Working 12-hour shifts is a topic that often sparks debate among shift workers, managers, and experts in various industries. While some see the extended shift as a way to maximize productivity and improve work-life balance, others argue that it can lead to increased fatigue and health problems. The question remains: are 12-hour shifts truly beneficial for both employees and organizations, or do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?

This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of working 12-hour shifts, based on insights from experts, real-world data, and research from industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and utilities that run operations 24/7.

The Advantages of Working 12-Hour Shifts

1 - Fewer Shift Handovers and Reduced Miscommunication

One of the biggest benefits of working 12-hour shifts is that there are fewer shift handovers throughout the day. With only two shifts in a 24-hour period, there are fewer opportunities for miscommunications or errors during shift changes. This reduction in shift transitions often leads to improved workflow, increased productivity, and fewer mistakes—especially in high-stakes industries such as healthcare, oil refineries, and manufacturing.

2 - More Days Off

For many employees, the primary attraction of working 12-hour shifts is the potential for more days off. Typically, a 12-hour shift schedule allows for fewer total workdays each week, which can translate to a better work-life balance. In many industries, workers on 12-hour shifts can have three to four days off each week, allowing for extended personal time, rest, or family activities.

3 - Higher Job Satisfaction

Research shows that employees who switch to working 12-hour shifts often report increased job satisfaction due to the extended time off between shifts. In industries such as chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, and utilities, employees appreciate the longer stretches of free time and the opportunity to avoid commuting every day. Workers also tend to enjoy having more weekends off, which contributes to improved morale.

4 - Improved Project Completion Rates

Longer shifts mean that employees can work on more extended projects or tasks without the need for multiple handovers. This can be particularly beneficial in industries where certain maintenance tasks or critical operations require extended attention. Working 12-hour shifts allows workers to complete complex tasks in one go, reducing the risk of errors and increasing overall project completion efficiency.

5 - Greater Accountability

With fewer crews involved, workers on 12-hour shifts often develop a stronger sense of accountability. There is no "passing the buck" between multiple crews, which can sometimes happen with shorter shifts. Each team is responsible for completing tasks and ensuring smooth operations before handing over to the next crew, leading to a greater sense of ownership and responsibility.

The Disadvantages of Working 12-Hour Shifts

1 - Increased Fatigue and Health Risks

One of the major concerns with working 12-hour shifts is the potential for fatigue and its associated health risks. Longer shifts, particularly night shifts, can take a toll on workers' physical and mental well-being. Fatigue can lead to decreased alertness, impaired decision-making, and even accidents, particularly in industries where precision and safety are critical.

Additionally, studies have shown that extended work hours can contribute to long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, and increased stress levels. Employers need to monitor workers’ health and provide ample rest breaks to mitigate these risks.

2 - Disruption of Work-Life Balance for Some

While 12-hour shifts offer more days off, they can also disrupt an employee’s work-life balance if those long shifts interfere with family obligations, social activities, or personal time. Working 12 hours a day can be exhausting, leaving little energy for activities outside of work, especially when shifts fall on consecutive days. This challenge can be particularly pronounced for employees with caregiving responsibilities or young children.

3 - Potential for Increased Absenteeism and Turnover

In some cases, working 12-hour shifts can lead to higher absenteeism, especially when workers feel overwhelmed by long, consecutive shifts. Without proper support, such as adequate staffing levels or flexibility in scheduling, employees may become burned out, leading to higher turnover rates. The promise of more days off may not be enough to counterbalance the intense demands of the long workdays.

4 - Greater Need for Careful Shift Scheduling

One of the challenges of managing a workforce on 12-hour shifts is ensuring proper shift coverage, especially during vacations, sick leaves, or emergencies. Shift managers must plan carefully to avoid gaps in coverage, and understaffing can lead to mandatory overtime—negating the benefits of fewer shifts and more time off. Employees may grow frustrated if they’re constantly required to pick up extra shifts to fill in for absent coworkers.

5- Employee Support Is Critical for Success

Successfully implementing 12-hour shifts requires buy-in from employees. Without proper consultation and clear communication, employees may resist the change, leading to dissatisfaction and even failure of the new schedule. In industries where 12-hour shifts have failed, it is often due to a lack of employee involvement in the decision-making process. Engaging the workforce and addressing their concerns is crucial for a smooth transition.

Best Practices for Managing 12-Hour Shifts

To maximize the benefits of working 12-hour shifts and minimize the downsides, managers should consider the following best practices:

Ensure proper staffing levels: Avoid the temptation to understaff, which can lead to excessive overtime and burnout.
Allow for adequate rest breaks: Encourage employees to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain productivity.
Involve employees in the decision-making process: Engaging workers in the scheduling process will help foster buy-in and ensure the new system works for everyone.
Monitor health and safety: Track employee well-being and adjust schedules as necessary to prevent overworking and health issues.

Conclusion: Is Working 12-Hour Shifts Right for Your Organization?

The decision to implement 12-hour shifts depends on the unique needs of your industry and workforce. While there are clear advantages—such as fewer shift handovers, more days off, and higher job satisfaction—there are also potential downsides, including fatigue, health risks, and work-life balance challenges. Careful planning, employee support, and a commitment to worker well-being are essential for making working 12-hour shifts a success.

By understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of this shift structure, managers can make informed decisions that benefit both their operations and their employees.