3-shift (also known as three-shift or semi-continuous) shift patterns are used predominantly in businesses and organisations where 24-hour cover is required, for example care homes, security services, or customer support centres.
3-shifts tend to be eight hours long, with staff each working 40 hours per week. A typical 3-shift pattern might look like this:
Early: 06:00–14:00
Mid: 14:00–22:00
Late: 22:00–06:00
Staff rotate between working morning (early) shifts, afternoon (mid) shifts, or night (late) shifts every few weeks to help them achieve a good work-life balance and ensure that everyone gets a turn working their most preferred shift type.