Variations of the 2-2-3 workweek
Since so many work environments depend on 24/7 shift schedules to ensure complete coverage at their business, multiple variations of the 2-2-3 method have emerged.
Panama Plus shift schedule
The Panama Plus schedule is similar to the 2-2-3 schedule, but it also features a series of eight-hour days.
The shift pattern uses five teams, two 12-hour shifts, and one eight-hour weekday shift. Teams will alternate between the two 12-hour slots and the one eight-hour slot. Ultimately, each team gets two weeks of eight-hour weekday shifts for every eight weeks of the shift cycle.
Advantages
The main benefit of a Panama Plus schedule is the eight-hour shifts. These shorter shifts provide a break and serve as a stress relief after a stretch of consecutive twelve-hour days.
The 280-day rotation also ensures employees will not work more than two consecutive night shifts.
Disadvantages
However, this shift pattern still includes two 12-hour days, and the alternation between day and night shifts can negatively affect employee health and well-being.
Pitman shift schedule
Like the 2-2-3 schedule, the Pitman Shift Schedule also utilizes four teams and 12-hour shifts. It’s commonly called the 2-3-2 pattern because employees will work two day shifts, have two days off, then work three more day shifts.
The following week, employees begin with two days off, then work two day shifts before their final three days off. This rotating shift schedule takes place over 14 days.
Advantages
Employees enjoy the Pitman schedule because they are rewarded with a three-day weekend every two weeks and are will never be scheduled to work more than three consecutive days at a time.
Disadvantages
The major downside to the Pitman shift schedule is that employee sleep schedules can suffer due to the slow rotation cycle of this shift pattern.
DDNNOO schedule
A DDNNOO schedule involves three teams rotating between two days of work, two nights, and two days off. Each shift in this six-day cycle is 12 hours.
Advantages
Smaller teams have a huge advantage when it comes to the DDNNOO approach.
Unlike other methods on this list, you only need to fill out three full teams to be effective. It's also a pretty straightforward schedule that allows each team a two-day weekend at the end of each cycle.
Disadvantages
The major downside to this method is that employees may need to work up to 32 hours of overtime on certain weeks. This can increase the likelihood of fatigue and burnout.
DuPont schedule
The DuPont Schedule is a more complex method that involves four teams working 12-hour shifts over a four-week cycle.
Since there are four teams and four weeks in a cycle, each team will take one of the four schedules:
Stage 1: Work four consecutive night shifts followed by three days off.
Stage 2: Work three day shifts, have one day off, then work three night shifts.
Stage 3: Have three days off, then work four consecutive day shifts.
Stage 4: Have seven consecutive days off.
No matter which stage your team starts on, you’ll progress through all four stages before the end of the cycle. Whether a team starts in stage 1 or stage 4, every team will work the full DuPont schedule by the end of the cycle.
Advantages
The key advantage of the DuPont method is predictability. The cyclical schedule makes it easy for both employees and employers to predict.
The seven consecutive days off help employees plan vacations, doctor's appointments, and other personal matters around a fixed schedule. In turn, employers will spend less time on managing PTO and other administrative tasks.
Disadvantages
With this shift pattern, employees end up working 72 hours some weeks. As you might imagine, this can lead to considerable fatigue and stress.
Additionally, it can be challenging to find a replacement for an employee who calls in sick. You run the risk of overworking employees and throwing off the shift cycle.
FAQs
The 2-2-3 shift pattern (also known as the Panama schedule) typically requires four teams of employees to provide adequate 24-hour coverage. Each team works two consecutive day shifts, followed by two days off, followed by three more days of work.
What is an example of a 2-2-3 work schedule? ›
Four teams work 2 days in a row, get 2 days off, then work another 3 days. Typically, the teams will work opposite schedules throughout the 28-day cycle. So, if one team works days for the first two weeks, the other team works nights.
How many days a week do you work on a 2-2-3 schedule? ›
In the 2-2-3 schedule, the workforce is divided into four teams, each on a four-week (28-day) rotation. In the first week of their rotation, a team will work two 12-hour day shifts, followed by two days off, followed by three more 12-hour day shifts.
What is the best rotating shift schedule? ›
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.
How does a 3 2 split schedule work? ›
What Is The 3/2 Split Model? Put simply, the 3/2 Split or the 2-2-3 Work Schedule refers to the idea of working three days of the week in a physical office space, two at home, and having two off on the weekend.
What is a 2 2 3 12 hour shift schedule? ›
A 2-2-3 shift schedule, also known as a Panama schedule, is a shift pattern used in industries requiring round-the-clock staffing. Employees work 12-hour shifts for two consecutive days, followed by three consecutive days off, and then work for three consecutive days, followed by two consecutive days off.
What is a 2 3 2 12 hour schedule? ›
The “2-3-2”
The schedule is based on a 14-day period in which employees work 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off. It is sometimes referred to as “every other weekend off.” This type of schedule is widely used in oil refineries.
What is the healthiest shift pattern to work? ›
For the most people, rotating forward through day, afternoon and night shift is better than backwards (night, afternoon then day). The frequency of rotation is also controversial. Some people advocate prolonged rotation, such as two to three weeks. Others advocate short rotations of two to three days.
What is the healthiest shift work rotation? ›
Try to have shifts rotate clockwise. For example, it's better to rotate from a day shift, to an evening shift, to a night shift. This is easier for your body to adjust to than random shift changes.
At what age should you stop working night shifts? ›
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.
Consistent 24/7 coverage
The biggest benefit of the 2-2-3 schedule for employers is that it allows for round-the-clock operations. This consistency helps maintain workflows and meet customer demands. Depending on the variation, the 2-2-3 schedule can also help to spread out the burden of night shifts and weekends.
Are split shifts worth it? ›
In some cases, a split shift may make it easier for certain employees to enjoy a better work-life balance. The break between shifts can give them the time to pursue hobbies, schedule appointments, or spend time with family and friends. That said, not everyone will thrive with a split shift schedule.
What is a Panama shift? ›
Sometimes referred to as a “2-2-3” schedule, the Panama shift schedule is a slow shift rotation system where four teams work two separate 12-hour shifts. It's particularly useful for things like emergency services and the healthcare industry where staff are needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is a 2 3 3 shift schedule? ›
Pitman Shift Scheduling
It works with 2-night shifts followed by a two-day break, 3-night shifts followed by a two-day break, and 2-night shifts followed by a three-day break. Employees get every other weekend off under this shift work schedule.
What is a 3 work schedule? ›
A three shift pattern is a type of work schedule designed to ensure continuous operation or coverage over the entire day. Typically involving three separate teams or groups, each team rotates through a set schedule of 8-hour shifts, covering morning, afternoon, and night, to keep a workplace operational 24 hours a day.
What is a 4 3 3 work schedule? ›
The 4-3-3-4 mixed work cycle schedule is a unique arrangement that involves four consecutive workdays followed by three days off, and then repeating the cycle. This pattern provides employees with extended periods off, allowing for increased flexibility and a better work-life balance.
What is the 5 2 5 3 schedule template? ›
[5 on 2 off] [5 on 3 off]
This is one of the bigger templates with a rotation lasting 15 weeks. The officer will work 5 days on, 2 days off, 5 days on, and 3 days off. We noticed this pattern was used in law enforcement departments ranging from 25-50 people.
