Shift work is widespread in Germany. The most common model is the 8-hour shift. This is because, according to labor law and the Working Hours Act (ArbZG), you should not work more than 8 hours a day. But there are always exceptions and the 24-hour shift is a major exception. After all, it directly triples the requirements of the law. In this article, we reveal why and when this is permissible.
How the 24-hour shift works
A normal work shift lasts 8 hours. In accordance with the Working Hours Act, it may last a maximum of 10 hours, whereby 2 hours count as overtime. You are not allowed to work more than 10 hours at a time.
So how can there be a 24-hour shift? The answer to this question lies in the length of the layer. There are certain situations and areas of work in which a 24-hour shift is necessary.
The 24-hour shift is particularly common in areas of work where on-call duty and standby duty are a priority. According to the Working Hours Act, it is permitted to exceed the prescribed limit of 10 hours at a time. However, this only applies if “working hours regularly and to a considerable extent include standby duty and on-call duty”.
This is particularly the case in nursing professions, hospitals, social work and rescue services. The 24-hour shift is only available when it is necessary, so to speak. For example, when people need continuous care, such as in nursing care or in the event of an accident. Well-known examples are doctors who have to look after their patients at all times or the emergency services, who are always on call.
The 24-hour shift model is not without controversy because the physical and mental stress can be high. However, 24-hour on-call duty can also be associated with a low workload if nothing happens during these 24 hours that needs to be responded to during on-call duty. However, this is rarely the case.
The advantages and disadvantages of the 24-hour shift
Long working shifts are logically a great strain on the mind and body. However, the 24-hour shift model does have advantages for both employers and employees.
Organizing the shifts is easier. Fewer handovers need to be planned and working hours are clearly defined. In terms of organization and planning, the 24-hour shift is actually one of the best working models.
Employees will have plenty of rest periods and therefore more free time. Basically, the 24-hour shift model means that the legally prescribed maximum working hours of 48 hours per week are reached immediately. This means that employees have 5 days off a week. Rest periods must of course also be observed between two shifts and no 24-hour shifts may take place on two consecutive days.
For employees, commuting costs are also reduced. Whether it’s a full tank of gas or a ticket for local public transport, you don’t have to travel to work every day, which means you end up with more money in your account.
However, long shifts are a reason for stress-related illnesses. However, the load is very important. A nurse is certainly under more stress during her shift than a paramedic on call in a small village. However, everyone’s resilience is different, so a 24-hour shift is always a risk in terms of stress.
Therefore, in most cases it is not worthwhile and a different working time model often makes more sense, as the long shifts exhaust the employees in the long term.
Conclusion
The 24-hour shift model can only be found in certain industries and professions. But even there it is rather controversial and only rarely the best choice. The stress can be very high and sooner or later drains the employees, which means that the benefits are ultimately very low and, above all, employees are worn out. A different working model is usually a better choice.
