Shift Rest Time Calculator

How to calculate rest between shifts?

Adequate rest between shifts is a fundamental requirement for workplace safety and employee well-being. It allows the body to recover from physical exertion and the mind to reset from cognitive load. Without sufficient rest, the risk of fatigue-related errors, accidents, and long-term health complications—such as burnout and cardiovascular stress—increases significantly.

Using the calculator: an overnight example

Calculating rest when a shift ends on one day and the next starts on the following day requires 24-hour wrap-around logic. For example, if an employee finishes work at 11:00 PM (23:00) and is scheduled to start again at 7:00 AM the next morning, the calculation is performed as follows:

1. Determine the time remaining in the first day (11:00 PM to 12:00 AM = 1 hour).
2. Identify the start time on the second day (12:00 AM to 7:00 AM = 7 hours).
3. Add both durations together (1 + 7 = 8 hours total rest).
4. Compare this result against the minimum legal requirement (e.g., 11 hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the standard legal rest requirement?

In many regions, including the UK and EU, workers are legally entitled to 11 consecutive hours of rest in every 24-hour period. Always check your local labor laws for specific industry exemptions.

2. How do short gaps impact long-term health?

Consistently having less than 10 hours of rest between shifts is linked to increased risk of sleep disorders, chronic stress, and a higher likelihood of workplace injuries due to reduced reaction times.

3. Can split shifts count as a rest period?

Generally, rest must be 'consecutive.' While split shifts have gaps during the day, they often do not count toward the primary daily rest requirement unless the longest gap meets the legal minimum threshold.