12-Hour Shift Schedule Patterns
Find the perfect rotating shift pattern for 24/7 coverage. Compare popular schedules like 2-2-3, Pitman, and DuPont — and see exactly how each one works.
2-2-3 Schedule
Also known as: Panama Schedule
Work 2 days, off 2 days, work 3 days. Simple pattern that gives every other weekend off.
4
Teams
2 weeks
Cycle
42h
Avg/Week
Advantages
- Every other weekend off
- Simple to understand
- Fair distribution of shifts
Considerations
- Alternating weekends can be confusing
- Some long stretches (3 days)
2 weeks Schedule View
| Team | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team A | Day | Day | Off | Off | Day | Day | Day | Off | Off | Night | Night | Off | Off | Night |
| Team B | Off | Off | Day | Day | Day | Off | Off | Night | Night | Night | Off | Off | Day | Day |
| Team C | Night | Night | Off | Off | Off | Night | Night | Day | Day | Off | Off | Day | Day | Day |
| Team D | Off | Off | Night | Night | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Day | Day | Night | Night | Off |
Skip the spreadsheet. Build this schedule in NextShifts.
Automatic conflict detection, shift swaps, and notifications included.
How to Create a 12-Hour Shift Schedule
Follow these steps to implement rotating 12-hour shifts for your team.
Choose your pattern
Select a shift pattern based on your coverage needs. The 2-2-3 is simplest and most popular. Pitman gives regular 3-day weekends. DuPont provides a full week off monthly.
Divide into teams
Split your workforce into 4 teams. Each team rotates through day and night shifts according to the pattern. At any time, 2 teams work while 2 are off.
Set shift times
Define your day shift (typically 6AM-6PM or 7AM-7PM) and night shift (6PM-6AM or 7PM-7AM). Consider handoff times and peak operational needs.
Create the rotation
Map out the full rotation cycle. Most 12-hour patterns repeat every 2-4 weeks. Use scheduling software to automate the pattern and handle exceptions.
Communicate clearly
Share the schedule with your team well in advance. Use scheduling software to send automatic notifications when schedules are published or changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 12-hour shift schedules.
What is a 12-hour shift schedule?
A 12-hour shift schedule divides the 24-hour day into two shifts, typically day (6AM-6PM) and night (6PM-6AM). Workers usually rotate between these shifts on a set pattern, working fewer days per week (3-4 days) but longer hours each day. This approach is common in healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency services.
What is the 2-2-3 shift pattern?
The 2-2-3 schedule (also called the Panama or Pitman schedule) rotates workers through 2 days on, 2 days off, then 3 days on. Teams alternate between day and night shifts every two weeks, providing 24/7 coverage. A key benefit is that every employee gets every other weekend off.
How many teams do you need for 24/7 coverage with 12-hour shifts?
You typically need 4 teams for 24/7 coverage with 12-hour shifts. At any given time, 2 teams are working (one on days, one on nights) while 2 teams are off. This ensures continuous coverage without excessive overtime and keeps average hours around 42 per week.
What are the pros and cons of 12-hour shifts?
Pros: Fewer commute days, more days off, longer breaks between work stretches, and simpler handoffs with only 2 shifts per day. Cons: Longer work days can cause fatigue, harder to schedule appointments on work days, and potential for decreased alertness in the final hours of a shift.
Which 12-hour shift pattern is best?
The best pattern depends on your industry and workforce preferences. The 2-2-3 is simplest and most popular. The Pitman gives regular 3-day weekends. The DuPont provides a full week off every month but is more complex. Healthcare often uses variations that account for patient care needs.
Industries Using 12-Hour Shifts
NextShifts helps teams in these industries manage rotating schedules.
Healthcare
Hospitals & Clinics
Construction
Job Sites & Crews
Call Centers
24/7 Support Teams
Manufacturing
Coming Soon
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