What Is First Shift?
The first shift is also known as the day shift and defines the first shift in a regular working environment that operates during the early morning and ends in the afternoon or early evening. Some strengths and weaknesses come with working the first shift as compared to the later shifts. Drawing a line of understanding between these two aspects can assist in figuring out whether the first shift is adaptable to one’s lifestyle and worker personality. In this article, the author will discuss what the first shift is, the advantages and disadvantages of using this approach, and essential strategies for implementing it.
Advantages of working in the first shift
There are several appealing benefits to working the first or day shift: There are several appealing benefits to working the first or day shift:
Predictable Hours
Depending on the preference of the employer, the first shift is usually from Monday to Friday, starting at 7 or 8 in the morning and ending at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. By following this schedule, the employees will be able to have their evenings free with their families and their weekends free to attend appointments or any other related activities. It also helps in maintaining the balance between work-life since employees are always informed of the dates on which they will be working on weekends. you can track your time using time-tracking software.
Compliance with schools and childcare
This type of schedule usually fits well for working parents since it allows them to have proper timing for school drop-offs and after-school pickups. In addition, most childcare centers and programs also open and close during the day time too.
Social Opportunities
Being employed during the shifting hours when most people are also at work, and being off in the evenings provide more opportunities to meet friends, families, and other groups than later shifts.
Health and Safety
Several of the works claim several health problems related to working at night, including gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiovascular diseases, and even an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer. First shift hours are beneficial as the body gets to have a natural sleep-wake cycle instead of having a disrupted cycle as is the case with the second and third shifts. The same is the case with driving commutes that are largely safer during the daylight.
Potential for Advancement
The managerial and administrative positions are less likely to fall under the category of shift work and are more likely to be in the range of 8 AM to 6 PM. The productivity, punctuality, and good performance of workers on the first shift, therefore, can create a good impression on the decision-makers and lead to a promotion.
Drawbacks of First Shift
Of course, the desirable perks of being on the first shift come with a few downsides to consider as well: Of course, the desirable perks of being on the first shift come with a few downsides to consider as well:
Early Start Times
Changing to waking up earlier for an 8:00 AM meeting is a challenge for the multitudes who have been trained in high school and college to wake up late. This can result in contract work performance liquidity problems in which some employees can be often late or absent from work.
Rush Hour Commutes
Although being at the wheel during the day may be safer, first-shift workers have to endure crowded early morning and late afternoon rush hours, which in turn increases the time it takes to get to and from work. Public transport is also more congested during rush hours and is the main route through which diseases spread.
Limited Flexibility
Since there are no modifications in the first shift’s timing plan it lacks flexibility for those who are most productive in the later parts of the day. Asking for leave to attend doctor’s appointments or handle other personal concerns may also be challenging when there is no flexibility at work.
Interruptions to Sleep Schedules
Even most day and evening engagements disable first shifters from going to bed when wake-up time demands. Disregarding of the natural body clock can lead to stress and fatigue in the long run, and this is why shift work is known to affect the general health of workers.
Childcare Logistics
Shift-working parents can experience challenges in selecting suitable daycare institutions that operate early enough or after-school programs that operate late enough to accommodate the entire working day plus transport time. Daily backup care arrangements also become more difficult to make as well as backup care for holidays and school closures.
Guideline for Working at the First Shift
While the first-shift lifestyle won’t suit every worker or situation, you can employ these strategies to thrive if you decide to go for it:
Set Multiple Alarm Clocks
Back-up devices should be arranged at different locations so that one is not switched off to avoid nodding off again. It is possible to have smartphone apps whose capabilities do not allow the phone to turn off unless puzzles or mathematical problems are solved to the end to break the snooze habits.
Develop a routine of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.
Determine how many hours before the morning you need to wake up to get ready and get to work on time every day and then count back to set the time you want to sleep at night. As for the bedtimes during weekends or days off, it is possible to do it gradually to minimize disruption of the weekly schedule.
Take Advantage of Mornings
Go to bed a little earlier so you can get up with yoga, a shower, or any other pre-work morning activities before the daily rush. It can lead to less stress during the day setting you up for better preparation when going to bed.
Automate and Prep
Do one or two chores at work that can be done the following day like packing your kid's lunch and setting out your clothes and other necessities by the door so that you do not use up valuable morning time fixing your hair, preparing breakfast, etc. You should also think about preparing large portions of food in advance during your days off as well.
Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
Arranging your bedroom to be suitable for sleep by using a good bed and pillows, keeping the room cool, and establishing relaxing habits can all help you have good quality sleep in the hours you have to fight fatigue. Agree with the specific things you are willing to do when you are off work.
Depending on what kind of business you have and the time you choose to close, the first shift or the day shift like any other shift has its advantages and disadvantages. However, with the understanding of the advantages such as family time, and adherence to a child’s schedule, considering the disadvantages such as early morning calls and rush hour, as well as applying productivity tools and healthy sleep patterns one can be put in a vantage point of maximizing on the traditional office 9 to 5 shift. The fact of schedule consistency and the possibility of having a sociable schedule still attracts many to look for a work-life balance.
