Create a shift schedule: tips for fair shifts
A good shift schedule is known early, fairly distributed and easy to read.
Step by step
- Define shifts: Early, late, night or day, each with hours.
- Minimum staffing: Think about how many people must be there each day.
- Distribute: Enter the shift per person and day and respect wishes and leave.
- Check hours: The template counts the weekly hours per person.
- Post it: Print the plan or save it as a PDF.
Tips
- Publish the plan early so everyone can prepare.
- Avoid short changeovers, for example a night shift followed by an early shift.
- You check legal and contractual rules yourself. This page is not legal advice.
General guidance and template, without warranty and not legal advice. Statutory rest periods, maximum working hours and rules from your contract or collective agreement apply regardless of this template. Updated: November 2026