Healthy Scheduling

Make the schedule in consultation with the employee, so that it optimally matches his or her natural biorhythm (morning or evening person) and private situation.

  • Make schedules of a maximum of 34 to 38 hours per week, depending on the severity of the schedule.
  • Preferably limit the duration of the night shift to a maximum of 9 hours, including breaks.
  • Follow the schedule guidelines in the Working Hours Act and the collective labor agreement umc and limit the number of exceptions.
  • Where possible, apply the rules of thumb of healthy roasting; see healthy roasting.
  • Encourage team scheduling. Make clear agreements for the scheduling process and try to achieve as much peace as possible in the irregularity with each other.
  • Have a predictable schedule pattern. Avoid ad hoc adjustments and discourage employees from swapping shifts among themselves. This way you avoid unfavorable schedules.
  • Clockwise (forward rotating), with sufficient recovery time between shifts: at least 48 hours off after a series of night shifts.
  • Do not schedule too many night shifts in a row, preferably a maximum of 2-3.
  • Periodically evaluate the realized schedule together with the planner and employees on the application of the regulations, the scheduling process and the perceived health.