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Cited by 260Sleep and Work-Related FatigueWorkplace Health and Well-beingCircadian rhythm and melatonin

Work shift duration: a review comparing eight hour and 12 hour shift systems.

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Smith, L, Folkard, S, Tucker, P, Macdonald, I·1998·Occupational and Environmental Medicine
DOI 10.1136/oem.55.4.217PMC PMC1757571
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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Shiftwork is now a major feature of working life across a broad range of industries. The features of the shift systems operated can impact on the wellbeing, performance, and sleep of shiftworkers. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on one major characteristic of shift rotas-namely, shift duration. Evidence comparing the relative effects of eight hour and 12 hour shifts on fatigue and job performance, safety, sleep, and physical and psychological health are considered. At the organisational level, factors such as the mode of system implementation, attitudes towards shift rotas, sickness absence and turnover, overtime, and moonlighting are discussed. METHODS: Manual and electronic searches of the shiftwork research literature were conducted to obtain information on comparisons between eight hour and 12 hour shifts. RESULTS: The research findings are largely equivocal. The bulk of the evidence suggests few differences between eight and 12 hour shifts in the way they affect people. There may even be advantages to 12 hour shifts in terms of lower stress levels, better physical and psychological wellbeing, improved durations and quality of off duty sleep as well as improvements in family relations. On the negative side, the main concerns are fatigue and safety. It is noted that a 12 hour shift does not equate with being active for only 12 hours. CONCLUSIONS: There can be considerable extension of the person's time awake either side of the shift. However, the effects of longer term exposure to extended work days have been relatively uncharted in any systematic way. Longitudinal comparative research into the chronic impact of the compressed working week is needed.

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Research works printed but not linked: 17

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Authors
Smith, L., Folkard, S., Tucker, P., & Macdonald, I.
Affiliations
University of Leeds (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Publisher
BMJ
Published
1998-04
Volume
55
Issue
4
Pages
217-229
ISSN
  • 0007-1072 (ISSN-L)
  • 1351-0711
  • 1470-7926
DOI
10.1136/oem.55.4.217
PMC
PMC1757571
OpenAlex
W2164788581
Cited by
259
References
65
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 11
FWCI
2.37
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Occupational and Environmental Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
Keywords
shift work, shift length, 12-hour shifts, 8-hour shifts, fatigue, employee performance, occupational safety, sleep quality, psychological well-being, physical health, sick leave, turnover, overtime, moonlighting, family relationships
MeSH terms
Absenteeism, Family Relations, Fatigue, Humans, Occupations, Personnel Turnover, Physical Fitness, Safety, Sleep, Stress, Psychological, Time Factors, Work Schedule Tolerance

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