Panama schedule

Panama schedule (in shift work): A 14-day cycle with 2-2-3 work-rest pattern.

Panama schedule

The Panama schedule is a specialized 14-day rotating shift pattern designed for 24/7 operations. Originally developed for workers in the Panama Canal Zone, this schedule follows a distinctive 2-2-3 pattern: two days on, two days off, followed by three days on. This continuous shift schedule has become increasingly popular in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries requiring round-the-clock staffing.

What is a Panama schedule

The Panama schedule operates on a two-week cycle where employees alternate between day and night shifts. During each 14-day period, employees work two consecutive days, rest for two days, return for a three-day stint, and then rotate this pattern in reverse. This 2-2-3 schedule ensures employees work only half of the days in a two-week period, and this cycle repeats throughout the year.

It’s a balanced approach to shift work, ensuring employees work approximately 42 hours per week while maintaining adequate rest periods.

Example of a Panama schedule

The schedule typically alternates between day and night shifts.

2 shifts, 2 off, 3 shifts
2 off, 2 shifts, 3 off

Week 1: D D - - N N N 
Week 2: - - D D - - - 
Week 3: N N - - D D D 
Week 4: - - N N - - - 

(Where D = Day shift, N = Night shift, – = Day off)

1. 14-day repeating cycle
2. Employees work an average of 42 hours per week over the two-week period
3. Shifts are typically 12 hours long
4. Provides 24/7 coverage with four crews
5. Employees get every other weekend off (Fri, Sat, Sun)
6. Balances workdays and days off throughout the cycle

Benefits of the Panama Schedule

The Panama schedule offers several advantages for both employers and employees:

First, it provides consistent 24/7 coverage with just four crews, making it highly efficient for operations that never close. Employees benefit from working only half of the days in any two-week period, creating a favorable work-life balance. The schedule also ensures workers get every other weekend off (Friday through Sunday), which helps maintain social and family connections.

Managing Employee Wellness on a Panama Schedule

The transition to a Panama schedule requires careful consideration of employee well-being. While the schedule provides regular rest periods, the alternating shift patterns can affect sleep cycles and circadian rhythms. Organizations should establish support systems to help employees adjust to the rotation, particularly during the initial implementation phase.

If you’re in retail and don’t actually need 24/7 on-call staff, implementing a Panama schedule might be overkill. Your costs might go up without adding much efficiency. On the other hand, for teams that need round-the-clock staffing, it’s an efficient system that people can adjust to relatively well.

The adaptation period varies significantly among employees, with some requiring more time to adjust than others. Organizations should provide flexibility and support during this transition. Additionally, maintaining compliance with labor laws and rest-period requirements becomes more complex with rotating shifts, necessitating robust tracking systems and documentation procedures.

How we can help

The Panama schedule fits some operational needs perfectly, but not every work environment will benefit from it. Depending on how your operation runs, it might improve shifts—or bring unintended scheduling headaches.

When a basic roster is not enough, Zelos is a practical addition to your toolbox for shift exchange and extra shift signup. We’ve been refining the way our app supports shift managers like you leveraging different scheduling models. Why not see if Zelos Team Management can make flexible scheduling a breeze for your team? Sign up on our website for a free account; we’d love for you to give it a try!

 

Shift work glossary