{"id":2979,"date":"2018-09-24T23:08:16","date_gmt":"2018-09-24T23:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theothershift.com\/?p=2979"},"modified":"2021-07-22T07:04:16","modified_gmt":"2021-07-22T11:04:16","slug":"secret-roster-scheduling-tricks-rotating-shift-worker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theothershift.com\/secret-roster-scheduling-tricks-rotating-shift-worker\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Shift Work Roster Tips to Stay in Control of Your Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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How long in advance does your shift work roster\/schedule get released? 4 to 8 weeks or maybe it\u2019s more like 3 to 4 months? Seems crazy right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you meant to adequately prepare your roster and more importantly your life, if you have no idea what your social future looks like? No wonder we (sometimes) miss out on events!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pink<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I often see and hear that parties are being missed, dinner dates being canceled and vacations being postponed due to roster challenges and I think we can do better. This post is full of 9 clever tips and tricks on how to best utilize your shift work roster and achieve balance in your ‘non-traditional’ life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Know \u201cWeek 1\u201d and \u201cWeek 2\u201d on Your Shift Work Roster <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most shift working organizations work on a 2 week (fortnightly) schedule to best structure the pay weeks and to also create a manageable job for the roster manager\/employer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have the freedom to request, knowing which fortnight\/week you’re on allows you to best structure your roster and know when to expect your wage. Yippee!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work a rotating shift<\/a> work schedule, this knowledge is huge as allows you to take significant time off without having to take annual leave, but more on that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip<\/strong>: Find out how your employer structures the roster and note in your diary or phone. You never know when it may come in handy, plus you’ll need it when completed your annual leave form.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

If your workplace is structured on a 2nd weekly basis rather than weekly or monthly, map out on your diary or phone which week is 1 and which week is 2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go through the entire year and map this out you’ll thank yourself later when it comes to filling out leave forms and working out which week you’ll be paid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work the rotating shift work schedule, you’ll enjoy a post we wrote titled, Essential Guide to Working a Rotating Shift<\/a> Schedule. As a nurse rotating shift work is my bread and butter and I’m excited to share with you how to organize yourself just that bit better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Epic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2. Be Familiar With the Shift Work Roster Lockout Dates <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To me, requesting your desired shifts is a no-brainer if you want some control over your work-life balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does take time, thought and repetition but it’s worth every second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mentioned earlier that some organizations \u201clock\u201d the roster, meaning the roster manager is no longer taking requests for a set period of time in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is done to allow them adequate time to complete and release the upcoming roster without constant changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you miss this date without requesting any desired days\/hours to either work or take days off, you may be stuck with pretty average roster. <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yep –  basically the leftovers (which are normally great from the fridge, but not in this case!).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our top roster request tip:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a screenshot or photograph of the dates finalized by your organization and spend 10 minutes putting all the dates in your phone\/diary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, set a reminder for a week in advance to the closing date to give yourself time to think about future events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider even printing it off and sticking it up in the tea-room for everyone\u2019s benefit. This worked beautifully in my workplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If these dates are not made public, make an effort to go and find them or spend time investigating your workplace routine in regards to roster management as variations may exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Secret<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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3. Group Your Night Shifts Together <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If working night shift \/ 3rd<\/sup> shift<\/a> is part or your routine, try grouping them together to enable more free time and adequate sleep, as constantly swapping is tough work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related post: <\/strong>How to Quickly Switch from Night Shift to Day Shift<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, 4 nights in a row is my limit before I turn into a grumpy monster.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other benefit of grouping night shifts together is you’re generally working fewer days as night shifts are longer in duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also financial (and emotional) benefit here too, particularly when working night shift<\/a> on the weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As depressing as this arrangement is, my thought has always been that if I need to do nights, why not do it when I can get extra money for working the weekend?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those new to shift work you might also enjoy reading The Essential Guide To Conquering Shift Work<\/a> and Secrets to the Perfect Post Night Shift Routine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related posts:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n