Expanding to Shift Work: What Policies and Essentials Should We Consider?

Dear All,

I am working with an IT company and we are expanding our operations to include different shifts. I am gathering information about shift work, including rules, essentials, allowances, meals, transport, etc. These are the main areas we aim to address.

I kindly request you to share any vital points or policies related to shift work that are followed in your organization.

Regards,
Payal

Dear Ms. Payal,

I don't have knowledge of the IT industry, but I have vast experience in the manufacturing industry. I will provide the details so that you can plan accordingly:

Normally, there will be 4 shifts, i.e., General/1st/2nd/3rd. The total working hours are 8 hours. In the shifts, normally the lunch break will be inclusive of 8 hours, or else you can have an overlap of 1/2 hour, i.e., shifts normally are:

1st - 6 am to 2 pm
2nd - 2 pm to 10 pm
3rd - 10 pm to 6 am

So, you can call the employees 1/2 hour in advance of the shift starting time. Handing over may be completed, and employees can leave at the scheduled time.

Before completion of 5 hours from the shift starting, a 1/2-hour break should be there. Normally, that can be a lunch/dinner/tea and snacks time for night shift employees.

You cannot deploy female employees between 8 pm to 6 am unless your organization is exempted or has obtained a special exemption from the concerned authority.

Transport, meals, tea, etc., are to be on a subsidized basis. If female employees are present, you have to make arrangements to pick up and drop them between 8 pm and 6 am. A female supervisor should be present for the security of the female employees during this time.

I believe this information may be useful to you.

Thanks and regards,
Kameswarao

Thank you, Kameswarao, for your inputs. Could anyone please let me know if there are any other specific inputs? Also, please inform me if there is any special allowance given to employees working shifts. Kindly share any policy you have regarding night/shift work.