I'm tasked with setting up a 24/5 shift schedule for my Network Operations Center (NOC) team, which includes 8 team members plus myself as the leader. I'm looking for suggestions on how to create a schedule that is manageable and humane for everyone involved. We plan to start this next week, so I'm eager for any tips or advice! Thanks a lot!
5 Answers
You could use a 3 shifts plan with about 3 people each shift:
- 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM (with a lunch break)
- 3:30 PM - 12:30 AM (with a lunch break)
- 11:30 PM - 8:30 AM (with a lunch break)
Rotate the schedule weekly so everyone gets a variety of shifts!
You might want to think about hiring people who are specifically okay with 2nd and 3rd shifts. That way, you won’t have to rotate staff out too quickly since not everyone loves those hours. It's better to have folks who want to work those shifts from the start!
Try searching for templates or advice online by typing in something like '24x5 shift schedule with 8 people.' It's a great way to gather insights or examples that might give you a head start!
Great suggestion! Just remember to hit enter after you type it!
If you’re covering 24/5, consider 12-hour shifts! They give your team multiple days off after shifts. It might be more humane and help avoid burnout in the long run.
As a former NOC manager, I recommend having an on-call system if needed. We did 4 days on, 4 days off rotation which worked well for us, allowing flexibility and proper rest without overburdening the team. Ensure coverage is sufficient to handle breaks too, especially overnight!

True! Thankfully, the current team is okay with 2nd and 3rd shifts.