4 September 2024
How can employers manage the impact of shift work on employees
Outside of the standard 9-to-5, there exist so many more ways of working; a framework that allows the demands of our 24/7 society to be met, keeping everything from healthcare to hospitality running smoothly and on time.
But what exactly is shift work? Who benefits from it the most? What are the potential impacts on its workers, and what can employers do to minimise these? As specialists in a range of environments from workwear uniforms to wearer protection, alsico knows a thing or two about shift work, so let’s explore more below…
what is shift work?
Shift work is a type of employment that is required when operational services need to continue and be active beyond the standard workday of 9am to 5pm. Shifts ensure that work continues 24 hours a day, and are broken into various periods for employees. A typical shift can last from four to 12 hours, as opposed to “full-time” employment, which usually refers to working the same shift on a regular basis.
the different types of shift work
As mentioned above, there are different types of shift work that involve working non-traditional hours, including:
- Morning shift - This usually starts in the early hours of the morning and ends in the afternoon.
- Afternoon shift - Also known as the swing shift, this one begins in the afternoon and ends in the evening.
- Night shift - Also known as the graveyard shift, this pattern of work covers the late evening hours and into the early morning.
- Rotating shifts - This is where employees alternate between the different shifts. These could change on a weekly or monthly basis, or by another pattern set by the employer.
what industries adopt shift work?
Industries that need to be kept going ‘around the clock’ will adopt shift work to ensure there is no break in the products or services being provided. Examples of these areas include:
healthcare
If you’ve ever been to a hospital or other healthcare facility in the evening, you’ll have noticed that the work doesn’t stop at 5pm. Doctors, nurses and a whole host of support staff are required to keep things running smoothly 24/7.
hospitality
Although restaurants and bars do eventually close their doors to patrons, the hospitality industry does still require some form of shift work to accommodate later guests and to reset for the next day. Some hotels may accept guests at all hours of the day, so shift work is required to keep this service running. Receptionists, cooks, servers and bar staff are just a few examples of those who may adopt a shift work pattern in the hospitality industry!
logistics and transportation
When the world sleeps, everything else gets moved. Operations managers, truck drivers and dispatchers will often be required to work non-traditional hours - such as early mornings and nights - to keep goods and products moving efficiently across the country and the world.
security and law enforcement
Police officers and security guards will often work in shifts, whether in the public or private sector, to respond to emergencies when they arise and maintain public safety.
customer service
Thanks to the constant connectivity of businesses and customers around the world, people are accessing services from providers hundreds of miles away. Because of this, call centres and customer service representatives are required to be available for client issues at all hours of the day to cover a variety of time zones.
what does the law say about shift work?
UK-based shift work is governed by the The Working Time Regulations legislation of 1998. It aims to safeguard the health and safety of workers by setting minimum requirements for working hours, time off, and breaks. These change depending on the length of time, and break down as follows:
- Daily: Workers should have 11 consecutive hours of rest within a 24-hour period
- Weekly: Workers should have a minimum of one day off each week, or two consecutive days off in a fortnight
- Rest breaks: If the working day exceeds six hours, workers have the right to an uninterrupted 20-minute break
- Night shifts: The average working hours of a night worker should not exceed 8 hours in each 24-hour period
- Annual leave: Shift workers have the same paid annual leave entitlement as other workers, of 5.6 weeks
What are the potential impacts of shift work?
physical impacts
The impacts of shift work can manifest themselves in the body in a range of ways:
- Sleep: Maintaining irregular sleep patterns, not to mention disturbed sleep, can disrupt the natural circadian rhythms of the body, resulting in fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating during waking times
- Digestion: Irregular eating patterns and stress during these times can contribute to digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Risk of diseases: Shift workers may be more prone to conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer
- Obesity: Disrupted sleep and irregular eating habits could potentially lead to weight gain and obesity and the risks associated
- Reduced immune system function: Shift work can impair the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses
mental impacts
As well as the physical body, there are also a number of potential impacts on mental health to look out for, such as:
- Increased stress: Constantly being required to adjust to different sleep-wake cycles can be stressful - even if you don’t recognise it - which can lead to anxiety and depression further down the line
- Mood disorders: Shift workers may be more likely to experience mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating due to stress and tiredness
- Social isolation: Irregular work schedules can make it difficult to maintain social connections and relationships, which can have an impact on mood and potentially lead to depression
impacts elsewhere
- Increased risk of accidents: Fatigue and stress can impair judgement and reflexes, leading to a higher risk of accidents at work and on the road
- Reduced productivity: Sleep deprivation and fatigue can negatively impact job performance and productivity
- Family strain: Shift work can strain family relationships due to irregular schedules and limited time together
how can employers reduce the impact of shift work?
1. gradual shift changes
Sudden changes in shift patterns can have a drastic impact on the body; those in charge of planning shifts should minimise drastic changes - such as transitioning from day to night shifts immediately - and work to gradually introduce new shifts over time. This will allow the body to adjust to changing sleep-wake cycles more slowly and effectively.
2. plenty of rest
The minimum required amount of rest was outlined above, but it’s important to remember that these are the minimum. As an employer, do what you can to ensure that employees have enough time to get both adequate sleep and relaxation time between their shifts, as well as ensuring regular rest breaks - with staff members actually taking these!
3. support services
Some shift workers - such as those working regular nights - might be entitled to regular health screenings as a way of identifying any potential health problems, and to provide appropriate interventions. You may decide to take this offering further and provide mental health support services or counselling to help staff cope with the challenges of shift work.
4. workplace environment
The working environment is vital to ensuring that people are able to do their job comfortably and professionally. Is the workplace conducive to productivity? Are there any changes that could be made such as ergonomic furniture? Take a closer look at factors such as work uniforms to see if you could prioritise comfort any more. Healthcare uniforms are a perfect example of where comfort, cleanliness and hygiene can be balanced with branding! Adjust the lighting and temperature of working environments if necessary to reduce fatigue and promote alertness.
5. flexible scheduling
Night shifts are amongst the most disruptive, so do what you can to limit the number of night shifts worked by people to reduce the impact on people’s circadian rhythms. You could also consider making accommodations on a more personal level, such as allowing employees to choose their preferred weekend shifts so they can still meet personal commitments.
Another offering to consider is compressed workweeks, such as four days of work followed by three days off, which allows for a greater work-life balance and gives employees time to rest and recover. You could also provide part-time or flexible scheduling options if your industry allows it.
Shift workers and uniforms often go hand in hand. And as it’s a key part of their working life, it’s essential that employers do everything they can to ensure their team is able to work comfortably. All of the environments we cater to at alsico have comfort and safety in mind. Explore our full offering, or get in touch with our team to explore your bespoke requirements today!
contact us
contact form
