three-shift system

[katerina.pata]

Dear native speakers and English teachers

Please, does any of you happen to know a synonym to the expression three- shift system of working...Or generally the word shift regarding work..
Is there any other possible way how to express for instance- I work in shifts, or I am on the early shift...???

Thanks a lot.
I would be grateful for any help.
Katerina

 

[Barb_D]

Hi Katerina,

In a typical three-shift system, first shift is more or less "normal" working hours, maybe starting a bit early, while second shift spans the later part of afternoon and evening, and third shift works through the night.

I am also familiar with true 24/7 operations, where there are four shifts, each working 12 hours at a time, alternating four days or nights with three days or nights.

What did you need to try to express?

 

[katerina.pata]

Thanks a lot for your explanation Barb_D!

I do understand the word, I do understand the system...What I needed was a synonym...different way of saying that...

Does this sound ok or awkward to you:
Do you work during the day or during the night period?
Can I say three-period system???

I have also found alternation/ turn as possible synonyms, but I do not know if they are commonly used in working environment...

Thank you VERY MUCH!
Katerina

 

[Ouisch]

In the US, people will understand what is meant by shift work. It's common parlance, as is referring to working the "day shift," "afternoon shift" or "midnight shift." (My Dad worked the afternoon shift at an automotive plant for many years, which is probably how I got used to being a night owl. During the school year, I had to get up early in the morning, and it was torture. During summer vacation, we kids could stay up late to wait for Dad to come home (around midnight), then we'd talk and watch some TV, and go to bed and sleep until around 11AM the next morning.

 

[katerina.pata]

Ouisch,

Thank you very much!

Surprising that your parents allowed you to wait for dad+do some talking and watching TV afterwards....Not easy to imagine for me, who had to be in bed by 10 p.m. the latest..

Thanks for helping.
Katerina

 

[riquecohen]

Thanks a lot for your explanation Barb_D!

I do understand the word, I do understand the system...What I needed was a synonym...different way of saying that...

Does this sound ok or awkward to you:
Do you work during the day or during the night period?
Can I say three-period system???

I have also found alternation/ turn as possible synonyms, but I do not know if they are commonly used in working environment...

Thank you VERY MUCH!
Katerina

In the US, some hospitals and government agencies such as police and fire departments, use the word tour instead of shift.