Shift work, usually known as all work that is not scheduled during daytime, is a common form of work scheduling. As many businesses offer 24/7 service, the demand for employees to work for night shift jobs continues to increase. These shifts usually start in the evening and end early in the morning. Many companies need workers at night to keep their business running smoothly. They allow things to operate efficiently and maximise profits across different time zones.
You may find night shift jobs in several fields. For example, hospitals need doctors and nurses around the clock to stand by in case there are emergencies. Also, security guards work at night to protect buildings or factories, which often run 24/7 to produce their goods. In this article, you will find out about the details of working the night shift, the example of night shift jobs, and the pros and cons of it. Keep on reading!
What does night shift jobs mean?
Night shift jobs are a type of job where you work overnight. Whether you are looking to earn some extra cash or just want a change of pace, this shift can be a solution. Even though it is not for everyone, plenty of workers enjoy and prefer working at night hours as opposed to daytime hours. Moreover, the overnight shift is often called the graveyard shift, midnight shift, or third shift.
The usual night shift jobs run from 9 pm until 7 am. This type of work can be hard on the body and mind. Hence, if you want to work an overnight shift, better to prepare both mentally and physically. Eating a proper meal throughout the shift to fuel your body is highly recommended.
Furthermore, you will have a more relaxed atmosphere than day shifts, where you can catch some breaks once in a while. Even though the risk is high, overnight shifts are popular because they often come with better pay. Most workers will get 20-50% or more above standard rates than regular people. Still, always double-check their operating hours and confirm all benefits with the manager or their responsible person.
The risk of night shift jobs
While working for the night shift jobs offer many advantages, it gives you a high risk. The said risk can come from health or crime activities at night. Poor work-life balance, combined with the need for sleep, can cause major problems for night workers. Usually, your body and brain develop to relax and cool down after dark and to function again in the morning. However, people who work in this shift must fight their bodies’ usual rest time while trying to remain high-functioning.
If you are a medical personnel or police officer, you need to be on high alert and bear the brunt of night shifts. Some of the most dangerous issues happen during the evening, when many people are asleep or leaving their homes. According to statistics, crime rates consistently increase during the night and early morning hours. To sum up, even though working at night is profitable, there are many risks that you have to take into account.
The pros and cons of night shift jobs
If you have been thinking about switching hours of work, you might want to have second thoughts. While it offers rewarding opportunities, it also serves you a set of challenges. Night shift jobs come with a handful of pros and cons that some people might not even be aware of. Hence, you need to find out first what the effects of working during the evening shift are. The following are the pros and cons of night shift jobs:
More time to learn about your task
Night shift jobs are great for new graduates who just jump into the world of professionals, such as police recruits, nurses, or allied health professionals. Working at night means there will be more downtime to learn. The day shift can be overwhelming for most of the workers; it will be better to try the nightlife until you get the hang of things. It allows for more time to look at your improvement chart and learn why you are doing what you are doing.
More quality time with friends and surrounding
You will find out that the night shift allows you to spend more quality time with friends. You’re usually not overwhelmingly busy, so that leaves time to have a conversation with colleagues and give them the time they deserve. There are usually not as many assignments to be given on nights, which leaves time to be spent doing other things.
Downtime to finish other things
If you are a student, night shift jobs will be an advantage to you because it can be a slow night to do homework and other tasks. There will be more tasks done while working nights than you have on any of your days off. This shift is a great opportunity to get caught up on other aspects of your life.
Inconsistent schedule
The main reason people stray away from the night is because it doesn’t serve their body well. The inconsistent schedule will make your body drain out. If you gradually take a night shift assignment, you will face many diseases. Although the shift was very doable, it can make the immune system go down, which causes your mind to be in a constant fog.
Moreover, night shift jobs can disrupt the body's daily cycle, leading to many health issues. Another combination of symptoms that happen because of working at night is poor heart health and diabetes, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Days off are spent sleeping.
These sleep schedule changes roll into the next night shift cons. The biggest disadvantage to working on night shift jobs is how your entire sleep schedule will need to be transformed. If you’re working from 8 pm to 7 am, you will need to start going to bed around 8 am and waking up around 6 PM just to get 8 hours of sleep. This means you are only asleep for the entire normal work day or an average desk job worker.
Everybody has an internal body clock inside the system of their brain that produces circadian rhythms. Circadian means to occur in a cycle of about 24 hours every day. These rhythms function as messages that regulate various body functions. That is why an average of fewer than eight hours of sleep will likely cause the worst metabolic syndrome.
Fewer opportunities to network with coworkers
Night shift workers usually interact with fewer colleagues. Hence, there will be fewer opportunities to build relationships with people in the office environment. This can be a problem if your goal is to get to know all of your coworkers. Night shift workers will have to make extra sacrifices to be seen and known around the office. Team meetings also often happen in the morning or afternoon.
Working multiple days in a row
Most night workers tend to work all three of their 12-hour shifts in a row so they can keep a consistent schedule. While this is very doable, sometimes you don’t want to work that many shifts consistently. You can't work every day as a nightshifter and keep stamina in top shape. The system in your body is meant for routines, and if you don't stick to one, you'll feel drained or fatigued all the time.
All in all, night shift jobs aren’t for everyone. They’ve got some solid perks if you use the time wisely, but the drawbacks hit hard if you're not careful. Whether it’s your health, sleep, or social life, everything gets affected. So, before you switch, weigh the trade-offs and know what you’re getting into.
The health effects of working for night shift jobs
In today’s world of business, night work is an important feature of a company. Employees working in shifts are often found to have many threats affecting their health. Those who use their brain and bodies to work only at night are vulnerable. Moreover, night shift workers are likely to have shorter sleep duration. Here are several diseases that can occur if you work the night shift:
Type 2 diabetes
Working at night is the main factor of poor diabetes control. This can happen because people will have poor control over their blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes can damage the kidneys, heart, nerves, and even eyes. What makes it worse is that this type of diabetes has no cure.
Breast cancer
Light is one of the causes that contributed to the increase in breast cancer over the last few decades. Lamps can suppress melatonin secretion, which can impact health. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the body’s sleep cycle. Thus, women who work during the night have a higher risk of breast cancer.
To prevent this, you have to limit rotating work as much as possible. Controlling and limiting caffeine intake can be a promising approach for heart and metabolic health. The following are what night shift workers can do to prevent illness:
- All workers should be aware of the risks related to night shift jobs.
- Night shift jobs should be a personal choice.
- Night workers have to consult with a specialist when they feel their job interferes with constant fatigue.
- The workers may need a more specific dietary programme to improve their health.
At the end of the day, night shift jobs come with serious health warnings that shouldn’t be ignored. While the work might be necessary, your body pays the price. So, it’s not just about making money—it’s about staying healthy, too. If you must work nights, take steps to protect your well-being.
Final thoughts
People who are working night shift jobs often face a higher risk of developing various physical health problems due to the disruption of the circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to changes in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and other bodily functions. Furthermore, lack of sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Understanding health matters in the business world is important. The College of Contract Management always works on introducing courses that are useful for professionals. CCM offers many courses that will introduce you to not only nutrition but also other subjects, such as adult care and psychology. Wait for what anymore? You should give it a chance and sign up for this course today. Invest in learning and enhancing your skill set to walk down a safer path in your professional career.
