Abstract
A current trend in alternative work schedules is to increase the length of the workday while decreasing the number of days in the work week. These “compressed” work schedules are popular amongst shiftworkers, in part because of longer periods of non-work days. The current research is an attempt to add to the short list of long-term evaluations of compressed work schedules. A change in work schedules from an 8 hour rotating shift schedule to a rotating 10 hour day/14 hour night operating schedule in a fire department was studied. Multiple measures were used to address a variety of outcomes associated with the new schedule. From the significant increase in satisfaction with their work schedule, it is clear that the new shift schedule is well liked by the fire fighters. Reasons for the satisfaction include significant changes in usual sleep length, a decrease in being tired or sleepy at work and an increase in free time benefits. Other results are discussed in the paper. In conclusion, the use of a compressed work schedule is beneficial when workers are allowed to sleep on the job, however, generalizations to other workplaces must be limited. Use of these popular work schedules should be limited to applications which incorporate a systematic evaluation of the new work schedule.
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