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10 min czytania 5 December 2024

Four-shift work system — what is it?

The four-team work system is a solution used in companies that must operate without interruption, regardless of the day of the week or the hour. It is a specific model of organizing working time that differs from traditional shifts. What is the four-team system? Do employees want to work in shifts? How many hours of work in the four-team system? When can the four-team system be introduced? What does the four-team work system look like in practice?

four shift work system

CONTENTS

Four-team work system – what is it?

A four-team work system is shift work that allows the company to maintain continuity of operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this system, employees are divided into four teams (brigades) that perform their duties in rotation on different shifts – day, night and afternoon. Thanks to this, each brigade has time to rest and regenerate, and at the same time the workplace can operate without interruption.

A sample work schedule includes:

  • morning shift – e.g. 6:00 – 14:00
  • afternoon shift – 14:00 – 22:00
  • night shift – 22:00 – 6:00

In a four-team work system, three groups work in shifts during the day, and the fourth has a day off. After a few days of work and rest, the teams change according to the established schedule.

Until 2003, the Labor Code used the term “four-brigade”. Currently, issues related to work in such a system are regulated by the provisions of Article 138 § 1 of the Labor Code, which refer to work in continuous operation.

4-team work system vs. 4-shift work system – what is the difference?

A four-team work system is different from four-shift work. Four-team work is work that is performed continuously, in 3 shifts – and not, as in the case of shift work – in 4 shifts. In a four-team work system, employees replace each other during shifts, ensuring continuity of operation, while in the second system it is possible that the shifts of different people partially overlap.

In a four-team work system, the number of employees per shift is always constant, while in a shift system it can change depending on needs. In the first case, working hours are fixed and regular, as shown in the table above, while in a four-shift system, the start and end times of work may be different.

Sample work schedule for a 4-shift work system:

  • 1st shift: 5:00 – 13:00
  • 2nd shift: 11:00 – 9:00
  • 3rd shift: 17:00 – 1:00
  • 4th shift: 23:00 – 7:00

How many hours of work in a 4-team system?

A 4-team work schedule is usually spread out 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. An employee’s working time cannot exceed 40 hours a week on average, with a 5-day work week. The settlement period in which this is counted cannot exceed 4 months.

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four shift work system

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When can a four-team shift work system be introduced?

A four-team work organization is possible in the case of work that requires continuity of operation and cannot be suspended due to its nature. This applies to industries such as: production, public transport, emergency services, etc.

The four-team system is described in the Labor Code, in Article 148. According to the regulations, it can be introduced where work must continue without interruption, for example due to the production process.

In such a system, employees can work up to 43 hours per week on average over a maximum 4-week settlement period. In some weeks, working time in one day can be extended to 12 hours. Additional remuneration is due for each hour of work in excess of 8 hours on such a day.

However, the employer can introduce such a continuous work model at any time, but only if necessary.

Four-shift work system – how many days off are allowed?

When creating a work schedule for a four-shift system, it is important to take into account the issue of days off. According to the rules of the Labor Code, if work falls on a day off, the employer must provide a day off within 6 days preceding that day or within six days following that day.

The employer is obliged to provide employees with at least one free Sunday per month. In practice, shift work in continuous operation does not change the overall amount of working time – the average working hour standards remain the same as in other working time systems.

The employee may be required to work on Sundays and public holidays and to work overtime, but additional remuneration is due for each such overtime hour. It should be remembered that only exceeding the time by 12 hours is counted as overtime.

Four-team work — remuneration

Employees who work in a four-team system are entitled to at least the minimum wage. Some employers provide various bonuses to their remuneration for this. However, this is not an obligation, but rather compensation for working irregular hours, which depends on the employer’s will.

Four-team work organization, which also includes night work, is often used in plants operating in continuous mode, such as industry, energy or production. For work at night, a night bonus of 20% of the hourly rate is due.

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four shift work system

How to introduce a four-team work schedule?

The introduction of a four-team work schedule requires careful preparation so that the workplace can avoid chaos. What should be done to introduce a four-team work schedule?

  • Analysis of the needs of the plant

-Check whether continuous work is necessary, e.g. due to 24/7 production or the need to provide continuous services.

-Identify positions that require 24-hour supervision.

  • Agreements with employees

-Before introducing changes, consult with employees to explain the purpose of introducing the system and its impact on the work schedule and remuneration.

  • Preparation of a four-team work schedule

-Plan the rotation of employees into morning, afternoon and night shifts, ensuring an even shift load.

-Include rest periods in accordance with the Labor Code, including daily and weekly breaks.

  • Adjustment of work regulations

-Introduce provisions regarding the new working time system in the company’s internal documents.

-Include additional compensation for night hours, weekend work and holidays.

  • System testing and improvement

-After implementation, monitor the effectiveness of the new solution and the comfort of employees.

-Based on the collected opinions, make any adjustments to the schedule or organization of shifts.

What does a four-team work system look like in practice?

A four-team work schedule is listed in the provisions of the Labor Code as work in continuous motion. This is a common form of work organization in production plants. The functioning of the work system involves continuous work by employees at a given position. It is staffed 24 hours a day, and employees rotate among themselves within four teams. This allows for maximum efficiency and maintaining continuity of production. The four-team system provides shift work: morning, afternoon, night. The fourth shift has a day off during this time.

Advantages and disadvantages of the four-team work system

The four-team work system has its advantages and disadvantages. For some, the advantage may be the great flexibility of the schedule, for others it may be a disadvantage that introduces chaos and lack of organization into their lives. What are the other advantages and disadvantages of the four-team work system?

Advantages of the four-team work system

  • Continuity of operation of the workplace
  • Ability to provide services around the clock
  • Stable employment
  • Flexible work hours
  • Even shift load
  • Additional remuneration (in some cases)

WDisadvantages of the four-team work system

  • Irregular working hours – disruption of the circadian rhythm
  • Difficulties in planning private life
  • Increased risk of burnout
  • Work on Sundays and holidays

The four-team system allows for continuous operation of the plant around the clock. An example work schedule in such a system allows for an equal division of duties between employees and ensures the continuity of the company’s operations. However, it is important that the work schedule is well planned and that the working conditions meet the needs of employees and the provisions of the law. Thanks to good organization, this system can be beneficial for both the employer and the employees.

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