6-On, 4-Off (2024)

FAQs

What is the 6 and 4 shift pattern? ›

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.

The 6 on 3 off shift pattern is a work schedule where employees work for six consecutive days, followed by three days off. This pattern is utilized either for 12-hour or 8-hour shifts, catering to industries that require round-the-clock operations, such as healthcare or law enforcement.

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.

Assuming a flat 24/7 shift pattern cover requirement, the best 24/7 shift pattern tends to be either a 4 team or 5 team solution and each can use three shifts (usually 8 hours each) or two twelve-hour shifts, both of which would provide 24/7 shift pattern cover.

The 6-4 6-4 6-4 schedule uses five teams working overlapping 10-hour shifts. In this shift schedule, each team works a 30-day cycle that consists of: Six days ON (first shift) Four days OFF.

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.

The basic way to work out how many days holiday an employee is entitled to is to multiply the number of days a week they work by 5.6. That gives someone working a five-day week the 28 days we've already mentioned. Someone who is part-time and only works three days a week would be entitled to 3 x 5.6 = 16.8 days.

The 3 on 4 off shift pattern is a schedule where employees work for three consecutive days followed by four consecutive days off. This pattern is particularly useful for businesses that require 24/7 operations and want to provide their staff with a balance between work and rest.

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.

Happier and Less Stressed Employees

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.

Can you work 4 12 hour shifts in a row? ›

Since you are working 12 hour days, you can't work too many days consecutively. Your body & mind will not function properly if you work too many shifts in a row. Therefore, you can only work 3-4 days in a row as opposed to 5, 6, or 7 days in a row.

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.

For the most people, rotating forward through day, afternoon and night shift is better than backwards (night, afternoon then day).

6 on 4 off shift pattern

6 on 4 off is an example of an 8 hour 24 7 shift pattern using a 5 crew system. It can also be referred to as a 3 shift pattern. A key feature of this shift pattern is that there will often be a period where employees work 6 on 2 off, so they get a long break of 16 days every 10 weeks.

But what's the worst schedule of all? It has got to be the counter-clockwise fast rotating schedule. This schedule never gives your body-clock time to adjust to sleeping at a new phase and what's worse, is that it goes against the natural clockwise progression of your circadian rhythms.

Each employee will work six consecutive shifts and receive two days off. For example, days one and two could be day shifts, then days three and four will be afternoon shifts, with two-night shifts after. Then the employee gets two days off before returning to the pattern.

The 4 on 4 off shift pattern is a type of work schedule where employees work for four consecutive days or nights, followed by four days off. This cycle repeats throughout an eight-week cycle. It's a continuous shift pattern, meaning it covers all days of the week, including weekends.

Regular 4-on 4 off:

This is a classic continuous working pattern based on 12 hour shifts. Participants work for four consecutive 12-hour days, followed by four consecutive days off, then four consecutive 12-hour nights, followed by four consecutive days off, then four more days and so on.

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.