What is second shift?

The second shift usually starts in the mid to late afternoon and ends late in the evening. Hours typically start between 3pm and 6pm and end between 11pm and 2am, but actual second shift hours can vary by industry and a company’s operating schedule.

• Businesses that are open 24/7: At factories and healthcare facilities, the second shift typically starts at 3pm and runs until 11pm. Others might use a 4pm to 12am schedule.
• Businesses with late-night hours: Bars, movie theaters and convenience stores might start the second shift at 5pm or 6pm and end it at 1am or 2am.
• Companies open 10-12 hours per day: Some companies, such as retail stores, aren’t typically open long enough to offer two or three full shifts. To cover the schedule, these businesses often create a shorter second shift that’s four to six hours long. If the store is open from 10am to 8pm, the second shift might run from 4pm to 8pm. This is also common among companies that hire part-time college or high-school students, as it allows more scheduling flexibility.

Pros and cons of working the second shift

Second-shift work isn’t for everyone; some of your employees may love it, while others will prefer standard hours. When you understand the pros and cons of shift work, it’s easier to help your team stay happy and productive.

Benefits of the second shift

• Daytime availability: When employees don’t need to go to work until late in the day, their mornings and early afternoons are free for other activities. They can go grocery shopping, get in a workout or schedule a doctor’s appointment without worrying about crowds or limited business hours. Flexible daytime hours are also convenient for people with other commitments, such as school or a second job.
• Higher pay: To make late-evening hours more appealing, many businesses offer higher wages. This is called a shift differential, and it usually comes in the form of a higher hourly rate.
• No early mornings: If employees who are night owls, working 2nd shift hours can be an appealing option. This shift can work with their natural rhythms, allowing them to stay up late and sleep in, all without sacrificing performance.
• Easier childcare: For parents with young children, working this shift can offer an opportunity to bring in a second income without paying for expensive childcare. When one parent comes home, the other goes to work.
• Less traffic: In cities with heavy rush-hour traffic, some employees may spend a lot of time getting to and from work. When they work the second shift, they can avoid backups and wasted time. Employees who use public transportation won’t need to deal with crowded buses or trains.
• Different work opportunities: At many companies, the second shift comes with different responsibilities. Employees might work with a range of people or perform more challenging tasks. Depending on the industry, the late shift might provide a quieter, calmer atmosphere.

Drawbacks of the second shift

• Evening unavailability: Since many people work traditional business hours, employees might miss out on social opportunities during the second shift.
• Sleep quality: Some workers struggle with the adjusted sleep schedule that comes with second-shift work. This is particularly true for shifts that end after midnight.
• Dietary adjustments: When employees work through dinner, they may need to make more of an effort to eat healthy meals. For those accustomed to traditional mealtimes, it might take time to adjust to eating during the company’s designated break period.

Tips for managing the second shift

For managers, the second shift requires special attention. In addition to typical managerial duties, you’ll need to take extra care to make sure your team stays safe and healthy.

Control the schedule

Employee scheduling is often the biggest challenge of the second shift. Whenever possible, keep the schedule consistent from week to week; that way, your team members are better able to plan their days off and identify potential conflicts. If you’re struggling to fill your second shifts, consider alternatives such as split shifts or a schedule of five days on and three days off.

Combat exhaustion

Employees may naturally get tired toward the end of the second shift. To help them work safely, consider creating an environment that keeps sleepiness at bay. Reduce the temperature, play music and make sure the lights are bright. It may also be helpful to have a fresh pot of coffee in the break room.

In companies with potentially hazardous environments, including factories and hospitals, exhaustion can present a real risk. Some ways to help keep your workers safer are:

• Video monitoring
• Integrated cutoff switches on equipment
• Secure building access control
• In-person manager check-ins
• Security guards

Offer more perks

Second shift requires sacrifices on the part of your employees. To make working this shift more appealing, consider introducing special incentives. Some options include:

• Free dinner or snacks
• Shift differential
• Bonuses for picking up a shift
• Full benefits
• Opportunities for promotion

Help with safe transportation

When your employees get off work late at night, safety may be a concern. You can help by making sure that the parking lot is safe and well-lit. In the winter, hire someone to take care of snow, so workers don’t get stuck. If your employees take public transportation, offer a shuttle service to the nearest stop.

Provide training

Businesses often work with a smaller staff on the second shift, which means there are fewer people available to answer questions. This can be intimidating for new employees. To increase your second-shift retention rate, make sure to provide ample employee training. Introduce the person to everyone on the team, explain how the shift works and establish a designated mentor to answer questions.

Increase responsibility

Ambitious employees often move to the second shift to learn more about the company. As the manager, you can respond by offering extra responsibility to allow workers to build skills and move up the career ladder faster. You might also offer mentorship, career advice and development courses. The company can benefit, and working the second shift may become an in-demand opportunity.

Avoid unexpected overtime

If your company is customer-facing, the second shift may present a unique challenge: unexpected overtime . Customers might come in just before closing, or your employees may need to spend extra time getting the business ready for the next day shift.

To help second-shift employees finish on time, try these strategies:

• Broadcast a store-closing announcement 15-30 minutes in advance
• Create a checklist to help employees close down efficiently
• Hire a janitorial service to handle late-night cleaning

Like any work shift, the second shift has both benefits and drawbacks. When you recognize the positive aspects, you can respond enthusiastically when employees or applicants ask, “What is second shift?”