4 on 4 off rotating shifts: are they right for your employees?

What is a 4 on 4 off shift pattern?

A 4 on 4 off rotating shift pattern refers to a staff schedule where an employee works 4 consecutive shifts (typically a long shift of 12 hours or more), followed by four consecutive days off.

Employees typically rotate between day shifts and night shifts in the cycle too. Since the pattern repeats continuously, it provides 24/7 coverage with fewer gaps and handovers.

The 4 on 4 off shift pattern balances long working hours with longer rest periods, making it attractive for round-the-clock industries such as:

• Emergency services (police, fire, paramedics).
• Healthcare (nurses, hospital staff).
• Manufacturing and logistics.
• Energy and utilities sectors.

Example of a 4 on 4 off shift pattern:

• Days 1- 4: Employee works 12-hour shifts (e.g., 7am - 7pm).
• Days 5 - 8: Employee is off duty.
• After that, the cycle repeats, sometimes switching to night shifts depending on the roster.

What are the benefits of a 4 on 4 off shift pattern?

The 4 on 4 off shift pattern offers unique advantages for both employers and employees. Here are the key benefits:

4 on 4 for employers

• Ensures continuous 24/7 coverage with fewer handovers.
• Creates predictable schedules that are easy to plan months ahead.
• Reduces overtime costs and reliance on agency staff.
• Improves operational efficiency by allowing longer work blocks.

4 on 4 for employees

• Provides four consecutive days off after each work block.
• Makes personal planning easier thanks to predictable cycles.
• Shares day and night shifts fairly across the team.
• Allows time for rest, side projects, or travel during extended breaks.

What are the downsides of a 4 on 4 off shift pattern?

• Fatigue risk from consecutive long shifts (12+ hours).
• Reduced flexibility for short-notice rostering or part-time staff.
• Difficulty maintaining continuity of care due to frequent handovers.
• Misalignment with weekday services (e.g., admin, clinics) for staff on rotating cycles.
• Challenges with training and team meetings falling on staff days off.
• Higher weekend and public holiday exposure for some staff without consistent offsetting (that’s where a smart rostering system can help).
• Potential work-life imbalance due to irregular social or family routines.
• Overtime or cover needs increase when staff take leave, disrupting the fixed cycle.

Alternatives to 4 on 4 off

• 5 on 2 off - a traditional workweek with five consecutive workdays followed by two days off (e.g., Mon-Fri, off Sat-Sun).
• 2-2-3 (Panama Schedule) - staff work 2 days, off 2, then 3 days on; alternates weekly to balance 24/7 coverage.
• DuPont Schedule - a rotating 12-hour shift pattern over 4 weeks: includes 3-4 days on, 3-7 days off; ensures full coverage with extended breaks.
• Pitman Schedule (2-3-2) - alternates 2 days on, 2 off, 3 on one week, then 2 off, 2 on, 3 off the next; enables every other weekend off.
• Continental shift pattern (21 shifts in 4 weeks) - staff work a mix of mornings, afternoons, and nights across 4 weeks, usually on a 4-on 2-off cycle, ensuring rotating 24/7 coverage.
• Flexible or Hybrid Shifts - non-fixed shifts tailored to staff preferences or operational needs; may include remote work, variable hours, or split shifts.

Scheduling a 4 on 4 off shift

Using scheduling rules, platforms like RosterLab can help teams create 4 on 4 off shift pattern types in their staff schedule whilst managing employee fatigue, fairness, staff preferences, and compliance rules.

Are they right for your employees?

The 4 on 4 off pattern can be highly effective for 24/7 operations, offering predictable time off and longer recovery periods. Many staff appreciate the extended breaks and regularity.

However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; the long consecutive shifts can lead to fatigue, and rotating schedules may clash with family or social routines. Scheduling shifts effectively to allow for preferences and prevent burnout can be achieved through modern scheduling systems.