72 Hour Schedule Calculator

72 Hour Shift Patterns:

Various shift patterns covering 72 hours with different work/rest cycles

Generated Schedule:

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1. What is a 72 Hour Schedule?

A 72-hour schedule refers to work shift patterns that cover a 72-hour period (3 days), typically used in industries requiring continuous coverage like healthcare, emergency services, and manufacturing.

2. Common Shift Patterns

The calculator supports these common 72-hour shift patterns:

4 on / 4 off: 4 consecutive shifts followed by 4 days off
3 on / 3 off: 3 consecutive shifts followed by 3 days off
2 on / 2 off: 2 consecutive shifts followed by 2 days off
5 on / 5 off: 5 consecutive shifts followed by 5 days off

3. Benefits of 72 Hour Schedules

Details: These schedules provide predictable work/rest cycles, better work-life balance, and continuous coverage for 24/7 operations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select your preferred shift pattern, enter the start date, and specify shift length in hours. The calculator will generate your schedule.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What industries use 72-hour schedules?
A: Common in healthcare, emergency services, manufacturing, and any industry requiring 24/7 coverage.

Q2: Are these schedules compliant with labor laws?
A: Compliance varies by location. Always check local regulations regarding maximum consecutive work hours.

Q3: How does overtime work with these schedules?
A: Overtime typically applies after a certain number of hours worked in a week or consecutive days.

Q4: Can I customize the patterns?
A: This calculator shows common patterns. For custom schedules, consult with workforce management specialists.

Q5: What's the best pattern for work-life balance?
A: This depends on individual preferences, but many find 3 on/3 off or 4 on/4 off patterns provide good balance.