Include working irregularity, night shifts and on-call services in the approach to sustainable employability. Healthy and vital employees in the irregularity perform better and have more resilience.
- Source approach. Take a critical look at what work is necessary at night. Is it possible to bundle work in care departments during the night shift, does the use of new technology, for example, make it possible to reduce the need for night shifts?
- Where possible, use sleeping services instead of regular night shifts.
- Include the risk of night work and on-call services in the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) and the accompanying plan of action.
- Do not plan heavy or risky tasks due to reduced concentration and alertness as much as possible between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Work consultation. Make irregular working hours a regular topic in the team meetings. Actively ask how things are going and pay attention to signs of fatigue, absenteeism or incidents. As a manager, you can set a good example by taking the signals seriously, looking for measures together and admitting that night shifts and on-call services demand more from you. An open and socially safe culture ensures that employees feel free to share experiences and to sound the alarm earlier if they experience imbalance.
- Annual appraisal and career. Use the annual appraisal to reflect with the employee on continuing to work sustainably in the irregularity. What is the impact on perceived health, work during the night and the work-life balance? To what extent are work adjustments desirable or interventions needed to strengthen employability?
- Provide and encourage the use of a preventive occupational health examination (PAGO) focused on night shifts and on-call services to keep a health record.
- Ensure that employees have easy access to occupational health and safety experts such as the company doctor, occupational hygienist or company social worker. Everyone can contact them for preventive advice on health problems in relation to night work.
- Night work will always be taxing, but with the right support, the work can become more bearable, safer and healthier.