Working rotating shifts

Many manufacturing plants in Austria run around the clock, seven days a week. To cover every hour without overworking anyone, they split staff into several crews that rotate through early, late and night shifts.

What “five-shift system” usually means

In a five-shift system (5-Schicht-Betrieb), five crews share the work. At any time, one crew is on shift and the others are off, in training or on reserve. A typical rotation cycles through early, late and night shifts followed by several days off. Because five crews share the hours, average weekly working time stays within normal full-time limits even though the plant never stops.

The exact pattern – how many early, late and night shifts in a row and how many days off – is different at every company. Always ask for the actual shift plan (Schichtplan or Schichtrad) before accepting.

What it means in practice

• Weekends and holidays: you will regularly work on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and in return have days off during the week.
• Night shifts: expect regular nights. Many collective agreements provide allowances for night and Sunday work – ask which apply.
• Planning ahead: shift plans are usually set well in advance, which makes it easier to plan appointments and family time.

Sleep

After night shifts, protect your sleep: a dark, quiet room, consistent sleep times within each block, and avoiding heavy meals and caffeine before sleeping. If you have a health condition affected by sleep, discuss shift work with your doctor.

Transport

Shifts often start and end at times when buses and trains run rarely or not at all – especially at night and on weekends. Before applying, check timetables for your actual start and end times, or plan for a car, car-pooling or cycling.

Childcare

Kindergartens and after-school care rarely cover early mornings, nights or weekends. If you have children, plan care that covers the complete rotation, not just day shifts.

Questions to ask

1. What does the shift rotation look like over a full cycle?
2. How far in advance is the shift plan published?
3. Which night, Sunday and holiday allowances apply?
4. How do swaps and holidays work within the rotation?