It’s 10 years since we first released the mobile app MyShiftPlanner onto the App Stores. We’ve all been through a lot since then. Covid has changed the work-landscape completely, leading to new ways of working for many.
But how has shift work been affected by 10 years of changes.
What’s new in Shift Working?
Shift work has been a part of the workforce for a long time. Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation relying heavily on this work model.
However, the way shift work is conducted has changed significantly over the last decade. Technological advancements, globalisation, and the changing nature of work have all had lasting effects on the workplace landscape. Here’s some of the ways we’ve seen shift working change since MyShiftPlanner first hit the stores.
Increased Flexibility
One of the most significant changes in shift work over the last decade is the increased flexibility offered to employees.
In the past, shift work was typically rigid. Employees were expected to work the same shifts every week. With the rise of technology, many organisations have now implemented flexible scheduling systems. These allow employees to choose their shifts based on their availability. The result of this is a better work-life balance for employees, which in turn increases job satisfaction and improve overall productivity.
Flexible scheduling has also allowed organisations to optimize their workforce, ensuring they have the right number of employees working at any given time.This leads to cost savings for organizations, as they no longer have to pay employees for downtime during low-demand periods.
It also allows an organisation to quickly respond to changes in demand, adjusting staffing levels according to need.
Remote Work
Another significant change in shift work over the last decade is the rise of remote work.
With the advent of technology such as video conferencing and virtual private networks (VPNs), many organizations have shifted to a remote work model, allowing employees to work from anywhere in the world.
This has been especially beneficial for shift workers who may have family obligations or live in areas with limited job opportunities. Remote work has also allowed organizations to tap into a global talent pool, increasing their ability to find skilled workers.
By embracing remote working, organizations have been able to reduce their overhead costs, such as office space and utilities.
This has been particularly beneficial for organizations operating in expensive cities, where office space can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, remote work has reduced commute times and associated costs, leading to a better work-life balance for employees.
Increased Emphasis on Health and Safety
Over the last decade, there has been an increased emphasis on health and safety in the workplace, especially for shift workers.
Many organizations have implemented programs to educate employees on the importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise to help them cope with the physical and mental demands of shift work. Additionally, many organizations have implemented safety protocols such as regular breaks, ergonomic workstations, and proper lighting to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
The emphasis on health and safety has led to a decrease in workplace accidents and injuries, leading to a safer work environment for employees. Prioritizing the health and safety of employees has seen an increase in job satisfaction and employee retention.
This, in turn, has led to cost savings for organizations, as they no longer have to spend money on recruiting and training new employees.
What’s next for Shift Working?
Shift work has changed significantly over the last decade, with increased flexibility, remote work, and an increased emphasis on health and safety being the most significant changes. These changes have been driven by technological advancements, globalization, and the changing nature of work.
While there are still challenges associated with shift work, these changes have made it easier for employees to balance their work and personal lives, increasing job satisfaction and overall productivity.
Organizations that embrace these changes and prioritize the well-being of their employees stand to benefit the most.
