I worked all manner of shift patterns. They become a compromise between what the employee would like and what the employer needs to cover periods of demand throughout 24 hrs.
Initially I worked a mixture of 8 hour shifts, Nights, Lates and Earlies. 7 nights. 2days off (one of which you were in bed and then a mixture of lates and earlies which were constructed with a couple of quick swings ie 8 hours off between shifts. 28 day rota 8 days off including a floating rest day to make up the 8, on of each day. 3 day long weekend was sacrosanct before nights
The 7 nights were were too long as the body clock turned, and the quick turn rounds no one slept.
4 nights were deemed the maximum for health benefits and 11 hours between shift was something that came from the EU. Other than exigencies of duty.
Modified shifts were introduced but to achieve them some shifts were longer than 8 hours. NO more than 4 days working. The troops loved them and they remained for some time until it was realised that they were detrimental to service delivery and they have been changed a couple of times much to the anger of the troops.
There are no 'good' shifts but there are better rotas to be had.
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