A 10-hour shift work schedule is an alternative to the traditional 8-hour workday that many full-time employees are accustomed to. It involves working four days a week for 10 hours each day, allowing workers to enjoy a three-day weekend.

These longer days can lead to increased productivity and provide employees with more free time for personal activities or rest.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges associated with 10-hour shifts and consider their suitability for different types of work environments.

What Are 10 Hour Shifts and How Do They Work?

10-hour shifts involve employees working for 10 hours a day, over fewer days per week—typically equating to a 40-hour workweek. This schedule is commonly referred to as the 4/10 schedule, denoting four days of work each week.

Layout of a 10-Hour Shift Template:

Work Days: Monday to Thursday or another combination spanning four days
Off Days: Three consecutive days, usually including the weekend
Daily Hours: 10 hours of work each day

Employees on these schedules typically start their day earlier and finish later but benefit from an additional day off compared to the standard 5-day, 8-hour routine. This extended day off allows for personal appointments and errands that would otherwise consume weekend or evening time.

Key Points About Working 10 Hours a Day:

Pros:

Extra Day Off: Provides a longer weekend or a mid-week break for personal activities.
Consolidated Work Week: Can increase work-life balance due to fewer commuting days.

Cons:

Longer Workdays: May lead to more fatigue during workdays.
Schedule Adjustments: Might require adjustment from the traditional 8-hour workdays.

Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and public sector commonly utilize 10-hour shift models. Their adoption is on the rise as flexibility in the workplace becomes more valued by both employers and employees.

Further Reading: What is Shift Work

3 Sample 10 Hour Shift Work Schedules

When organizing a workforce to provide continuous coverage, many industries employ 10-hour shift schedules. These schedules are particularly prevalent where 24/7 operations are necessary. Here are three common 10-hour shift examples:

1. The 4-2, 4-3, 4-3 Rotation

This schedule uses five teams across three overlapping shifts to ensure coverage at all times.

Each team works for four days followed by two days off, then four days on and three days off, repeating the pattern.

The overlap often occurs during the busiest hours of operation, providing additional manpower.

Here’s an example of a 4-day portion:

2. The Straight 4-10 Schedule

Organizations might opt for a simple yet efficient straight 4-10 schedule, where employees work four consecutive 10-hour days followed by three days off.

This schedule is straightforward and can be attractive to employees looking for longer weekends.

Weekly Layout:

Monday to Thursday: 10 hours each day
Friday to Sunday: Off

3. The DuPont Schedule

Used by industries like law enforcement or healthcare, the DuPont schedule includes four weeks of 10-hour shift rotations providing 24/7 coverage.

It involves a sequence of night shifts, day shifts, and swing shifts with designated days off, ensuring that every hour of operation has adequate coverage.

Shift Rotation Example:

Each of these schedules aims to maximize coverage while also considering employee work-life balance.

It is vital for organizations to carefully plan and implement these schedules to ensure efficiency and employee satisfaction in a 24/7 operating environment.

7 Examples of Jobs That Use 10 Hour Shifts in the UK

Many employers in the UK have begun to implement a 4-day work week, consisting primarily of 10-hour shifts. This practice is becoming more popular across various industries. Below are seven jobs where employees might work such shifts:

Healthcare Workers

Nurses, doctors, and support staff in hospitals frequently cover 10-hour shifts to provide around-the-clock care.

2. Emergency Services Personnel

Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics often work in extended shift patterns, including 10-hour shifts, to ensure communities have constant protection and assistance.

3. Manufacturing Workers

Factory operations that strive for higher productivity may operate on a 10-hour shift basis, allowing longer operational hours with ample rest for workers in-between shifts.

4. IT Support Technicians

Due to the need for continuous tech support, some IT teams work 10-hour shifts to maintain service availability outside traditional working hours.

5. Security Guards

Those providing site security for businesses or events are often scheduled for longer shifts to minimize changeovers and maintain vigilant surveillance.

6. Delivery Drivers

With commerce sites operating 24/7, delivery drivers sometimes work extended shifts to meet customer demand, particularly in the logistics sector.

7. Retail Managers

In larger retail stores with extended opening hours, managers can work longer shifts, overseeing operations, and ensuring a high level of service throughout the day.

10-hour shifts in these roles typically allow workers more consecutive days off and can help employers cover extended operating hours without resorting to excessive overtime or hiring additional staff.

The suitability of these shift patterns can vary based on the specific demands of the job and individual worker preferences.

Further Reading: Evening Shifts

Pros and Cons of Working 10 Hours a Day

Pros

Increased Days Off: Working 10 hours a day often means a four-day workweek, providing employees with an additional day off to rest or attend to personal matters.
Reduced Commuting: Fewer workdays can result in less time spent commuting, potentially saving money and reducing stress.
Extended Work Blocks: Longer workdays may allow for more focused work time and the completion of extended tasks without interruption.

Cons

Long Hours: Employees may experience fatigue due to the extended hours in a single workday, which can affect productivity and well-being.
Work-Life Balance Challenges: Balancing personal life with a 10-hour workday can be difficult, especially for those with family obligations or recreational interests.
Potential for Overwork: The intensity of a 10-hour shift may increase the risk of burnout as extended focus can be demanding.

What Is a Break Entitlement for a 10 Hour Shift in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, workers have specific break entitlements that are set out by the Working Time Regulations 1998. For a standard 10-hour shift, the regulations stipulate break requirements to ensure that employees have adequate rest.

Daily Break

Employees are entitled to a 20-minute rest break if the working day extends beyond 6 hours.

For anyone working a 10-hour shift, this means they should receive at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted rest. This break may be used for having a meal or simply to rest and is usually taken as a lunch break.

Daily Rest

In addition to breaks during work hours, there should be 11 hours of rest between working days.

This implies that after finishing a 10-hour shift, an employee should not start the next shift until after an 11-hour break.

Weekly Rest

Across the week, workers are entitled to either:

A minimum of 1 whole day off each week or
2 whole days off every two weeks.

Young Workers

For young workers, defined as those under 18 but over the mandatory school leaving age, there are enhanced entitlements:

A 30-minute break for shifts exceeding 4 hours and 30 minutes.
12 hours of rest between each working day, and
2 days off each week.

These regulations apply to most workers, but there may be exceptions depending on the specific sector and any collective or workforce agreements.

Employers are recommended to consult these regulations to ensure compliance with legal rest entitlements for their employees.

Further Reading: 14 Hour Shifts

How to Help Your Employees Adopt to a 10-Hour Work Day

Shifting to 10-hour workdays requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth transition for employees. Here are strategies to support employees in adapting to a longer workday.

Establish Clear Schedules

Advance Notice: Provide employees with schedules well in advance to allow personal planning.
Consistency: Keep start and end times consistent to help establish routine.

Create a Supportive Environment

Ergonomic Workspaces: Ensure workstations are comfortable for longer periods.
Breaks: Encourage regular breaks to maintain productivity and avoid burnout.

Encourage Work-Life Balance

Flexible Arrangements: Offer options for work hours when possible to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
Time Management Training: Teach effective time management skills tailored for longer shifts.

Maintain Open Communication

Feedback Sessions: Hold regular meetings to listen to employee concerns and suggestions.
Updates: Keep the team informed about any changes or updates to the 10-hour workday structure.

Health and Well-being

Physical Activity: Promote short, frequent periods of physical activity to combat fatigue.
Healthy Snacks: Provide access to healthy snacks to energize employees throughout their shift.

By implementing these strategies, employers can foster a more seamless adoption of the 10-hour workday, ensuring employees are supported, healthy, and productive.

Key Takeaways on 10 Hour Shifts

Employers and employees consider 10-hour shifts for their potential to improve work-life balance and operational efficiency.

Typically extending over four days, this schedule allows for an extra day off each week, albeit at the cost of working two additional hours on the days they are scheduled.

Proponents argue that 10-hour shifts can achieve the same 40-hour workweek while providing an extended rest period, which can contribute to employee well-being.

Workers should note that, while 10-hour shift patterns can provide longer weekends, they may experience longer workdays that could lead to a decrease in energy levels and productivity towards the end of the shift.

Employers must weigh the benefits of longer operational hours against potential drawbacks, such as workplace safety and work quality. It’s essential for both employers and workers to consider individual and business needs before implementing a 10-hour shift schedule.

The adoption of 10-hour shifts should reflect a strategic approach to workforce management, ensuring that it aligns with both company objectives and employee satisfaction.

FAQs

How Many Breaks Are There in a 10 Hour Shift in the UK?

In the UK, workers are entitled to a 20-minute break if they work more than 6 hours per day. For a 10-hour shift, it would typically be one 20-minute break. However, employers may offer more breaks at their discretion.

Is a 10 Hour Shift Legal in the UK?

Yes, a 10-hour shift is legal in the UK. The Working Time Regulations allow for up to 48 hours of work per week, averaged over 17 weeks. An employee can opt-out of this limit voluntarily to work longer shifts if agreed upon with the employer.

Can a 16 Year Old Work a 10 Hour Shift?

No, 16-year-olds are classed as ‘young workers’ and can't typically work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.

Can a 17 Year Old Work a 10 Hour Shift?

Similar to 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds are also restricted to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, making a 10-hour shift not possible legally for their age group in the UK.

What Are the Best Break Times for a 10 Hour Shift?

The best break times for a 10-hour shift would ideally include:

Mid-morning: 15-minute break
Lunch: 30-minute break
Mid-afternoon: 15-minute break

These times can be adjusted based on the specific work hours and needs of the employees.

How to Survive a 10 Hour Shift on Your Feet?

To maintain one's health and energy throughout a 10-hour shift on one's feet, consider the following:

Wear comfortable footwear to support your arch and cushion your steps.
Make sure to take short breaks to sit and rest whenever possible.
Stay hydrated and eat nutritious snacks to maintain energy levels.
Use anti-fatigue mats if standing in one spot for extended periods.
Practice proper posture to reduce strain on the body.

10 Hour Shifts Explained: Schedule Examples, Pros & Cons, Breaks and Practical Tips