Sometimes referred to as a “2-2-3” schedule, the Panama shift schedule is a slow shift rotation system where four teams work two separate 12-hour shifts. It’s particularly useful for things like emergency services and the healthcare industry where staff are needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Example of a Panama shift pattern
When working to a Panama shift pattern, staff work:
2x days on
2x days off
3x days on
followed by
2x days off
2x days on
3x days off
The cycle then repeats, covering a total of 28 days, at which point the night and day teams will usually swap over.
Shift length tends to be constant when using a Panama shift pattern, but scheduled days off change from one week to the next — making it tricky for staff to make plans without keeping a close eye on their rota.
Why is it called the Panama shift pattern?
The origins of the name “Panama shift pattern” are unclear, but some people believe that this scheduling method was originally developed by United States forces operating in the Panama Canal Zone in the mid-to-late 1900s, with the term — and rota pattern — eventually catching on in non-military circles too.
What types of businesses use the Panama shift pattern?
The Panama shift pattern is primarily used by healthcare staff and rapid response services, but it’s also popular with businesses that operate 24 hours a day such as security firms, utility companies (particularly their engineers) and IT providers where any loss of service could cause major disruption for their customers.
Care home operators may also benefit from using a Panama shift pattern because it allows care staff to take turns working “unsociable” hours such as night shifts, which can have a detrimental effect on employees’ mental and physical health over long periods.
It’s not the only shift pattern available to these industries, however — patterns like 4 on, 3 off and 4 on, 4 off have also proved to be effective ways of rostering employees in industries where 24-hour cover is needed.
Methods of scheduling for 24-hour operations
Roster planning and communicating shifts to staff whose shift patterns regularly change or rotate can be a difficult and time-consuming task, often leading to understaffing and confusion for employees.
For this reason, we recommend investing in shift planning software that allows managers to create templates based on tried-and-tested shift patterns rather than creating schedules from scratch for each pay period or rotation.
An effective method of communicating schedules and shift updates to employees is also paramount when said staff work during hours when their rota manager isn’t available. Be sure to choose a system that automatically notifies staff of any shift changes in real-time so that they always have access to the most up-to-date schedule.
FAQs
Sometimes referred to as a “2-2-3” schedule, the Panama shift schedule is a slow shift rotation system where four teams work two separate 12-hour shifts. It's particularly useful for things like emergency services and the healthcare industry where staff are needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is the pattern of work in Panama? ›
What are Panama shifts? Panama shifts, or the 2-2-3 shift pattern, are structured to provide more extended rest periods by scheduling work shifts in blocks: Employees work two or three consecutive 12-hour shifts followed by two or three days off.
What is the definition of Panama schedule? ›
The Panama Schedule is a rotating shift pattern designed to cover 24/7 operations. Incorporated into this pattern is an emphasis on providing employees with significant time off, which can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. They often have a block of days that gives time for rest and personal activities.
What is the Panama Plus shift schedule? ›
Panama Plus shift schedule
Teams will alternate between the two 12-hour slots and the one eight-hour slot. Ultimately, each team gets two weeks of eight-hour weekday shifts for every eight weeks of the shift cycle.
What is the shift pattern? ›
A shift pattern involves a specific combination of workers, working hours, schedules, and infrastructure tailored to meet specific business needs. It's essentially a way to organise employees in different rotations, ensuring continuous coverage during operational hours.
What is the 4 shift pattern? ›
The 4 on 4 off shift pattern is a type of work schedule where employees work four consecutive days or nights, followed by four days off. This rotating schedule is often used in industries that require 24/7 operations, such as healthcare, security, and manufacturing.
How many days do you work on a Panama schedule? ›
The 2/2/3 schedule, a.k.a. The Panama work schedule is widely used in practice. This schedule can be presented in different versions, such as 2 days on the day shift, 2 days on the night shift, and 3 days off. Another example could be 2 workdays, 2 days off, 3 workdays, 2 days off, 2 workdays, 3 days off, etc.
What is a 2/2/3 Panama schedule? ›
The Panama (2-2-3) shift schedule uses a slow rotation system with four teams around two 12-hour shifts over the course of 28 days. For example, a typical Panama Shift schedule may follow this pattern: 2 days on (night or day), 2 days off (out of office), 3 days on.
What is a Panama 8 schedule? ›
Panama Plus shift schedule
The eight-hour shifts are only on the weekdays. After eight weeks of shift work, each team works the 8-hour weekday shift for two weeks. This pattern repeats for about 40 weeks. The weekday shifts help employees catch up on administrative tasks and are useful for employee training programs.
What is the short definition of Panama? ›
Panama, country of Central America located on the Isthmus of Panama, the narrow bridge of land that connects North and South America. Embracing the isthmus and more than 1,600 islands off its Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the tropical nation is renowned as the site of the Panama Canal, which cuts through its midsection.
12-hour shift pattern
Many people who work shift patterns have a four-on and four-off agreement, which is a constant cycle. For example, an employee might do four 12-hour day shifts and then have four days off. On their return, they'll work four 12-hour night shifts, and the cycle will continue.
Why is it called Panama? ›
The official definition and origin of the name as promoted by Panama's Ministry of Education is the "abundance of fish, trees and butterflies". This is the usual description given in social studies textbooks.
What is a Panama shift pattern? ›
What is a Panama shift pattern? Panama Rota is a slow rotation system of shift patterns taken up by four teams across two twelve-hour shifts designed to produce a slow rotation effect. Four teams work two 12-hour shifts under the Panama shift schedule, often referred to as a "2-2-3" schedule.
What is the best 24-hour shift pattern? ›
The 4 on 4 off shift pattern remains the most popular choice. Businesses requiring 24/7 staffing, like hospitals, emergency support centres, and security monitoring companies, often adopt a 4 on 4 off schedule.
What is 4 3 3 4 shift schedule? ›
4-3-3-4 schedule - This schedule involves working 4 consecutive days, 3 days off, 3 consecutive days, and 4 days off. This pattern repeats itself over a while. 5-2 Schedule - This schedule involves working 5 consecutive days, followed by 2 days off. This pattern repeats itself over a while.
What is the schedule for a firefighter in Panama? ›
The Panama schedule is a 12-hour shift work schedule that typically follows a 2-2-3 pattern. Employees work two days on, followed by two days off, and then three days on. This cycle repeats and includes rotating between day and night shifts.
What is a 3 2 2 3 work schedule? ›
It entails working for three consecutive days, followed by two days off, working for two days, and then enjoying three days off. This cyclic pattern provides employees with regular extended breaks and ensures continuous coverage for businesses.
What are the normal working hours in Panama? ›
Working hours in Panama
The regular workday is eight hours, and a full workweek extends up to 48 hours in Panama. Those under 16 years old have a maximum work week of 36 hours.
