There are many types of work schedules, however, the organization you work with or the kind of job you do determines to a large extent the most suitable type of work schedule. Meaning that the organization you work with or your job types have upper control over your job schedules and most times, the type of schedule required for the job is often explained during the job interview or included in the job offer letter. However, if you do not understand the work hours it is advisable to seek more clarification from the employer before accepting the job offer. It is wiser to have a good knowledge of what is expected beforehand, rather than being surprised after you start a new job.

Types of Work Schedules

Fixed Work Schedule

A fixed work schedule refers to a timetable that generally comprises the same number of hours and days worked for each week. This type of work schedules is likely to remain consistent after the number of hours and days have been agreed upon by both the employer and the worker. An example of a fixed work schedule can be Monday – Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM for a school teacher.

Flexible Work Schedule

As the implies, Flexible work schedules are more flexible in nature, unlike fixed work schedules that are so rigid. In a flexible work schedule, both employees and employers work collectively to figure out the number of hours and days of the week they would able to commit to the job. Depending on the company’s policy, employees may be expected to work for a specific number of hours each day but shifts can often be switched with other colleagues in order to meet up with the needs of the company and the busy life of the employees.

Full-Time Work Schedule

Full-time work schedules usually require a dedication of about 37 – 40 hours from the employees each week. Due to the long work hours, most occupations with full-time schedules are qualified for work benefits such as leave, vacation, health insurance, and different retirement benefit plans. Full-time work schedules differ from one company to another, however, the shift and working hours for employees are similar. The most common full-time work schedules are usually between the range of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday, amounting to a total sum of 40 hours.

Part-Time Work Schedule

A part-time work schedule means any work schedule that is less than full-time employment. The advantage of this kind of schedule is that it creates rooms for good flexibility to attend other responsibilities outside the workplace. However, most part-time jobs do not include benefits enjoyed by the full-time employees, and the work hours can be inconsistent from week to week.

Rotating Work Schedule

Rotating work schedules rotates employees through the day, and night shifts. This rotation assists to spread the shifts among all employees so that no one is stuck with just the less unpleasant work hours. This type of work schedule is most common among people who work in the military, hospitals, power plants, and hotels. These shifts can rotate weekly or quarterly, depending on the requirement of the job.