{"id":23078,"date":"2024-02-28T15:50:40","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T13:50:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/?p=23078"},"modified":"2026-03-09T17:26:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:26:48","slug":"what-is-third-shift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-time\/what-is-third-shift\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Third Shift: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We\u2019re all used to sleeping come nighttime, which is why third shifts often spark debates among remote and on-site workers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an effort to learn more about them, I\u2019ve done the research and contacted experts to find out if third shifts are as productive as day shifts, as well as to uncover tips about implementing them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s go on a journey and find out more about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The notion of third shifts,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typical third shift jobs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advantages and drawbacks of the third shift, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expert tips on implementing the third shift.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-the-third-shift-cover.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-the-third-shift-cover.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-the-third-shift-cover-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-the-third-shift-cover-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-the-third-shift-cover-18x9.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list key-takeaways\">\n<li>The third shift (graveyard shift) represents a work schedule that typically starts in the late evening hours and lasts up until the first shift starts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Third shift hours span from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working the third shift comes with a number of benefits, some of which are decreased distractions, lifestyle improvements, and improved focus on additional tasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The disadvantages of working the third shift are disrupted circadian rhythms, negative impact on mental clarity, and poor social life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employees that are looking to implement the third shift should offer incentives to employees, organize the transition into the third shift efficiently, and make the shift itself shorter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-a-third-shift\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a third shift?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, the <strong>third shift<\/strong> represents a working period that usually starts in the early night hours and lasts until morning. In other words, workers who clock in in the evening hours and work throughout the night usually fall under <strong>third shift workers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is usually referred to as the <strong><em>graveyard shift<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em>due to working during nighttime when everyone\u2019s asleep and the streets are empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working night shifts can have negative effects on your body and general well-being, such as circadian misalignments or vitamin D deficiency. To stay healthy while working night shifts, read our following blog that includes expert tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/how-to-work-night-shift-and-stay-healthy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Stay Healthy while Working Night Shifts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-third-shift-hours\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are third shift hours?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As previously mentioned, third shift hours usually start from the time the second shift is over \u2014 practically, the third shift starts anywhere between 9 p.m. and midnight and lasts until the morning shift starts (6\u20139 a.m.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, people can work third shift hours without committing entirely to the third shift. In other words, they work irregular work schedules known as <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/what-is-swing-shift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">swing shifts<\/a> where work hours typically overlap the day and night shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Third shifts don\u2019t exactly entail a concrete time range, as the work hours usually depend on the industry and the type of jobs that third shift workers perform.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the general consensus is that companies that include third shifters usually aim to divide the day into three 8-hour shifts \u2014 as that allows them to cover all bases and leave no space to drop the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from the traditional first, second, and third shifts, many businesses have started implementing different work schedules that fit their business needs and models. To find out more about them, check out the blogs below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/ddnnoo-schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is the DDNNOO work schedule and how to implement it?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/2-2-3-work-schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is the 2-2-3 work schedule and why is it useful?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-typical-third-shift-jobs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are typical third shift jobs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Various industries incorporate third shift jobs into their work schedules due to different demands. Such demands could be traced to several different business needs, such as:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A demand for an emergency response,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A requirement to cover a business project at all hours,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A plan to increase revenue, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A decision to offer constant service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Just to name a few, the most typical third shift positions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Healthcare professionals,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergency services workers \u2014 firefighters, police and military officers, dispatchers, etc.,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drivers and transportation professionals,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospitality workers,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customers support representatives, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retail workers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the first that come to mind when talking about third shifts, but naturally, many different industries and job descriptions integrate third shifts into their routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside shifts, work schedules contain additional employee information such as work locations, responsibilities, and work hours. To find out more about work schedules, read the following blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/schedule-employee-time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to make a work schedule (+ work schedule templates)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-does-the-third-shift-compare-to-the-first-and-second-shifts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does the third shift compare to the first and second shifts?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In essence, the three most common shifts compare in terms of:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Business demands, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shift workers\u2019 productivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For a long time, the general consensus was that the <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-time\/why-morning-people-are-productive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">early risers are the most productive<\/a> among workers who work in shifts. Whether it\u2019s due to the complexities of our circadian rhythm or simply the fact that the business world usually operates in the mornings \u2014 the world favors the morning larks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, with the rise of remote work, third shifters have started making significant contributions during nighttime. In fact, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.adobe.com\/en\/publish\/2023\/04\/18\/generational-productivity-when-are-gen-z-millennial-gen-x-boomer-workers-most-productive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Future of Time study<\/a>, by the Adobe Document Cloud, 26% of Gen Z employees feel the most productive between the hours of 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to business demands, most businesses usually operate during the day. However, some include second and third shifts to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increase their workload,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spread out their tasks over the course of the entire day,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cater to different industries, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide immediate response to their customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of general comparison among the three most common shifts, let\u2019s take a look at a table and see the numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Types of shifts<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Other common names<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>General working hours<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Who\u2019s it great for?<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>First shift<\/td><td>Morning shift or day shift<\/td><td>8 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/td><td>Early birds and for businesses that usually operate in the mornings<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Second shift<\/td><td>Afternoon shift or evening shift<\/td><td>3 p.m. to 1 a.m.<\/td><td>Employees productive in the afternoon hours and businesses that operate in multiple time zones.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Third shift<\/td><td>Graveyard shift or night shift<\/td><td>9 p.m. to 7 a.m.<\/td><td>Night owls and businesses that require on-call service or operate at nighttime.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-advantages-of-the-third-shift\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the advantages of the third shift?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been thinking about implementing a third shift, you may be having second thoughts since we&#8217;re naturally inclined to think that third shift is quite bad for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the effort to uncover the truth, we\u2019ve done the research and spoken with team leads, experts, and employees who work graveyard shifts to get to the bottom of the topic. Let\u2019s see what they had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"third-shift-helps-eliminate-distractions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third shift helps eliminate distractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We all know how unproductive day shifts can be on certain days. Noise, phone calls, and answering to colleagues undoubtedly affects employees\u2019 workflow and prevents them from <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-time\/deep-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">engaging in deep work<\/a> and finishing their objectives in time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, working third shifts often means fewer people and fewer distractions. This comes particularly handy for businesses that schedule third shifts to&nbsp; communicate with clients from different time zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Team Lead of Enterprise Support at Bluecat Networks, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/stefan-timotijevi%C4%87-293751237\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stefan Timotijevi\u0107<\/a>, shared his thoughts on working late, noting that less distractions can be beneficial to one\u2019s productivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"330\" height=\"496\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic.jpg\" alt=\"Stefan Timotijevic\u0301, Team Lead of Enterprise Support at Bluecat Networks\" class=\"wp-image-23100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic.jpg 330w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic-8x12.jpg 8w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em>\u201cOne of the benefits of working the third shift is definitely the fact that, depending on the type of work you are doing and which coverage (local, regional, global) your job has, it can be pretty quiet the whole shift.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On a similar note, CAKE.com\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky<\/a> Content Manager, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/andjela-vidojevic-1285891a4\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andjela Vidojevi\u0107<\/a>, expressed similar beliefs on distraction-less graveyard shifts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Andjela-Vidojevic.jpeg\" alt=\"Andjela Vidojevic\u0301, CAKE.com\u2019s Plaky Content Manager\" class=\"wp-image-23080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Andjela-Vidojevic.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Andjela-Vidojevic-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Andjela-Vidojevic-630x630.jpeg 630w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Andjela-Vidojevic-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Andjela-Vidojevic-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Andjela-Vidojevic-12x12.jpeg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em>\u201cBy far, the biggest benefit of working the night shift is having fewer distractions than usual. For example, I was much less tempted to check my phone all the time as not many people were likely to text me at that time of day.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"third-shift-offers-lifestyle-benefits\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third shift offers lifestyle benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Third shifters get to tend to their needs throughout the day and focus solely on work come nighttime.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though the daylight world caters to early risers, most daytime employees simply don\u2019t have the time throughout the day to pay their bills, renew their driving licenses, or take their kids to practice, unlike third shifters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"third-shift-helps-employees-focus-on-additional-tasks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third shift helps employees focus on additional tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most industries that operate on shift schedules tend to finish most of their work during the day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Handling calls and communicating with customers or other businesses is usually done during the first and second shifts. This in turn means that third shifters can solve problems that were deprioritized during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To understand more about the mentality of working third shifts, I\u2019ve spoken with CAKE.com\u2019s Customer Support Agent, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nikola-roskic-846a63230\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nikola Roski\u0107<\/a>. Nikola claims that the third shift often frees up time to catch up with standby tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikola-Roskic.jpeg\" alt=\"Nikola Roskic\u0301 CAKE.com\u2019s Customer Support Agent\" class=\"wp-image-23083\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikola-Roskic.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikola-Roskic-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikola-Roskic-630x630.jpeg 630w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikola-Roskic-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikola-Roskic-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikola-Roskic-12x12.jpeg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em>\u201cEven though working third shifts long term is not advised, they do help me and my team focus on the tasks at hand. Since there\u2019s generally less traffic throughout the night, we have more time to focus on standby tickets and tasks that were not handled previously. In the end, wrapping up quickly gives you more time to relax and regain mental focus for the upcoming tasks.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark clockify-gradient-features\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Free time tracker<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Time tracking software used by millions. Clockify by CAKE.com is a time tracker and timesheet app that lets you track work hours across projects.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/apps\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/features@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/features.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-disadvantages-of-the-third-shift\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the disadvantages of the third shift?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you might have guessed, working third shifts takes its toll on the mind, body, as well as employees\u2019 general lifestyle. Let\u2019s see what employees told us about the disadvantages from first-hand experience, so you can make an informed decision before introducing a third-shift schedule to your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"third-shift-disrupts-employees-circadian-rhythm\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third shift disrupts employees\u2019 circadian rhythm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The one thing all our experts and speakers agreed on is that working third shifts means a disrupted sleep schedule 99% of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In simple terms, humans\u2019 circadian rhythm is a natural oscillation that repeats roughly every 24 hours and is in sync with our internal biological clock. That practically means we\u2019re programmed to sleep during the night and <strong>be awake and alert during the day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, switching day and night causes body-wide malfunction, which often manifests through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sleep disruption,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vitamin deficiencies,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7241942\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cognitive impairments,<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bad hormonal regulation, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mood shifts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Stefan, whom we mentioned in the previous lines, shared his experience with sleep deprivations from working third shifts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic.jpg\" alt=\"Stefan Timotijevic\u0301, Team Lead of Enterprise Support at Bluecat Networks\" class=\"wp-image-23093\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em>\u201cOne of the worst drawbacks of working third shifts for me is a lack of sleeping schedule. It is very hard to get into a sleep routine, and very easy to break it. On top of it, whether you have 20 or 60 years under your belt, it is not something you will ever completely get used to. Also, lethargy gets a hold on you as you can&#8217;t get any sleep.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"third-shift-can-have-a-negative-impact-on-employees-mental-clarity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third shift can have a negative impact on employees\u2019 mental clarity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First shifters get to work first thing in the morning after a good night\u2019s sleep and reset. In turn, they have the fuel and energy to push through stressful situations and work obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, third shifters <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/simple-clock-in-clock-out-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clock in<\/a> after spending some parts of the day awake, meaning they are already tired. In turn, their work production suffers and they can be less productive than the first shifters. Again, this is subjective and depends on the individual, which is why we turned to several experts for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A professor of business law at the University of Connecticut, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/robert-bird-34a2b684\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robert Bird<\/a>, has published research on shiftwork and its effects on employees, and he claims that decreased mental clarity from working third shifts has a direct correlation with workplace accidents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1832\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Robert-Bird.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Bird, professor of business law at the University of Connecticut\" class=\"wp-image-23079\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Robert-Bird.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Robert-Bird-197x300.jpg 197w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Robert-Bird-413x630.jpg 413w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Robert-Bird-768x1172.jpg 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Robert-Bird-1006x1536.jpg 1006w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Robert-Bird-8x12.jpg 8w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em>\u201cCompanies should avoid quickly rotating shift schedules, as that would leave workers in a constant state of sleep debt. Employees that work at night may be more fatigued, and thus more susceptible to workplace accidents than daytime employees due to lack of concentration.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>CAKE.com\u2019s customer support agent Nikola supports professor Bird\u2019s standpoint, adding that he had noticed a significant drop in energy when working night shifts continuously, which, in turn, increased the risk of accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"third-shift-affects-negatively-on-employees-social-life\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third shift affects negatively on employees\u2019 social life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Working night shifts rarely leaves room for socialization outside of work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 84% of wage and salary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/flex2.nr0.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employees work a daytime schedule<\/a>. Chances are, most of your employees\u2019 friends and family work a different schedule than them, meaning they have small chances of actually socializing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Enterprise Support Lead, Stefan Timotijevi\u0107, spoke candidly on the topic and how hard it is for third shifters to actually socialize in their free time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"330\" height=\"496\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic.jpg\" alt=\"Stefan Timotijevic\u0301, Team Lead of Enterprise Support at Bluecat Networks\" class=\"wp-image-23100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic.jpg 330w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic-8x12.jpg 8w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cMaintaining a healthy social life while working a third shift is hard, even for the extroverts. When you are working, the rest of the world is asleep, and vice versa.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, Stefan gave us a pro tip on surviving the third shift:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"330\" height=\"496\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic.jpg\" alt=\"Stefan Timotijevic\u0301, Team Lead of Enterprise Support at Bluecat Networks\" class=\"wp-image-23100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic.jpg 330w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Stefan-Timotijevic-8x12.jpg 8w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cIf socializing is extremely important for you, don&#8217;t work night shifts. If you still have to, then I&#8217;d say that it is important to know your limits \u2014 coordinate your work obligations with your friends and family and try to find gaps in your schedules.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We all want to achieve that work-life balance, but how hard is it actually? Read more work-life balance statistics and facts in the following blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/work-life-quality-balance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Work-Life Balance: Statistics &amp; Facts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"tips-for-implementing-the-third-shift\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for implementing the third shift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we\u2019ll talk about some general tips that can help managers, CEOs, and team leads implement the third shift as well as help ease employees into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-1-offer-incentives-to-third-shifters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #1: Offer incentives to third shifters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Working late comes with a lot of sacrifices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned previously, graveyard shift employees often make compromises to balance out their social and private lives with work. Additionally, they tend to sacrifice their health and mental well-being to work late, which is why a good business model would be to offer employees incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most employers offer higher pay or bonuses, while some choose to provide their employees with the option to take additional personal days. Nevertheless, the conclusion is the same \u2014 reward hard workers who work late, and you\u2019ll see a spike in both workforce numbers and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-2-communicate-and-organize-the-transition-into-third-shift\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #2: Communicate and organize the transition into third shift<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering transitioning your business\u2019 work hours deep into the night, proper communication and organization is the key to keeping your workforce content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the words of the customer success manager at InCheq, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/briannavz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brianna Van Zanten<\/a>, managers should facilitate the transition in order to keep the business running smoothly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Brianna-Van-Zanten.jpeg\" alt=\"Brianna Van Zanten, customer success manager at InCheq\" class=\"wp-image-23082\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Brianna-Van-Zanten.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Brianna-Van-Zanten-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Brianna-Van-Zanten-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Brianna-Van-Zanten-12x12.jpeg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>\u201cThe most crucial part revolves around ensuring seamless handoffs \u2014 making sure those in the third shift are well-versed in starting points and expectations. For an effective transfer of knowledge and a smooth transition to the third shift, crystal-clear communication is essential. Thorough documentation and organization play a vital role in maintaining continuity.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-3-make-the-graveyard-shift-shorter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #3: Make the graveyard shift shorter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s partly subjective, but the numbers don\u2019t lie \u2014 the majority of the population works the day shifts and there\u2019s a reason for it \u2014 they are easier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, employers that do opt for late shifts in industries where the majority of operations occur during daylight hours could reap the benefits by working shorter shifts. For example, the hospitality and public transportation industries employees work way less during the night, as opposed to their daytime counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, make the third shift attractive for your employees by having them work less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"keep-track-of-your-progress-through-the-night-use-clockify-by-cake-com-for-time-tracking-and-boosting-productivity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep track of your progress through the night: Use Clockify by CAKE.com for time tracking and boosting productivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Working through the night is challenging due to a number of factors, one of which is struggling to stay motivated, especially when the fatigue gets to your employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, boosting your employees\u2019 productivity is essential, and <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clockify<\/a> is the perfect tool to aid your cause.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"777\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Dashboard-1.jpg\" alt=\"Clockify Dashboard\" class=\"wp-image-23084\" style=\"width:683px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Dashboard-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Dashboard-1-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Dashboard-1-973x630.jpg 973w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Dashboard-1-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Dashboard-1-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clockify lets you track time spent on tasks and projects<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Clockify by <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com<\/a> is a time tracking tool that lets you and your employees track the time you spend working on projects and tasks throughout the night. When you clock in, you\u2019ll choose the type of project you\u2019re working on, type in your first task, and start the timer \u2014 the app does the rest for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the fatigue starts setting in, employees will be alerted to take a break by the Pomodoro timer \u2014 a Clockify feature designed specifically to help workers split long working sessions into working and break intervals.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"604\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Pomodoro-Timer.png\" alt=\"Clockify Pomodoro Timer\" class=\"wp-image-23085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Pomodoro-Timer.png 604w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Pomodoro-Timer-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Clockify-Pomodoro-Timer-15x12.png 15w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Set up your Pomodoro Timer to your preferences to help you stay on top of projects at all times.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Finally, when your employees are done working, the time they\u2019ve spent working on tasks can be further exported and saved in PDF, CSV, or Excel sheets for analysis purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get started with Clockify<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn everything there is to know about working the third shift and use it to transform your business into a 24-hour functioning machine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":23104,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23078","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-managing-time"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23078","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23078"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23078\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36832,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23078\/revisions\/36832"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}