2-2-3 rotating shift pattern
What Is a 2-2-3 Schedule?
The 2-2-3 schedule is a 12-hour rotating shift pattern that keeps a team staffed around the clock with four crews.
How the 2-2-3 rotation works
The name comes from the on/off rhythm: work 2 days, rest 2 days, work 3 days, then repeat. Over a 14-day cycle each employee works 7 days and rests 7 days.
The team divides into four crews. Each crew runs the same 14-day pattern but starts on a different day, so on any given day one crew is on day shift, one is on night shift, and two are off.
| Crew | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | D | D | O | O | D | D | D | O | O | D | D | O | O | O |
| B | O | O | N | N | O | O | O | D | D | O | O | D | D | D |
| C | N | N | O | O | N | N | N | O | O | N | N | O | O | O |
| D | O | O | D | D | O | O | O | N | N | O | O | N | N | N |
Day and night switching
Every 14 days each crew swaps from day shift to night shift, or the other way around. The swap keeps the schedule fair so no single crew stays on nights permanently.
2-2-3 schedule: pros and cons
Pros
- ·Seven days off out of every fourteen
- ·Regular three-day weekends
- ·Only four crews needed for round-the-clock coverage
- ·Predictable, easy-to-explain rotation
Cons
- ·12-hour shifts can be physically tiring
- ·Crews swap between day and night every fourteen days
- ·Needs at least four employees for full coverage
- ·Harder to fit part-time or flexible hours
Build your schedule
Add your team, pick a pattern, and generate in seconds.
Shift hours (optional)
Team constraints (optional)
Enter your team and click Generate schedule to see your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 2-2-3 schedule?
A 2-2-3 schedule is a rotating shift pattern where employees work 2 days, take 2 days off, then work 3 days. It runs on 12-hour shifts that switch between day and night.
How does the 2-2-3 rotation work?
A team splits into four crews. Each crew follows a 14-day cycle of 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off. Crews are staggered so two are always working while two are off.
How many employees do I need for a 2-2-3 schedule?
At least four, one per crew. With fewer people you will have coverage gaps on some shifts.
Is a 2-2-3 schedule good for employees?
Most employees like getting 7 days off out of every 14, including regular long weekends. The trade-off is 12-hour shifts and rotating between day and night.
Which industries use a 2-2-3 schedule?
Manufacturing plants, hospitals, fire and EMS departments, warehouses, and security teams. Anywhere that needs 24/7 coverage.