An introduction to shift work schedules. A SHRM white paper covering the five key elements of shift schedules: (1) shift length, (2) schedule format, (3) on-off work pattern, (4) overtime, and (5) scheduling policies.

Schedule preferences. Published on the Industry Week web site, this article discusses what the typical shift worker wants from his or her work schedule. Results are based on surveys of over 20,000 shift workers.

Sleep and alertness. Published in Occupational Health & Safety, this article examines three major shift schedule attributes that affect employee sleep: (1) shift length, (2) fixed vs. rotating shifts, and (3) shift start times.

Efficient coverage. A critical step in schedule design is to determine how to achieve the desired coverage as efficiently as possible. Three pieces of information are needed to do this: (1) the number of employees needed at different times of the day throughout the week, (2) the number of personnel available to work the schedule, and (3) the hours they are able to work each week.

Schedule change process. A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) white paper on the steps to follow when changing an organization's work schedule. Six considerations are: (1) change process, (2) coverage requirements, (3) available resources, (4) schedule constraints, (5) employee preferences, and (6) company policies.

Shift schedule design for dummies. This article describes the 3 components of the best possible schedule for any organization. It also discusses the steps needed to find the best schedule.