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EXERCISE 17
SCHEDULING SHIFTS AND WEEKEND WORK AT ODD COMPUTER OPERATIONS
There is a possibility that some preferences could be permitted based on seniority, job
requirements, and turnover. If the workforce is fairly stable (not always true with computer operators),
management should first learn whether or not any of the senior operators wish to work on a semi–
permanent basis on the night shift or the weekend shift. (There are many reasons why certain individuals
An employee making a major shift change, e.g., days to nights, weekends to weekdays, should
always be scheduled for a three-day weekend between the two schedules. Complaints about sleep
disruptions and unacceptable social life opportunities are very real problems facing any employee who
works nights. Workplace safety is another concern. Some people can acclimate themselves to such
conditions; others cannot. Management of any operation that requires employees to be on station 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, should closely monitor the operation by (1) physically spot
checking late night and weekend shifts, (2) reviewing absenteeism and tardiness, and (3) analyzing any
kind of problem that is occurring, particularly with night shift and weekend operators.