Managing 24/7: A Brief History of Shiftwork and How to Optimize It for the Modern Workforce

Shiftwork has been a cornerstone of industrial society for centuries. From ancient civilizations to the modern 24/7 economy, shiftwork schedules have been essential in keeping operations running around the clock. But how did shiftwork evolve, and what impact has it had on workers throughout history? In this article, we'll dive into the history of shiftwork, its impact on workers' health, and how to optimize shift schedules for today's workforce.

How Long Have People Been Working Shiftwork?

Shiftwork is not a modern phenomenon. In fact, it has roots that stretch back to ancient civilizations. The first recorded instances of shiftwork were among the watchmen and military guards in ancient kingdoms, who were required to remain vigilant at all hours of the day and night. These early forms of shiftwork were necessary for maintaining security and ensuring a constant flow of operations, much like they are today.

However, it was during the Industrial Revolution that shiftwork truly took off. The invention of the lightbulb in the late 1800s and the increased demand for continuous production in industries like steel mills, iron foundries, and textile factories pushed businesses to adopt round-the-clock work schedules. The idea of non-stop production, powered by artificial lighting, became a practical necessity, laying the foundation for modern shiftwork systems.