Editing Shift work (section)

=== Shift schedule and shift plan ===
{{main|Shift plan}}

The shift plan or rota is the central component of a [[schedule (workplace)|shift schedule]].{{cn|date=December 2023}} The schedule includes considerations of shift overlap, shift change times and alignment with the clock, vacation, training, shift differentials, holidays, etc., whereas the shift plan determines the sequence of work and free days within a shift system.

Rotation of shifts can be fast, in which a worker changes shifts more than once a week, or slow, in which a worker changes shifts less than once a week. Rotation can also be forward, when a subsequent shift starts later, or backward, when a subsequent shift starts earlier.<ref name=":2" />  Evidence supports forward rotating shifts are more adaptable for shift workers' circadian physiology.<ref name=":5" />

One main concern of shift workers is knowing their schedule more than two weeks at a time. Shift work is stressful. When on a rotating or ever changing shift, workers have to worry about daycare, personal appointments, and running their households. Many already work more than an eight-hour shift.  Some evidence suggests giving employees schedules more than a month in advance would give proper notice and allow planning, their stress level would be reduced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mitrefinch.com/blog/rotating-shift-schedules/|title=Keeping it Balanced: The Art of Scheduling Rotating Shifts|last=pierce|date=2016-08-29|website=Mitrefinch|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-03|archive-date=2019-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043514/https://mitrefinch.com/blog/rotating-shift-schedules/|url-status=dead}}</ref>