Benefits of changing work schedules, including improving employee morale and reducing overhead costs are examined; the different aspects of permanent and rotating shift assignments are explored. Employees who work permanent shift systems know the shift they work and may find it easier to adjust physically, emotionally, and socially to a single shift. However, other employees may believe it is unfair and inequitable for some employees to be assigned less favorable shifts; these employees are likely to favor a rotating shift system. The need for fatigue and productivity to be considered when determining work schedules is cited, and the effect of the number of personnel assigned to each shift on the character of the schedule is evaluated. Additionally, the hours of each shift are shown to significantly influence the work schedule. Variable and proportional scheduling are discussed, and their advantages and disadvantages are cited. Six 8-hour work schedule alternatives are presented, with workweeks ranging from the normal 5 workdays up to 7 consecutive workdays. Four schedules are presented that use 9-hour workdays, as are four schedules that use 10-hour workdays. Finally, three schedules using 11-hour workdays and four using 12-hour workdays are included. Six references and 26 tables are provided.