The math with four employees
Around-the-clock coverage with one person on duty is 168 hours a week.
8-hour shifts do not fit
21 shifts of 8 hours a week, and four people at five shifts each make 20. One shift would be missing every week.
12-hour shifts do
14 shifts a week is 3.5 per person, or 42 hours on average. Some weeks run at 48 hours and some at 36.
Pitman or 4 on 4 off
Pitman gives long weekends off every other week. 4 on 4 off is simpler, with runs of four 12-hour days.
No room for a vacation
With one person per crew, any absence leaves a gap. Plan for a fifth person or overtime.
What about overtime?
24/7 schedule examples with four employees
Three sample weeks made with the generator. Use the arrows to see them all.
Frequently asked questions
Can 4 employees cover 24/7 with 8-hour shifts?
No. They would need about 42 hours each on 8-hour shifts, and the shifts do not fit with two days off. Use 12-hour shifts or add a fifth person.
Which is better, Pitman or 4 on 4 off?
Pitman gives a long weekend off every other week and shorter runs. 4 on 4 off is easier to remember, but the four days in a row are heavier.
What if someone is out?
With four people there is no slack. Add a floater or plan overtime; the generator tells you what is left uncovered.
Can I schedule several locations at once?
Yes, in one schedule. In the Shifts step click “I have several locations”: each location gets its own shifts and coverage, and in Team you mark where each person works. Staff fixed to a location only work there; staff who float rotate between locations, never two on the same day and always with their rest between shifts. Fixed rotations like this one keep working: each crew follows its pattern at its own location. You can view, print and export each location separately.
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