What is a 4 on 4 off shift pattern? (2024)

FAQs

What is a 4 on 4 off shift pattern? ›

A “4 on 4 off shift pattern” is a recurring work schedule where employees undertake four consecutive daily shifts, typically lasting 12 hours, followed by four consecutive days off. This shift pattern provides continuous 24/7 staff coverage, with alternating day and night shifts.

Example of a 4-on-4 off-shift schedule

Employees work from Monday to Thursday, starting each shift at 8 AM and finishing at 8 PM for day shifts. For night shifts, they might start at 8 PM and finish at 8 AM. After these four days, employees get four days off.

With the 4 on 4 off shift pattern you will be working roughly: 3.5 shifts per week (half of 7 days) 15 shifts per month (half of 30 days) 182.5 shifts per year (half of 365 days)

52.18* weeks x 42 hours = 2,192 hours per annum (*52.18 weeks accounts for the average number of weeks in a year, considering a leap year every 4 years: 365.25 days / 7 days in a week = 52.18 weeks)

Usually, there are 4 teams to cover 24/7, and each team rotates through a 28 days sequence – 7-day shifts, 2 days off, 7 swing shifts, 2 days off, 7-night shifts, and 3 days off. However, there are other ways to manage 8-hour rotating shift patterns.

As the name suggests, a 4 on 4 off shift pattern sees employees work four shifts across four consecutive 24 hour periods. This is followed by four consecutive days off or rest days. A key feature of 4 on 4 off shift patterns is that the start day moves forward one day each week.

Under a four-on-four-off shift pattern, employees work longer (12-hour) shifts for four days in a row, followed by four consecutive days off.

Usually, 4 on 4 off is a rolling schedule. This means the schedule doesn't take weekends or public holidays into account. The shift pattern repeats every eight weeks. While there's no extra time off for weekends, employers can choose to change the start time of each shift block.

The 4 on, 4 off, 10-hour shift schedule is a unique work arrangement that spans over a period where employees work for four consecutive days followed by a fixed four-day break, and each workday involves a 10-hour shift.

What is 6 days on 4 days off? ›

The 6-on, 4-off work schedule is characterized by its unique rotation of six consecutive workdays, followed by a substantial four-day break from work duties. In essence, employees adhere to a continuous six-day work cycle, after which they are granted a significant four-day respite from work-related obligations.

In this system, an employee works for four days and then has two days off. This cycle repeats continuously, providing a consistent and predictable pattern for both staffing and personal planning. Employees typically work the same shifts (e.g., morning, day, or night) during their four working days.

A 4 on 3 off shift pattern refers to a work schedule where employees are on duty for four consecutive days, followed by three consecutive days of rest. This cycle is designed to provide a balance between work and personal time, allowing for longer, uninterrupted breaks.

The 4-on-4-off schedule is a rotating work schedule where employees work for four consecutive days, followed by four consecutive days off. And during the four workdays, they typically work longer shifts (ten or twelve hours) for continuous coverage.

This is a slow rotating shift pattern that uses 4 teams and three 8-hr shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. Each team rotates through the following sequence every 28 days: 7 day shifts, 2 days off, 7 swing shifts, 2 days off, 7 night shifts, 3 days off.

A 2-2-3 work schedule is a type of rotating shift that provides 24-hour coverage by having four teams of workers. Each team puts in two back-to-back day shifts and then takes two days off before putting in three more work days. It generally consists of a 28-day rotational cycle with 12-hour shifts for each employee.

The 4 on, 4 off, 10-hour shift schedule is a unique work arrangement that spans over a period where employees work for four consecutive days followed by a fixed four-day break, and each workday involves a 10-hour shift.

1. The system involves four (4) shifts on, five (5) off followed by five (5) shifts on, four (4) shifts off followed by five (5) shifts on, five (5) shifts off, on a continuing basis. 2. The shifts will start at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The 4-On 5-Off 8-Hour Shift schedule is a unique work arrangement that spans over a period of nine days, featuring four consecutive workdays followed by a five-day break. During the four workdays, employees work standard 8-hour shifts.