What is a rotating shift schedule?

A rotating shift schedule is a job schedule in which employees work one set of hours for a period and then rotate to a different set of hours. Rotating shift schedules typically divide the work day into three 8-hour periods.

A standard shift schedule involves three work shifts: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3 to 11 p.m., and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. This schedule allows facilities to remain open around the clock. With a rotating shift schedule, each employee would work one shift for a certain number of weeks and then move onto a different shift. The shifts rotate at regular intervals so that each employee works each shift for the same amount of time.