The shift that most businesses operate on is the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday shift. This shift provides employers and employees a consistent work schedule that runs in tandem to most cities’ public transportation system schedules, food vendors schedules, and other services. This schedule does not overwork an employee during the day, and it still allots them time in the early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet their personal needs like spending time with their family, shopping, running errands, and relaxing. It also allows time for regular shift employees to take a second job on the weekends, during the evening, or even during the late night hours.
The drawbacks to this schedule are minimal. The five day work week cuts out a lot of time that an employee can spend running errands or taking care of personal business that involves meeting with another professional such as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant as these people often work 8-5, or 9-5 as well. Participating in their children’s school activities also is hindered by this schedule, making helping with a class party or field trip difficult. Child care for young children is also impacted by this schedule. Day care for non-school and school aged children is needed during the hours that the parent is at work plus a half hour of travel time before and after the work day for five days a week. This adds five more hours per week that the parents are away from their children.