In survey after survey, workers identify flexible schedules as a highly desired benefit. A rotating schedule gives workers an opportunity to work different shifts across scheduling cycles. Currently, only 2.4% of workers in the U.S. work rotating schedules. These numbers are somewhat higher in the wholesale, retail, leisure, and hospitality industries.
There are three kinds of rotating schedules:
- DuPont schedule. This is used by organizations that need 24/7 coverage and involves two 12-hour shifts spread among four teams. Each team works four consecutive nights, followed by three straight days off; then they work three day shifts and one day off. Finally, they end the rotation working four nights. The fourth week gives seven full days off before the cycle repeats.
- Pitman schedule. Also called the 2-3-2 schedule with four teams working two 12-hour shifts over a two-week cycle. One advantage of this is that it enable greater rest between shift cycles.
- 24/48 schedule. With this, employees work a full 24 hours, and then they take a full 48 hours off on a three-day cycle. This requires three team to work.
