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What is a 4 on 4 off shift pattern?

Stephen Taylor February 4, 2024February 6th, 20246 min read
What is a 4 on 4 off shift pattern hero - a pink and purple neon sign depicting a number 4 mounted on an exposed brick wall.

What is a 4 on 4 off shift pattern?

A “4 on 4 off shift pattern” is a recurring work schedule where employees undertake four consecutive daily shifts, typically lasting 12 hours, followed by four consecutive days off. This shift pattern provides continuous 24/7 staff coverage, with alternating day and night shifts. The cycle repeats every eight weeks, ensuring an extended break from night shifts and allowing flexibility for employers to adjust shift start times.

The overall 16-week cycle includes 56 working days and 56 off days, accommodating the organisation’s need for continuous coverage while considering employee well-being and adaptability.

Introduction

This post is the first in our series of shift pattern guides, updated for 2024. It explains what a 4 on 4 off shift pattern is, as well as how many hours a year is 4 on 4 off and how does a 4 shift system work. Totalmobile are shift pattern experts. We can help you find the best shift patterns for 24/7 working or the best shift pattern for your specific organisation.

We know shift planning and shift rostering can be challenging without the knowledge, experience and access to the best scheduling software and workforce management software.

How many working days are in a 4 on 4 off shift pattern?

A 4 on 4 off shift pattern gives 24/7 coverage 365 days of the year. It is a continuous shift pattern that can be alternated between day and night shifts. The 4 on 4 off 4 team pattern repeats every 8 weeks. It involves runs of 4 shifts followed by four rests before returning to another run of 4 shifts. Shifts can be grouped in runs of 12 hour days and 12 hour nights or 2 days followed by 2 nights and then four rests. For some organisations this may be one of the best shift patterns for 24/7 working as a 4 on 4 off 12 hour shift pattern works in many other environments.

How many hours is 4 on 4 off?

We are often asked how many hours a year is 4 on 4 off? Also, many people want to know what is a 4 on 4 off work schedule? To help we’ve broken down the key patterns with calculations below.

Weekly Hours Calculation

For a 4 on 4 off shift pattern, assuming 12-hour shifts, the average weekly working hours stabilise at 42. This calculation stems from multiplying the weekly average of 3.5 shifts by the 12-hour duration of each shift. Opting for 8-hour shifts reduces the average weekly hours to 28.

Yearly Hours Projection

Curious about the annual commitment? For the 4 on 4 off schedule with 12-hour shifts, the yearly total amounts to 2190 hours. This calculation is based on multiplying the yearly average of 182.5 shifts (half of 365) by 12. 

For a more detailed breakdown, we’ve included a simple calculation below:

168 hours per week / 4 teams = 42 hours per week

52.18* weeks x 42 hours = 2,192 hours per annum

*52.18 weeks is the average number of weeks in the year given a leap year every 4 years (365.25 days / 7 days on the week = 52.18 weeks)

Weekend Work Frequency

With the 4 on 4 off shift pattern, you’ll be working one weekend every four weeks. This structured approach to weekend scheduling aligns seamlessly with the predictability and reliability inherent in the 4 on 4 off schedule.

How does a 4 shift system work?

The answer to this really depends on your organisation. For example, you can have 4 team or 5 team working 4 on 4 off. Typically, if you operate with 4 teams, the 4 shift system will be holidays on request.
You can operate with 5 teams using rostered holidays. In this 5 team scenario employees would work 4 on 4 off for 8 weeks and then have a couple of weeks off.

Why is the 4 on 4 off shift pattern popular?

A 4 on 4 off shift pattern can be perfect for your organisation. But there are many other things to factor in when considering if a 4 on 4 off shift pattern is a suitable solution for your organisation.

Matching your demand profile to the number of employees and agency workers you have available is key to productivity and efficiency. Considerations for employee well-being and optimal client or customer service also play a pivotal role. There are almost infinite options available for planning shift patterns, rotas, and rosters.

The surge in popularity of 4 on 4 off shifts is rooted in their mutual benefits for both employers and employees. Here’s why:

Visibility

Employees on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern clearly understand their workdays and days off. The predictable, repeating pattern enables employers to plan shifts well in advance, fostering a sense of stability among the workforce.

Childcare

The consistent nature of a 4 on 4 off schedule is particularly appealing to professionals with young children. Predictable workdays make arranging childcare more manageable, eliminating the challenges associated with unpredictable schedules and short-notice changes.

Flexible

While the four-day structure remains constant, start times can be flexible. Companies can rotate start times, providing variety and preventing monotony by avoiding fixed early or late shifts for the same individuals.

Employee Well-Being

The extended four-day break between shifts enhances staff well-being, mitigating the risk of burnout and reducing the likelihood of job-related mistakes because of fatigue. Additionally, the schedule ensures three consecutive weekends off during an eight-week cycle, making shift work more appealing to those with family commitments.

Forward Planning

The regularity of the 4 on 4 off pattern simplifies shift coverage during staff holidays, facilitating smoother operations and minimising disruptions. This predictability aids in maintaining a cohesive workflow even when team members take time off.

Expert insight and software can help you balance the considerations above and create the best shift patterns for your organisation.

Learn More: Rota Software

Our consultants and customers use the Shift Pattern Design Tool in our Organise software which is the most powerful shift pattern calculator and shift pattern generator available on the market. It uses unique algorithms to find the perfect alternatives to 4 on 4 off shift patterns which can then be transferred into a shift pattern calendar for ongoing rostering and employee scheduling activity.
We know that things can change quickly in organisations that implemented a 4 on 4 off shift pattern calendar in 2020 or 2021.
If you require a new 4 on 4 off shift pattern calendar in 2024 or want to explore other shift pattern examples or roster patterns contact us today.

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Stephen Taylor

Stephen Taylor

Stephen Taylor, Head of Digital at Totalmobile, came on board in 2016 and brings over 20 years in digital marketing. Stephen is deeply versed in digital strategy and analytics. His SaaS and field service management expertise has made him a pivotal asset across Totalmobile sectors.

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