Chapters
Working for seven days in a row? No thank you. Working for seven days in a row followed by seven days off? Now we’re talking. The 7 on 7 off schedule might seem a little out there, but it’s a popular shift pattern that has certainly its benefits.
Here’s the lowdown on the 7 on 7 off schedule, helping you to make up your own mind about this work hard, rest hard approach.
What is the 7 on 7 off schedule?
The 7 on, 7 off schedule is pretty straightforward: an employee works for seven days in a row (the “on” period), followed by a full week off (the “off” period).
During the “on” part, workers tend to put in long hours - often 12-hour shifts, though it can vary depending on the job. After the seven days of work, they get a solid week of free time to relax, recover, or do whatever they please. Not bad, eh?
What industries use the 7 on 7 off schedule?
As you might have guessed, this rota schedule is particularly common in industries that require round-the-clock coverage, such as:
- Healthcare (doctors, nurses, and medical staff)
- Emergency services (paramedics, firefighters, police officers)
- Oil and gas (offshore rigs, drilling platforms)
- Transportation (pilots, truck drivers, train operators)
- Manufacturing or retail in some cases
How does the 7 on 7 off schedule work?
It’s all about rotating shifts. Employees work for seven consecutive days, typically covering both day and night shifts (for example, 7am to 7pm, or 7pm to 7am).
In some industries, the shifts can be slightly shorter, like 10-hour shifts. This schedule repeats itself on a rolling basis, with the shifts changing over time to cover all hours of the day and night.
Why use the 7 on 7 off schedule?
Like anything, the 7 on 7 off schedule has its ups and downs. But for many employers and employees, the benefits are pretty clear.
Plenty of time off
For workers, the most obvious benefit is that full week off. Whether it’s for a holiday, spending time with family, or just catching up on some well-deserved rest, that week off is a major perk.
Non-stop coverage
For employers, the 7 on 7 off schedule allows for continuous operation of their business. With workers rotating in and out, there’s always someone available, ensuring that critical services are never interrupted.
Employee retention
This schedule can also boost morale and keep employees happy, especially in industries where the work can be demanding. The appeal of a full week off every two weeks can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping talented workers around.
Earning potential
For employees, working such long hours for a full week can be a real money-earner. More hours worked often equals more money in the bank, especially if things like overtime pay and shift differentials are taken into account.
The challenges
As much as the 7 on 7 off schedule can be a great ideal solution, it’s not without its downsides. Both employees and employers should be aware of some of the potential challenges that come with this system.
For employers, it can be tricky to manage such a complex schedule, especially when workers need time off, get sick, or face unexpected emergencies. The rotational nature of the schedule means there’s always the potential for gaps in coverage, which requires careful planning.
For employees, the seven straight working days can take their toll - especially when shifts are long. Twelve-hour days can feel endless, and it’s easy to get worn out after a week of non-stop work. Not to mention the toll that night shifts can have on physical and mental health.
Take the hassle out of scheduling
Whether it’s 7 on 7 off, 5 on 2 off, or any other shift combination, Planday makes creating and sharing schedules easy. See for yourself with a free trial.
