In industries where operations never sleep — from healthcare and law enforcement to manufacturing and emergency services — creating fair, efficient, and sustainable shift schedules is a constant challenge. One of the most popular solutions for 24/7 coverage is the Pitman Schedule.
Known for its balance of work-life benefits and predictable structure, the Pitman Schedule has become a go-to choice for employers and employees alike. In this guide, we’ll break down how it works, its pros and cons, and how to implement it effectively.
What Is the Pitman Schedule?
The Pitman Schedule is a two-week, repeating shift schedule that uses four teams of employees to ensure continuous 24/7 coverage using 12-hour shifts. Named after its origin in law enforcement (specifically Pitman, NJ), this system has proven effective across multiple sectors requiring round-the-clock staffing.
Each employee typically works:
- 12-hour shifts (day or night)
- Every other weekend off
- 2 or 3 consecutive workdays followed by 2 or 3 days off
This cyclical nature provides predictability for both managers and team members, while also promoting better work-life balance than many other 24/7 rotation patterns.
How the Pitman Schedule Works
To understand the Pitman structure, it’s helpful to visualize a two-week cycle. The schedule rotates in such a way that each team alternates between working 2 or 3 consecutive days, then resting for 2 or 3 days.
Here’s a breakdown of one team’s schedule:
Week 1
- Monday: Work
- Tuesday: Off
- Wednesday: Work
- Thursday: Off
- Friday: Off
- Saturday: Work
Sunday: Work
Week 2
- Monday: Off
- Tuesday: Work
- Wednesday: Work
- Thursday: Off
- Friday: Work
- Saturday: Off
Sunday: Off
This sequence provides:
- 7 workdays in 14 days
7 days off (including every other full weekend) Alternating short (2-day) and long (3-day) work stretches
Four teams operate in tandem to ensure full coverage, typically split between Day Shift (7 a.m.–7 p.m.) and Night Shift (7 p.m.–7 a.m.). Some organizations rotate employees between day and night shifts every few weeks; others assign permanent shifts.
Benefits of the Pitman Schedule
Work-Life Balance
One of the most celebrated aspects of the Pitman Schedule is that employees get every other weekend off. This is rare in 24/7 environments and can be a huge boost for morale and retention.
Fewer Workdays per Year
Employees work approximately 182 days per year, leaving more time for rest, side gigs, or personal development. This makes the schedule popular among professionals in demanding roles like nurses or paramedics.
Predictability
The 2-week repeating pattern makes it easy for employees to plan personal commitments. There’s no guessing which days they’ll be off or scrambling to trade shifts.
Balanced Workload
Each team works a mix of weekdays and weekends, ensuring fairness. This reduces scheduling complaints and perceived favoritism among staff.
Ideal for 24/7 Operations
With four teams covering 12-hour shifts, the Pitman Schedule guarantees round-the-clock coverage without overtime—a huge operational and budgetary advantage.
Potential Drawbacks of the Pitman Schedule
Long Shifts
Working 12 hours straight, especially at night, can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration, and health issues if not managed well. Proper rest and meal breaks are essential.
Coverage Gaps in Emergencies
Because the schedule is tightly structured, absenteeism (e.g., due to illness) can leave coverage gaps. Managers must plan for backups or floaters.
Not Ideal for Small Teams
The schedule depends on four rotating teams. If your operation has fewer than 12–16 people, it may be difficult to implement effectively without overworking staff.
Who Should Use the Pitman Schedule?
The Pitman Schedule is ideal for organizations that require:
- 24/7 continuous operation
- A consistent and repeatable schedule
- Predictability for employees
- A manageable rotation of long shifts
Industries that benefit most include:
- Healthcare (nurses, emergency care)
- Law enforcement and security
- Manufacturing and logistics
Utilities and energy Fire and emergency services
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs with non-standard hours are growing, and flexible scheduling systems like Pitman help meet that demand while supporting retention and morale.
Tips for Implementing the Pitman Schedule
Adopting a new shift pattern is more than just changing a calendar — it requires strategy and communication.
Get Employee Buy-In
Clearly explain the pros and cons of the Pitman system. Emphasize weekends off, predictability, and reduced weekly hours. Encourage feedback.
Use Scheduling Software
Manual scheduling increases the risk of conflicts and missed shifts. Tools like InTime can streamline implementation.
Plan for Sick Days
Have a pool of floaters or on-call staff ready to fill gaps. Ensure managers are prepared to adjust quickly without overburdening teams.
Monitor Fatigue and Performance
12-hour shifts can be draining. Regularly assess employee well-being and adjust shift assignments if needed to prevent burnout.
The Bottom Line
The Pitman Schedule is a practical, employee-friendly solution for 24/7 coverage. While the long shifts require adjustment, the benefits — including fewer workdays, every other weekend off, and predictable rotations — make it a strong contender for many industries.
Before implementation, weigh the pros and cons for your team. If you’re seeking improved coverage and higher employee satisfaction, the Pitman system could be the right move.
Want to see how InTime’s smart scheduling solution can streamline shift planning for your police department? Get in touch with us today to request a personalized demo for you and your team.
