Glossary
3 min read
Panama shift pattern: everything you need to know
Alex Francis
Nov 29, 2024
Everything you need to know
You could be forgiven for thinking a 2-2-3 is a seriously depleted football team formation, but it’s not. It’s actually the Panama shift pattern. What is it, how does it work and where does the name come from? All great questions that we’re going to answer here.
What is a Panama shift pattern?
The Panama shift pattern, also known as the 2-2-3 shift, is a rotating schedule commonly used by businesses that require around-the-clock staffing. It works by having team members work 12-hour shifts over a 14-day cycle.
Struggling to picture it? Here’s what a schedule could look like:
Week one
- Two days on (7am to 7pm)
- Two days off
- Three days on
Week two
- Two days off
- Two days on
- Three days off
This creates a two-week repeating cycle where team members work seven out of 14 days and get a nice long weekend every other week.
Who uses the Panama shift pattern?
The Panama shift pattern is perfect for industries that need round-the-clock staff coverage but want to offer team members a better work/life balance. You might find the Panama shift pattern in industries like:
Manufacturing
Continuous production lines with minimal downtime.
Utilities
Power plants and water facilities that require constant monitoring.
Emergency services
Firefighters, paramedics and police departments.
Healthcare
Hospitals and clinics where patient care is needed 24/7.
Read more: Figuring out the right 12-hour shift schedule for your business
Where does the name Panama shift come from?
Y’know, we don’t know for sure. One theory suggests it comes from US military forces who were operating in the Panama Canal Zone during the mid-to-late 1900s. To keep the canal (which was a critical strategic asset) working and safe, they needed constant, around-the-clock coverage, and voila – the 2-2-3 pattern was (supposedly) born.
These days, its use is less military, and you’re more likely to find it put to work in healthcare, manufacturing and emergency services. And it’s well received, as it provides constant coverage and team members with predictable time off.
Advantages of the Panama shift pattern
Like any shift pattern, the 2-2-3 has its peaks and troughs. Some of its pros include:
Predictable schedule
The repeating cycle provides employees with a clear and consistent work/life rhythm.
Improved work/life balance
Employees have every other weekend off and multiple consecutive rest days during the week.
Continuous coverage
Ensures businesses have full staffing at all hours without frequent shift handovers.
Challenges of the Panama shift pattern
Some of the drawbacks of the Panama shift pattern include:
Long shifts
Employees work 12-hour shifts, which can be physically and mentally draining.
Sleep disruption
Alternating between day and night shifts can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue.
Reduced flexibility
While the pattern is predictable, it may not suit employees who need more adaptable schedules.
Managing a Panama shift pattern manually can be complex. Planday can simplify the process by helping you create, track and manage shifts – while taking team preferences and labour regulations into account.
Need a little help creating perfect schedules?
Ready to streamline your shift management? Book a demo today and discover how Planday can help you make the perfect rotas in the blink of an eye.
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