Innovative Shift Working Models Enhance Employee Well-Being

At the MWS aluminum foundry in Friedrichshafen, approximately 80 percent of employees work shifts, which structure their daily, weekly, and monthly lives. Amid declining orders, the works council, led by Gabriele Süss-Köstler, sought to improve employee retention by implementing shorter hours rather than layoffs. This effort resulted in a collective bargaining agreement with IG Metall for a 34-hour workweek, facilitating a two-shift system starting in September, aimed at increasing time off and long weekends.

The tinplate manufacturer Rasselstein in Andernach has also embraced a family-friendly shift model. Introduced 15 years ago, this model features two days of early shifts, two days of late shifts, and two days of night shifts, followed by four days off, with an overall workweek reduced to 32 hours. Originally a pilot project, the model proved popular with employees, as noted by Works Council Chairman Wilfried Stenz, who reported high interest from colleagues wanting to transition to the new schedule. Employee Carmen Dehren remarked that this arrangement allows her to work nearly full-time while still having ample family time.

In the 2018 collective bargaining agreement for the metal and electrical industries, IG Metall secured added benefits for shift workers. Employees can now choose to convert a portion of their annual collective bargaining bonus, equivalent to 27.5 percent of a month’s pay, into additional time off, resulting in eight extra days off per year. This benefit applies to workers with specific tenure criteria and is also available to those with caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, workers may opt for a reduced full-time schedule of up to 28 hours per week temporarily, reverting to normal hours afterward.

While shift schedules are inherently imperfect, several guidelines can help enhance their effectiveness.

1. **Short Shifts**: Minimizing consecutive night shifts prevents significant disruption of the body's natural rhythms. Ideally, shifts should not exceed three consecutive night shifts, and rapid transitions between shifts are preferable.

2. **Forward Rotation**: Shift sequences that progress from early to late to night shifts align better with the body’s internal clock, aiding recovery. Longer breaks between shifts are crucial.

3. **Avoid Harmful Sequences**: Certain patterns, such as transitioning from night to early shifts without adequate recovery time, can be detrimental. Observing the minimum required rest ensures both health and productivity.