Shift work creates numerous productivity advantages but also comes with inherent risks. Workers on the night shift face the pros and cons of working odd hours and have to make a deliberate effort to remain healthy, productive and preserve your work-life balance.
Advantages:
1. Not as Much Traffic
You get to avoid traffic and spend more time at home attending to personal matters. If you drive, you also save on petrol as your driving will be more economical.
2. It's More Convenient
You can see to your daily activities during the day without having to hurry, for example, paying bills and banking. You also have an opportunity to see your loved ones more often.
3. Better Pay
Most companies pay more for the night shift. You have an opportunity to make more money per hour.
4. Go Back to School
If you want to pursue further education, the night shift makes it easier for you to attend classes and meet with tutors.
5. More Job Opportunities
While working the night shift, you can plan your schedule and get another part time job during the day.
6. Fewer Meetings
Most companies hold their meetings during the day. Working the night shift saves you time you would otherwise spend attending meetings, allowing you to pay more attention to your work.
7. Less Competition
There are fewer people to compete on the night shift. This gives you an opportunity to shine and climb the corporate ladder faster.
8. Unique Opportunities
Night shifts have less staff; thus you get to double up on your responsibilities, allowing you to learn new skills. You also deal with problems on a personal level as there is often no one else to assist you. This helps you grow your experience.
9. More Time
Once you are familiar with your schedule, you can create time to attend to other things besides work. For example, you get time to go to the gym or take up a new hobby during the day.
10. Less Disruption
The night shift has fewer disruptions from bosses and coworkers. You pay more attention to your work and can deliver more.
Disadvantages:
1. Health Complications
Your brain often conditions your body to rest at night. Altering this pattern leaves you feeling exhausted and moody. Adjusting your sleep pattern can cause stress, an irregular heartbeat, and cardiovascular complications for people with a weak heart.
2. It can be Boring
Due to a reduction of activity at night, you get to work in a quiet environment both within and outside the office. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy day, the silence will bore you. It can also make you drowsy.
3. Reduced Access to Food
Accessing food at night is not easy. You have to compromise and eat what you get, which limits your options, especially if you are trying to stick to a healthy diet. The night shift also disrupts your body’s eating schedule.
4. Lunch and Tea Breaks
Unfortunately, you often get to spend your breaks at your desk as you cannot leave it unattended. Eating at your desk limits your mobility and can lead to health complications. You also deny your body a few minutes to relax.
5. Family Friction
Your schedule often contradicts your family’s schedule. Your work hours can make your family feel neglected, especially if you have young kids who do not fully grasp the concept of work.
6. A Lack of Sleep
There is no guarantee that you will sleep well during the day. There are distractions from things and people that need your attention. Additionally, the light and heat, in summer, during the day make it hard for your brain to remain asleep for eight hours.
7. Less Security
Travelling to and from work exposes you to many security threats as most crimes occur at night. Your workplace is also more prone to a break-in at night.
8. Weekends Become Meaningless
Working at night affects your body’s ability to adjust accordingly during weekends. Any disruption to your schedule can have painful results and affect your health in the long-term.
9. Decreased Vigilance
If you fail to observe a strict sleeping schedule, lack of sleep affects your vigilance. You can have a hard time concentrating on your wok. This can lead to costly accidents or loss of life.
10. Support Services Disappear
Most departments close at night making it difficult for you to access support services during your shift. Lack of such services can make you waste a whole night or derail your ability to achieve your targets.
Looking at the pros and cons of working the night shift, the preference of either varies from one individual to another. Focus on yourself and your career goals before making a decision.
Have you ever worked the night shift? What was your experience like?
Let us know in the comments section below…