4 On, 4 Off, 10-Hour Shift (2024)

FAQs

What is 4 on 4 off 10-hour shifts? ›

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.

The 4 on 4 off shift pattern can be good for those seeking regular extended time off and a predictable schedule. Pros include ample rest days and coverage consistency, while cons can involve longer workdays and potential challenges in personal scheduling on workdays.

Weekly Hours Calculation

For a 4 on 4 off shift pattern, assuming 12-hour shifts, the average weekly working hours stabilise at 42. This calculation stems from multiplying the weekly average of 3.5 shifts by the 12-hour duration of each shift. Opting for 8-hour shifts reduces the average weekly hours to 28.

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.

A 4/10 schedule increased employee happiness overall and lessen stress in the workplace. Many employees stated that the flexibility of working 4 days a week instead of 5—whether those days landed on a Monday or a Saturday—gave them more flexibility and more work-life balance.

The 5 over 7 shift pattern is one of the most popular, as it mimics the typical working week. That means employees work five days out of seven, but those days aren't necessarily Monday to Friday. Instead, you could schedule someone to work Saturday and Sunday but give them Thursday and Friday off work.

The healthiest 24/7 shift pattern minimizes disruption to natural circadian rhythms. The 2-2-3 pattern, for instance, has employees working two days, followed by two days off, then a three-day work period. Breaks are essential, and this pattern allows for regular rest periods.

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.

The Pros of a 4/10 Work Schedule

According to Workforce Institute's research, it reduces employee stress and boosts their happiness and well-being. The extra day off allows employees more time to pursue personal interests, hobbies, and spend time with their families.

The essence of this pattern involves employees working four consecutive days with ten-hour shifts, followed by a three-day rest period. This cycle is praised for providing a reliable work-to-rest ratio that can lead to improved employee well-being and work-life balance.

How many hours a year is 40 hours a week? ›

The calculation goes as follows: multiply 40 hours of work per week (which is a global norm) by 52 (number of weeks per calendar year), and you will get 2,080 hours a year.

The 4 on 2 off shift pattern allows employees to work for four days followed by two days off. This schedule can enhance work-life balance by providing consistent time off, which can be beneficial for relaxation and personal activities.

10-hour shifts involve employees working for 10 hours a day, over fewer days per week—typically equating to a 40-hour workweek. This schedule is commonly referred to as the 4/10 schedule, denoting four days of work each week.

The 4/10 schedule is a compressed work schedule in which employees work for 10 hours each for four days over a seven-day cycle, thereby getting a total of 3 days off each week. Also called the four-day workweek, this schedule squeezes 40 hours of workweek into four days rather than five.

Four On, Four Off (or 4 x 4)

As its name states, this schedule requires employees to work four consecutive day or night shifts followed by four consecutive days off. While it varies by company, employees typically rotate day and night shifts as frequently as every 8 days or as infrequently as every 24 days.

The 4 on 2 off shift pattern allows employees to work for four days followed by two days off. This schedule can enhance work-life balance by providing consistent time off, which can be beneficial for relaxation and personal activities.