Night Shift Policy for Service Industry - What factors must to be taken into account?

Hi, we are currently putting our company's night shift policy into effect. What factors must be taken into account as we consider for the service industry.

We have departments that work round-the-clock, and our staff works in shift rotation. Timing for shifts ranges from 8 PM to 8 AM. What allowances can we give? How can we monitor? What technicalities can be taken into account while implementing this policy so that it cannot be misused? Are there any legal requirements, if applicable, or any other considerations? Highly appreciate the inputs.

Shift timing should be from 8 am to 8 pm, which is a 12-hour shift. This is absolutely illegal. Shift timing should be from 6 am to 2 p.m, 2 p.m to 10 pm, and 10 pm to 6 am (next day). Shift timing should be restricted to 8 hours.

To the best of my knowledge, the Karnataka Government has amended the Factories Act to allow for 12-hour shifts, but the total weekly duty should be limited to 4 days, which equals 4 x 12 = 48 hours per week.

S K Bandyopadhyay (WB, Howrah) CEO-USD HR Solutions +91 98310 81531 skb@usdhrs.in USD HR Solutions – To strive towards excellence with effort and integrity.

We have 12-hour shifts, but the total duty is restricted to 48 hours per week.

Dear Kalpana Saini,

12-hour duty is based on new labor codes. I have no idea whether you are in Karnataka State or elsewhere. New labor codes have not been implemented to date.

If your organization has implemented 12-hour shifts, then what about the interval of rest? What is the total spread over? OT issues, etc.

The above are all legal issues related to 12-hour shifts.

Warm Regards,

S K Bandyopadhyay (WB, Howrah) CEO-USD HR Solutions +91 98310 81531 skb@usdhrs.in USD HR Solutions – To Strive towards excellence with effort and integrity