Workers take turns working on all shifts that are part of a particular system.
However, we should remember that workers on fixed night shifts and those on rotational shiftwork have much in common due to the constantly changing schedules, night work and possible disruption to family and social lives. Also, the length of a shift can vary between 8 and 12 hours. Shiftwork is a reality for about 25 percent of the North American working population. Alternating day, night and afternoon shifts are common in industrial work, mines, hospitals, as well as food, health, and transportation services. Many workers find that shiftwork disrupts their family and personal life and leads to health problems including chronic fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders.