Work schedules generally refer to the days of the week and the number of hours in a day that an employee is expected to be on the job. There are several different types of work schedules, which vary based on the organization and position. Your schedules may also vary based on the time of year. For example, some jobs have changing work schedules depending on the season.
Check the work schedule before accepting a job
The type of schedule required for the job is usually mentioned in the job announcement or explained during the job interview. However, if you are unclear about the hours, check with the employer before accepting the job offer.
It is important to know whether the work schedule will fit your lifestyle and other responsibilities, such as family or school.
Even if the job is listed as full-time or part-time, you may want to ask questions about what your weekly schedule will look like. For example, one job seeker accepted a salaried position where they expected to work 40 hours a week, but they found out that the expectation was actually 50 hours. On the other hand, another applicant accepted a part-time job expecting to work 25-30 hours a week. Their schedule was 8-10 hours, sometimes less in certain weeks.
You may also want to double-check the days you are expected to work each week. For instance, some jobs may require you to attend on weekends, while others may only be Monday through Friday.
Types of Work Schedules
Full-Time Work Schedule
A full-time work schedule typically requires a commitment of between 37-40 hours per week. Due to the long hours, most full-time jobs are eligible for employee benefits. These benefits can include vacation, sick days, health insurance, and various retirement plan options.
Full-time work schedules can vary from company to company, but most often, employees will work the same shift each week. The most common full-time work schedule is the standard shift from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, which adds up to 40 hours a week.
While most full-time work schedules are usually the same shift every day, in some cases (like retail), shifts can vary, but the number of hours will still total 35-40 per week.
Generally, non-exempt full-time workers are entitled to overtime pay. This occurs when hours worked exceed the set maximum of 40 hours. Overtime is paid at a minimum of the base hourly wage plus half of that base wage, also known as “time and a half.” This is the norm for hourly wage earners.
Exempt employees, on the other hand, are often not entitled to overtime pay. Most exempt employees receive a salary instead of an hourly wage.
Part-Time Work Schedule
A part-time work schedule is any work schedule less than full-time. The benefit of this type of schedule is that it allows for greater flexibility to maintain other responsibilities outside of work.
Part-time work often does not include the benefits that are offered to full-time employees, and the hours can be irregular and inconsistent from week to week. An example of a part-time work schedule might be working Monday through Wednesday from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Fixed Work Schedule
A fixed work schedule is a schedule that usually consists of the same number of hours and workdays each week. Fixed work schedules tend to remain constant once the number of hours and days has been agreed upon by the employer and employee. An example of a fixed schedule would be Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or Thursday through Sunday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Schedule
Flexible Work
Flexible work schedules are less rigid than fixed schedules. Employees and employers work together to determine the number of hours and days of the week the employee will work. Depending on the employer’s policy, employees may be expected to work a minimum number of hours or to be on-site during a specified daily time frame, but shifts can often be swapped with their colleagues to accommodate the employer’s needs and the employee’s busy life.
Flexible work schedules can vary infinitely, but an example might be: Monday – from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Tuesday – from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday – from 2:00 PM until closing.
Rotating Shift Schedule
Rotating shift schedules cycle employees through day, evening, and night shifts. This rotation helps distribute the different work periods among all employees so that no one is stuck with the least desirable hours in every shift.
This work schedule is not common but can be seen in many professions such as the military, construction jobs, road work, power plants, and healthcare. These shifts can rotate weekly or quarterly, depending on the type of work required.
For many employees, shifting between different schedules can be challenging. Sleep and eating patterns change, and the employee may see their family and friends less due to their rotating schedule.
This type of scheduling has some benefits. Employees can spend more time with family and friends during their regular work hours and may be able to accomplish tasks they typically wouldn’t be able to finish. Hours can change between day shifts (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM), evening shifts (1:00 PM to 9:00 PM), and holiday or night shifts.
Main Takeaway
Inquire about the work schedule before starting a new job: It’s important to know whether you will be working full-time or part-time, for example, before you accept.
Understand the type of schedule you have – fixed or flexible: Some positions have the same hours every week, while others differ. You may even be able to work a flexible schedule that leaves room for your other commitments.
Some jobs may require working rotating shifts: If you work in construction, healthcare, or some other industries, you may be required to work different shifts depending on the organization’s needs.
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/types-of-work-schedules-2064278
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