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulties balancing work with family life. Fatigue management and attention to health and safety are common concerns, with emphasis on rest periods, access to appropriate facilities, and scheduling that mitigates adverse effects.

Regulation and practice: National labor law and sector-specific collective agreements govern working hours, rest breaks, and provisions related to night work and compensation. Many jurisdictions include limits on weekly working time, protections for night workers, and requirements for health surveillance. Employers are encouraged to implement fair rostering practices, minimize consecutive night shifts, provide advance schedule notice, and involve employees in shift decisions to balance operational needs with well-being.