Pitman schedule

Pitman schedule (in shift work): A 2-week cycle alternating between day and night shifts.

Pitman schedule

A Pitman schedule is a specialized 14-day work rotation pattern commonly used in healthcare, manufacturing, and other 24/7 operations. This schedule follows a “2-2-3” format, where employees work two days, take two days off, work three days, then enter a similar pattern the following week. This creates a balanced approach to shift coverage while maintaining consistent rest periods for workers.

How does the Pitman schedule work?

This schedule is specifically designed to cater to work environments requiring continuous staffing, such as healthcare or retail. works best in 24/7 operations but can be adapted for various industries requiring continuous staffing coverage. In a typical implementation, an employee might work day shifts for a week or two and then switch to night shifts.

It’s usually a 14-day cycle.
Each team works 7 shifts in 14 days.
The pattern for each team is: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off.

Compared to traditional 5-2 rotations or continental shifts, the Pitman schedule often provides better work-life balance and more consistent rest periods.

Example of a Pitman schedule

Week 1: D D - - D D D
Week 2: - - D D - - -

(Where D = Day shift, – = Day off)

It is distinct from other schedules that might overly favor one shift type or leave long gaps between shifts. The key benefit here is both ensuring operational consistency and supporting work-life balance for your staff.

Consistent pattern of work and days off
Long weekends (3 days off) every other week
Equal distribution of workload between teams
Regular rotation between day and night shifts

Key benefits of the Pitman schedule

For employees

Regular three-day weekends every other week
Consistent work patterns that aid in planning personal time
Balanced distribution of workdays and rest periods
Adequate recovery time between shift rotations
Predictable schedule that supports work-life balance

For employers

Ensures continuous 24/7 coverage
Reduces employee fatigue and burnout
Improves staff retention through worker-friendly scheduling
Maintains consistent operational staffing levels
Simplifies schedule management and planning

Common Variations of the Pitman Schedule

While the traditional Pitman schedule follows a day/night rotation, several variations exist:

Fixed shift Pitman: Teams remain on either day or night shift permanently
Modified Pitman: Adjusted start/end times to accommodate specific business needs
Extended Pitman: Incorporates additional coverage for peak operational periods

How we can help

When your basic roster is not enough, Zelos is a practical addition to your toolbox for shift exchange and extra shift signup. Feel free to sign up for a free account on our website and see how our approach to scheduled management can work for you.