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“Shift Swapping” is an age old process. You cant work Saturday…you are responsible for your shift to get a replacement.
No issues if you are working fast food…but if you are in a role where there is lives on the line this might be a little more complicated.
Air traffic controllers have been involved in “Shift Swapping” and it is becoming a national story.
It seems that about 25 percent of Air Traffic Controllers are opting for a 2-2-1 shift. The first two days of the 2/2/1 schedule are basically “3rd Watch” in police lingo — mid-afternoon until late at night. The second two work days are morning to afternoon. The final work day is the midnight (or overnight) shift.
This work schedule is popular among controllers because it creates a longer weekend. There is a financial incentive, too. Controllers are paid a little more when they work the midnight shift.
This work schedule begs the obvious question: is switching one’s work day three times in a given week compatible with getting enough rest? Most people work the same set of hours every day.
Police officers who work that 3rd Watch (or 1st, which is basically the graveyard shift), work those hours every day. Their minds get used to working at night and (hopefully) sleeping during the day.
Is this kind of shift swapping healthy for the controller and the public?
What do you think? Let us know.
Jeff Bennett has been an active digital citizen since the mid-1990s. Jeff brings these experiences to his role as CEO of Swap.com, which he feels is one of the most exciting opportunities on the planet today…he gets to combine his passion for social media with commerce. 
Swap.com Mobile is a free iPhone is app that lets you scan items into your HAVE and WANT lists, manage your account, see what you can get for your stuff, and participate in swaps.
